LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Mack has unveiled a new heavy-duty version of its mDrive automated manual transmission, which will come standard on Mack Granite trucks.

“Our construction customers told us they wanted a heavy-duty version of the mDrive designed specifically to handle rough jobs in tough conditions,” said Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks North American Sales and Marketing. “We listened to them and developed a reinforced rugged transmission that will help our customers deliver power, performance, enhanced durability and improved driver satisfaction in a time when the industry is experiencing a driver shortage.”

The 12-speed mDrive is designed to work with Mack MP7 and MP8 engines. A premium shift pad is available, which allows operators to hold a gear, downshift or upshift.

The transmission is available in overdrive and direct drive. It requires less service than traditional manual transmissions, significantly lowering maintenance costs, Mack claims.

It can be serviced at any Mack location and is supported by Mack’s uptime services.

Key benefits include: a lightweight design, up to 237 lbs lighter than other transmissions; reinforced internal components for the mDrive HD, to withstand more frequent shifting required in construction applications; a transmission-mounted oil cooler to maintain optimal operating temperature; unique software packages created for construction applications; a rock-free feature to help drivers get out of sticky situations by rocking the truck back and forth using the accelerator; and Grade Gripper, which allows the truck to momentarily hold a grade so the driver has time to apply the throttle.

The new mDrive HD will be available for order in March.