Truck Transmission

Mack mDRIVE HD (heavy-duty AMT)

AMT • 14-speed • Mack

Production 2017–present Class 8 (heavy-haul, vocational) 1850 lb-ft

In production

Type

AMT

Gears

Torque capacity

1850 lb-ft

Production

2017–present

About the Mack mDRIVE HD (heavy-duty AMT)

The Mack mDRIVE HD is the heavy-duty variant of Mack's mDRIVE AMT — adds 2 crawler gears (14-speed total: 12 + 2 crawler) for heavy-haul starts and severe-duty grade climbs. Mack's equivalent of Volvo I-Shift with Crawler (Mack and Volvo share platform technology under Volvo Group). Used in Mack Granite (vocational/severe-duty) and Pinnacle/Anthem heavy-haul configurations.

Overview

Specifications

Manufacturer: Mack
Type: AMT
Gear count: 14
Torque capacity: 1850 lb-ft
Truck classes: Class 8 (heavy-haul, vocational)
Applications: Heavy haul, vocational, severe-duty
Production years: 2017–present

Design and engineering

14-speed AMT (12 main + 2 crawler). Mack electronic control. Same architecture as Volvo I-Shift with Crawler.

Generations and updates

mDRIVE HD

2017–present

Launch as heavy-duty variant.

Reliability and longevity

Mack mDRIVE heritage shared with Volvo I-Shift.

Common problems

Same wear pattern as standard mDRIVE.

Driver experience

Heavy-haul starts and grade climbs are easy with crawler gears.

Pros and cons

✓ Pros

• Crawler gears for heavy-haul
• Mack vocational heritage
• Integrated with MP8 engine

⚠ Cons

• Premium over standard mDRIVE
• Crawler gears rarely used in highway

Trucks using this transmission

Mack AnthemClass 8 Mack GraniteClass 8 Mack PinnacleClass 8

Engines paired with this transmission

Mack MP8 (Volvo D13-derived)Mack (Volvo Group)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mack mDRIVE HD (heavy-duty AMT)?

What trucks use the Mack mDRIVE HD (heavy-duty AMT)?

The Mack mDRIVE HD (heavy-duty AMT) is used in 3 truck models including Mack Anthem, Mack Granite, Mack Pinnacle. It's typically paired with Heavy haul, vocational, severe-duty applications.

Is the Mack mDRIVE HD (heavy-duty AMT) reliable?

Mack mDRIVE heritage shared with Volvo I-Shift.

What's the difference between an AMT and a manual transmission?

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) uses the same gearset as a manual but adds computer-controlled clutch and shifter — no clutch pedal, no manual shifting. Modern AMTs like Eaton Endurant, Detroit DT12, and Volvo I-Shift offer smooth shift quality and predictive shifting via GPS. Manual transmissions (Eaton Fuller 10/13/18-speed) require driver-controlled clutch and shifting — more driver effort but maximum control and proven reliability. Automatic transmissions (Allison) use a torque converter and clutch packs — smoothest operation but heavier and less fuel-efficient than AMTs for highway use.

How long does a Mack mDRIVE HD (heavy-duty AMT) last?

Commercial truck transmissions typically last 500,000 to 1,500,000 miles depending on maintenance, application, and driver skill. Manual transmissions (Eaton Fuller) routinely cross 1.5M+ miles. AMTs (Endurant, DT12, I-Shift) typically last 700K-1.2M miles before major service. Automatics (Allison) often outlast the truck itself in vocational applications. Maintenance discipline matters most — clean fluid + filter at recommended intervals extends life dramatically.

Does the Mack mDRIVE HD (heavy-duty AMT) affect truck resale value?

Transmission choice significantly affects truck resale. Cummins-paired AMTs (Endurant) and manual 18-speed Eaton Fullers command premium resale in owner-operator markets. Allison transmissions hold premium in vocational markets.

Operating Mack mDRIVE HD (heavy-duty AMT)-equipped trucks? Talk to us.

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