Detroit launched the DT12-VL, a new transmission for vocational applications, on Wednesday.
"The DT12-VL is a testament to our commitment to the vocational customer and to our ability to adapt and innovate on proven solutions," says Aaron Scates, vice president of vocational and medium-duty market development, Daimler Truck North America.
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The automated manual transmission has a 125-lb., weight savings over the DT12-V and is ideal for mixers, dumps, bulk haulers and other weight sensitive applications, Daimler says. It has a torque rating of 1,650 lb.-ft., rear PTO, a wide ratio range from 11.67 in first gear to 0.78 in top gear, 12 forward speeds and four reverse speeds. It supports gross combination weights up to 80,000 lb.
"When we introduced the DT12-V and DT12-VX, we raised the bar in terms of how an automated manual transmission performs in the vocational market; features like hill start aid, off-road, rock-free and paver mode give operators confidence in both capability and control. With the DT12-VL, we can offer the benefits of the vocational DT12 to customers that need to maximize payload," Scates says.
Off-road mode holds gears longer and shifts at higher engine speed to maintain momentum on uneven terrain. Rock-free mode helps free the vehicle when it's stuck by modulating the clutch with accelerator input, reducing driveline stress and improving traction. In paver mode, the transmission enables smooth transitions from neutral to drive without brake input, supporting a continuous flow of materials during paving operations.
The DT12-VL is compatible with the Detroit DD13 engine and is available for the Freightliner 114SD and Western Star 47X.
