Despite the howls of protest from ‘purist’ drivers, continuing advances in electronics will mean the end of the road for
Despite the howls of protest from ‘purist’ drivers, continuing advances in electronics will mean the end of the road for manual gearboxes in most applications.
Daimler Trucks has put one more nail in the coffin of the three pedal set up with the release of its new Actros prime mover, which offers a choice of the G330 Powershift 12-speed or the G280 16-speed Powershift, which both offer automatic functions.
The G330 is designed for line haul applications, with bigger and stronger individual gears, as well as requiring fewer shifts than the 16-speed unit, and is rated for up to 70 tonne B-Double work.
The beefier G280 is intended for heavier applications, and is standard fitment in the 90 tonne road train sector, although it can cope with total loads fo 130 tonnes, depending on the application.
With an ever-increasing focus on emissions and fuel consumption, the computer controlled, automated manuals can complete shifts faster and smoother than a human driver, making them an ideal choice.
Although manual gearboxes will probably remain in applications such as heavy haulage, the reality for most on-road applications is the AMT will be the way of the future.
Romesh Rodrigo, M-B’s Manager for Product and Sales Engineering, says the Powershift transmissions offer a range of features, including Eco Roll which moves the gearbox into neutral as a fuel saving measure, that manual transmissions do not.
He says the Eco Roll function is ideal for constant speed work, as it allows the truck to coast, however it returns to the selected gear as soon as there is any driver intervention.
Other features of the Powershift include ‘Manoeuvre’, which is used in loading docks or depots, and limits the engine to 1000rpm, regardless of the throttle position, and also Rock-Roll, which allows instant shifting between first and reverse to rock the truck out of situations such as being bogged, or in dish or spoon drains.