Biglorryblog is constantly surprised by the different vehicles that can be fitted with an Allison automatic box....And thanks to these pictures from Gerald Woodgate my opposite number at www.tnn.co.uk you might be surprised too...the clue is that it's fitted in the truck pulling this low-loader out of the muck, rather than the dump truck...and to find out exactly what it is click through here....like I say, it will come as a surprise..
There now, that's come as a surprise hasn't it? The truck in front of you with an Allison auto is actually an FH16-660 8x4 (peak torque 3,100Nm) owned and operated by Wallner Specialtransporter from Falun in Sweden. Not the kind of truck you (or at least) don't normally associate with Allison autos. However, Gerald advises me: "The Big Swede runs a seven-speed Allison 4700 fully automatic transmission with a retarder and a very low first gear!
Mikael Wallner also tells BLB that he needs transmission that's capable of starting on an 8% uphill gradient while pulling a GVW of 250 tonnes (easy peasy!) He transports such things as windmill power station components. Mikael says 'On a slope, the dry clutch of an AMT can slip with its typical smoke and smell. If the worse comes to the worst, the clutch can catch fire!' Well no wonder he's gone for an Allison box.
Hello.....I recognise that face behind the wheel....it's none other than 'Clutchslip' who clearly fancied a bit of the action. Meanwhile, here's another surprise...
Gerald (who took the pictures) tells me: "The Scania is an R480 6x2 Hook Loader with a rear steering axle. 480hp, peak torque of 2,500 Nm. Runs an Allison 4500 without a retarder. I can personally vouch for the ease of hill-starting this one (both on tarmac and the mud)."
Thanks to the smooth-changing Allison auto Gerald tells me: "In both cases I forgot about the weight (although you do, of course notice it when braking) and spent more time concentrating on the length and, in particular on the Scania, making sure I didn't lose the trailer over the 60ft+ drop which was 3 feet from my wheels at points! We've got more on this at www.tachoblog.com and will have a 'proper' report on it later this week. Regards, G"
Was the Allison 4500/4700 factory installed or aftermarket options from the dealer?
Was fitted by Allison not the factory. Mikael Wallner bought the truck new and, knowing exactly what he wanted, took it straight round to them.
I believe it is (in terms of torque) the most powerful truck they've put on the 4700.
As for the Scania, I'm not entirely sure but will find out. Certainly many manufacturers will fit Allison's at the factory.
Hope that helps.
Regards,
Tachoblog.