Traditionally, there are three forms of transmission that you can choose when specifying your vehicle or building your fleet. Automatic, Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) or manual transmissions are all designed to facilitate the transfer of power from the engine to the drivetrain, but the way this is accomplished differs.
- In a manual transmission, a driver must physically shift using a clutch and gear shift to put the vehicle in the appropriate gear. An AMT removes the clutch pedal but still relies on a combination of mechanical clutches and electronic direction to shift gears, resulting in power interrupts and reduced productivity.
- An Allison Automatic uses a torque converter to smoothly shift gears and multiply power to the drivetrain, eliminating power interrupts and maximizing productivity.
- In addition, Allison’s customizable FuelSense® 2.0 technology balances optimum vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Today, for owners looking to get the most from their equipment and team, there’s only one choice…An Allison fully automatic transmission.
Allison Automatics utilize a hydraulic torque converter to maintain uninterrupted connection with the engine’s maximum power during every shift. This full-power shifting delivers superior acceleration, allowing fleets to maximize productivity by accomplishing more in less time. Conversely, AMTs suffer from power loss at startup and during each gear change, which lowers average speeds and prolongs the duration of daily operations and job sites.
Allison’s torque converter features a variable gear ratio, enabling drivers to effortlessly regulate power delivery to the wheels.With just the accelerator pedal, operators can precisely control vehicle speed for easier maneuvering and creeping, while gaining enhanced control on inclines – even in reverse. This smooth, seamless operation minimizes vehicle wear and tear and shields the drivetrain from damaging shock impacts. By contrast, lacking a torque converter, AMTs fail to deliver consistent, smooth power to the wheels at all times. This inherent flaw can lead to limited operational applicability, tire spin, and even leave vehicles stranded in challenging working conditions.
Allison Automatics operate with a fluid-based design and no mechanical clutches, resulting in negligible wear on the torque converter. This reduced wear extends to the entire drivetrain, lessening stress on all components from tires to brakes. Requiring only minimal servicing and fluid changes, Allison-equipped vehicles maximize uptime, spending far more time in operation on the road or at the jobsite. On the other hand, AMTs rely on outdated mechanical technology across components from the clutch to the input shaft and all parts in between. This reliance leads to more frequent component failures, increased maintenance demands, and far more unplanned downtime with vehicles sidelined in the shop.
Beyond performance and durability, Allison Automatics deliver an intuitive driving experience that mirrors that of most passenger cars. This user-friendly operation expands the available driver pool and shortens the learning curve for new operators. Drivers are no longer burdened with searching for the correct gear, nor do they experience the fatigue caused by manual shifting and the jarring rocking motion from power interruptions. The enhanced vehicle control afforded by Allison’s transmission allows operators to maneuver with ease and maintain unwavering focus on the work at hand, further elevating on-site safety and productivity.
In terms of economic value, Allison Automatics outperform AMTs on all key financial metrics: they unlock more revenue opportunities, boost driver operational capability, cut down on maintenance costs, retain higher vehicle resale value, and ensure significantly more vehicle uptime for fleets.
