PACCAR and Allison Transmission engineers are working together on an engineering program to release the fully automatic Allison TC10 in Kenworth T680 and T880 and Peterbilt Models 567 and 579 with both PACCAR and Cummins engines.

Offered with 10 forward and two reverse speeds, the latest TC10 uses a patented torque converter and blends twin countershaft and full powershift automatic architectures. The design utilizes the torque converter for initial launch only, a five-speed countershaft main transmission and a two-speed planetary range output section. There is no torque interruption between shifts.

The TC10 is suitable for engines up to 447 kW (600 hp) and 2305 N·m (1700 lb·ft). On average, it delivers 5% better fuel economy than current manual- or automated manual transmission-equipped tractors. Allison also claims that its ease of use enhances the ability to recruit and retain drivers, while reducing training time and removing the distraction of manual shifting.

“Allison’s TC10 combines the startability and continuous, uninterrupted power shifting qualities of a fully automatic transmission with the cruising aspects of a manual transmission. This product is growing Allison’s market share in the metro-tractor sub-segment,” said Silpa Paul, senior research analyst with Frost & Sullivan, which recently recognized the transmission with the 2016 Best Practices Award for North American Customer Value Leadership.

“The TC10 remains the first and only fully automatic transmission for the Class 8 tractor market,” Paul continued. “While this segment has traditionally been dominated by manual transmissions, the TC10 offers definite advantages related to fuel economy and drivability that will continue to spur adoption and long-term growth.”

Equipped with 5th Generation advanced electronic controls and FuelSense technology, the transmission offers prognostics to eliminate unnecessary oil and filter changes and enhanced shift selector functionality. Controls for the new TC10 include Load-Based Shift Scheduling, Vehicle Acceleration Control and the new Enhanced Converter Load Release.

“We are looking forward to offering the TC10 to our Peterbilt and Kenworth customers,” said Landon Sproull, PACCAR Assistant Vice President.

Earlier this year, Navistar introduced the Allison TC10 coupled with the Cummins ISX15 on its International ProStar model.