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Automatic Decisions — what are you waiting for?
There's one question all fleets need to ask before spec'ing their first Automated Manual Transmission (AMT): Why did we wait so long? If you're considering a new truck today, the debate shouldn't be about whether or not the drivers will accept them; it's about how much you're giving up by limiting yourself to a manual.
Mack boosts fuel economy under Earth Day backdrop
AUSTIN, TX - Mack Trucks' choice of the setting and day to unveil a series of powertrain upgrades was no coincidence. Austin, Texas is known for its music and barbecue, but is also recognized as one of the Top 10 greenest cities in the U.S. And April 22 marks Earth Day. Collectively, they offered a fitting backdrop for changes made in the name of fuel economy. The 2017 Mack MP engine lineup will see fuel economy jump between 2.1 and 8.8% compared to today's models, while a new Predictive Cruise will effectively memorize terrain and enhance shifts when routes are repeated. Engine upgrades include a common rail fuel system, and turbo compounding that tranforms waste heat into torque on the camshaft. Fuel-saving enhancements have certainly put the engines on a diet. The common rail fuel system, widely used in Europe, allows for an assembled camshaft that is 27 pounds lighter than its single-piece predecessor. The MP8's cylinder block is also 44 pounds lighter than today's models. Even when turbo compounding is introduced on the MP8, the engine is still 33 pounds lighter than existing models.
Discs or Drums? Brake System Specs Can Go Either Way
There are few ways of comparing air disc brakes to drum brakes that discs don't come out on top. Still, fleet adoption rates in North America hover around 10 percent. That begs the question, are discs too good for their own good? Drum brakes get the job done, so is there any pressing need to look beyond our traditional and proven way of stopping trucks? The short answer to that question would be no-in most cases. The thing with brakes is you never really know how valuable they are until you really, really need them. And brakes never fail in any way that's less than spectacular. So, if no great need has ever arisen, you can't be blamed for dismissing the arguably more costly and heavier air disc brake systems as an expensive luxury.
