Kenworth T880 Short Hood available with Allison 4700 RDS fully automatic transmission

Further enhancing Kenworth’s support of customers operating in demanding vocational applications, Kenworth has announced the availability of the 7-speed Allison 4700 Rugged Duty Series fully automatic transmission with the 116.5" BBC Kenworth T880 short hood.

The Allison 4700 RDS is available with the PACCAR MX-13 engine as well as the PACCAR MX-11, which provides a 400-lb weight savings over 13L engines. The transmission improves drivability, allowing truck operators to creep slowly and perform other low-speed maneuvers. This level of control makes the Allison 4700 RDS ideal for ready-mix applications where drivers require a truck with maximum speed control for job site maneuverability in steep and difficult terrain, or with mixer trucks that move slowly while pouring concrete for street curbs, driveways or other projects in confined spaces.

“With the Allison 4700 RDS, customers can spec a highly maneuverable mixer of any type and benefit from greater precision of concrete delivery with no shifting required, enabling ready-mix drivers to focus on the road ahead and the jobsite around them,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “By coupling the Allison 4700 RDS with the PACCAR MX-11 and the T880 short hood, truck operators get a truck with a lighter gross combination weight and an additional 6" of body space on the chassis for more payload. It’s a great choice for other customers who need trucks with increased overall transmission ratios, such as those equipped with dump and refuse bodies as well as cranes.”

A lower first gear ratio and an optional second ‘deep reverse’ make the truck even more maneuverable particularly on steep grades and in tight settings. The rugged and durable Allison transmission also features no-power interrupts, providing full power shifts and allowing full use of the engine’s horsepower.

“Spec’ing an automatic transmission for tough vocational applications can also help make a Kenworth truck even more driver friendly and comfortable to operate. The Allison 4700 RDS is an important option to consider for retaining and recruiting drivers,” said Swihart.