Daimler DT-12 Transmission

[usbusin]

Attn: TomC or anyone else with info

Would this transmission be a candidate for "in-line" engined busses?

I understand it is fully automated 12 speed manual transmission with many neat features.

Inquiring minds would like to know.


   

[buswarrior]

Yes, good for inline drive train.

I expect you'll see it in Detroit powered coaches shortly.

But, I expect that you'll need a modern electronic engine control package to talk to it.

(Brand new MCI J model demonstrator is here parked at Coach Canada with DD13 and B500 combination for the bus industry trade show this week) 

With an automated transmission, the transmission is really the one commanding the engine, not the other way around, and certainly not the driver...

The same sort of 10 and 12 speed boxes from ZF have been installed in North American coaches for almost a decade now.

Volvo powered coaches use a similar I-Shift transmission.

The Eaton folks seem to stick to the truck market these days. Their original 3 pedal, driver dependent system got a big black eye when the coach companies tried it out. Most were converted to automatics, the drivers and trainers couldn't figure out how to get along with it.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[luvrbus]

I believe the T-10 Allison is the one they will all be chasing then the T-12 will hit the market next year but Daimler will kinda force people to buy their DT-12 in the trucks you probably will never ever see one in a KW,Pete or Volvo lol

good luck

[TomC]

Any bus that has the DD13 as an option will most likely also have the DT-12 as an option. Setra (Mercedes-Benz) with their imitation DD13 called the OM-471 will have that option.
The DT-12 is a much more sophisticated transmission then any of the Ultra Shifts, or ZF transmissions. It shifts smoothly, quickly (still with interruptions since it is an automated manual). But-it is a purpose built automated manual-not a conversion. It is a 4spd main box with a 3spd planatary rear splitter. The clutch engagement is very smooth, the shifts won't rock you back and forth. The two neet features is the coasting-when you're going over rolling hills, the trans will go into neutral (actually just push in the clutch) allowing free wheeling. Touch the brakes, Jakes, accelerator, and it goes back in gear. Also when backing, push hard on the brakes twice, and the transmission will creep like a regular automatic-making backing much more smooth.
Although the Allison TC10 sounds good on paper, it is an advertised twin countershaft transmission-but only uses one side at a time per gear. Freightliner will not have the TC10 for a long time. Paccar will be the first of offer it. Look to be very expensive-almost as much as a regular Allison automatic. Good Luck, TomC