In line with its commitment to maximizing customer value, Mack Trucks has introduced two new offerings that build upon the company’s longstanding leadership in integrated products: the
Mack Super Econodyne powertrain and Mack Pedigree Uptime Protection service and support package.
Integrated powertrains have been at the heart of Mack since its inception in 1900. Today, every truck with a Mack Pedigree Powertrain – proprietary engine, transmission and axles – features a gold Bulldog on the hood.
The new Mack Super Econodyne capitalizes upon the company’s legendary Pedigree Powertrain expertise to provide customers with a 3.5 percent improvement in fuel economy.
The new Mack Pedigree Uptime Protection is an integrated package of aftermarket solutions ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the service, parts purchasing and asset protection experience.
“Mack recognized more than 112 years ago that components designed to work together provide superior performance,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president, marketing. “The new Super Econodyne powertrain package is a perfect example of what we can accomplish with a Mack Pedigree Powertrain.
“With Pedigree Uptime Protection, we’re extending the concept of integration beyond the product – integrating the entire truck ownership experience to deliver a total business solution that keeps our customers out in front of their competition.”
Super Econodyne
The Super Econodyne powertrain system is designed with all-Mack proprietary components for a complete Mack Pedigree Powertrain. The Mack MP8-445SE engine, Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmission, Mack C125 proprietary drive axles and Mack’s custom software all combine to offer “a system designed for industry-leading fuel efficiency without compromising power or performance,” said Walsh. “The result is up to 3.5 percent better fuel efficiency compared to other similarly spec’d vehicles.”
Ideal for dry van, refrigerated, liquid and dry bulk haul, and flatbed operations, Super Econodyne is available on all Mack Pinnacle models, a Class 8 commercial vehicle known as a fuel-efficiency leader among on-highway trucks.
With the addition of Super Econodyne, rated up to 88,000 lbs. GCWR, the aerodynamic Pinnacle offers even greater operating benefits while maintaining driver satisfaction, he noted.
Contributing to the fuel-efficiency improvement is the Super Econodyne’s “down speed” feature, which is engineered to “down speed” more than 200 rpm at a highway speed of 65 mph, cruising at 1160 rpm versus 1380 rpm.
This reduces fuel consumption by up to 2 percent compared with previous engine models, with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions, said Walsh. “The Mack proprietary C125 drive axles deliver an additional 1.5 percent fuel economy improvement.”
“Super Econodyne builds upon our roots,” said David McKenna, Mack director of powertrain sales. “Mack pioneered the low-speed Econodyne engines in the 1960s.
“Historically, we’ve insisted on gearing fast, running slow. Now, we’ve designed a completely integrated system to run efficiently at 450 rpm above idle speed when before it was 700 to 800 rpm above idle speed.”
The Mack MP8-445SE offers 445 hp and up to 1,760 lb-ft of torque. The C125 axles have a 2.66:1 ratio. All powertrain components communicate with each other via Mack software.
“It’s the ultimate in complete powertrain integration,” McKenna said. “The engine seamlessly communicates with the transmission, which seamlessly communicates with the vehicle, resulting in instantaneous decisions. Add the Mack C125 drive axle, and we’re talking about fuel-efficiency benefits never before realized in a powertrain system.”
Mack mDRIVE
Key to the fuel efficiency delivered with the Super Econodyne powertrain package is the Mack mDRIVE transmission. The 12-speed automated manual has no clutch pedal, and the gearshift is operated by an intelligent shift pad module and managed by sophisticated electronics.
mDRIVE continuously monitors changes in grade (both up and down), vehicle speed, throttle position, acceleration, torque demand and combined vehicle weight.
The mDRIVE transmission features Mack’s industry-leading, two-speed reverse functionality that better controls road speed and engine speed.
Ease of communication
The Pedigree Uptime Protection is an integrated package of aftermarket solutions with three components: Bulldog Service Management, Bulldog Parts Purchasing and Bulldog Asset Protection.
Bulldog Service Management is powered by MVASIST and includes MACK OneCall.
MVASIST allows customers to improve communications, manage costs, reduce downtime and increase operating efficiency. Through an online portal, customers are able to communicate with the dealer, initiate repairs, access a complete service history, approve and monitor repair status and manage repair expenses.
Recently, Mack announced that MVASIST comes free-of-charge on any new Mack truck delivered after Jan. 1, 2012.
Mack OneCall is a full-service support center that manages breakdown assistance, towing services, technical support and real-time online case tracking.
Bulldog Parts Purchasing enables 24/7 parts purchasing online and offers online access to purchase and invoice history. Bulldog Asset Protection includes purchased coverage and provides preventive maintenance programs performed at any Mack dealer in the U.S. as well as inspections based on CSA guidelines.
“We listened to what our customers said they needed from an aftermarket perspective, and we developed an integrated all-encompassing solution tailored to their needs,” said Dave Albert, Mack director of aftermarket solutions.
“Customers said they wanted a solution that would improve communication with dealers and service technicians. They said they wanted to get back on the road faster and to have the ability to order parts around-the-clock. Pedigree Uptime Protection offers all of those benefits and more.”
“The combination of our Super Econodyne Pedigree Powertrain and Pedigree Uptime Protection package establishes a new industry standard in total business solutions,” Walsh said. “It really comes down to having the customer’s back – delivering on the Mack promise of durability, reliability and application excellence throughout the truck ownership experience.”
