Mack upgrades mDrive with 2 new features

[kscarbel2]

Fleet Owner  /  January 18, 2017

At the World of Concrete 2017 convention in Las Vegas this week, Mack Trucks introduced upgraded capabilities for its mDrive [aka Volvo I-Shift] automated mechanical transmission (AMT) with the addition of two new functions: rolling start and auto neutral.

Both features will come standard on all mDRIVE and mDRIVE HD transmissions, the company said; proprietary transmissions engineered to work exclusively with Mack’s MP series engines [aka. Volvo D11 and D13 engines].

Mack said rolling start allows drivers to shift the transmission into drive without pressing the truck’s service brakes; eliminating the possibility of creating a bump in the paving surface, which is a critical benefit for paving applications, the OEM noted.

The company added that its new “auto neutral” feature for the mDrive is aimed primary at construction applications, including concrete mixers, which rely on remote throttle controls.

By automatically shifting the mDRIVE into neutral when the parking brake is set, the “auto neutral” function helps improve jobsite safety by reducing the possibility of the truck moving due to throttle application.

Mack also announced the introduction of WheresMyConcrete, a cloud-based and telematics-connected dispatching, analytics and customer service tool being offered through Mack’s Fleet Management Services package that is now available for Mack ready-mix customers. The program aims to help improve asset visibility, dispatch efficiency and real-time data identification of concrete loads in the delivery process and is activated via Mack’s  factory-installed GuardDog Connect integrated telematics platform.

[kscarbel2]