Allison Transmission, Inc. timed the first public demonstration of its new 2nd Reverse gear feature achieving a 32.5:1 ratio on Rugged Duty Series automatics
Allison Transmission, Inc. timed the first public demonstration of its new 2nd Reverse gear feature Û achieving a 32.5:1 ratio on Rugged Duty Series automatics Û with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (mid-October) 2009 ConcreteWorks Conference & Expo in Indianapolis. During a ride & drive, ConcreteWorks attendees experienced a 2nd Reverse-equipped, Western Star-mounted McNeilus mixer field tested by Manatt’s Inc. of Iowa. Locally-based Allison hosted the event at its on-site test track, which includes a one-mile road course to test on-highway vehicles’ speed, handling, and stop-and-go drivability; and, separate on-/off-highway vehicle test course with a 25 percent grade hill and driveline-challenging pea-gravel pit.
Scheduled for mid-2010 availability on the RDS 4700 and 4800 transmissions, 2nd Reverse will provide what Allison Director of North America Marketing Lou Gilbert notes is greater control and engine braking during operation on steep grades and more maneuverability [at] consistent creep speeds. Û www.allisontransmission.com