New Mack

Nov 15, 2015 | work | 0 comments

Bulldog Mack

At work I was recently handed the keys to a brand new Mack prime-mover truck.  I’ve never been too keen on American trucks (such as Kenworth and Mack), I always thought they were very crude and would opt for a Japanese truck if given the choice.

In dash push button auto transmission (top)

Modern technology is changing my view of Mack trucks.   A fully automated transmission, driven with just two pedals, heads the list of technology improving driver comfort.  The in-dash push-button operation certainly beats an 18 speed non-syncro gear-box.

Hill start assist (left button).

The Hill-Start function is on by default and means no more rolling backwards when starting on a hill, it can be turned off using the left button in the above photo.  Cruise Control not only looks after the throttle on long journeys, it also adjusts the transmission, brakes and engine exhaust braking.

A traditional style dash board monitors just about everything with lots of analogue gages, along with a small digital screen.

Traditional style dash board.