Last week, we introduced the new Mercedes Actros truck, discussing its different engines: OM460LA, OM470LA, OM471LA, and OM473LA. Today, as promised, we'll talk about the POWERSHIFT: the standard gearbox fitted to these trucks. When the classic Actros was launched 20 years ago, they were equipped with either manual or EPS (Telligent) gearboxes. We won't dwell on the manual gearbox, which is the most popular with drivers in our respective African countries. With it, drivers truly feel in control of their truck, deciding when to shift gears themselves, and as they like to say, changing gears regularly keeps them up at night… However, technically, this gearbox is the one that requires the most maintenance due to driver misuse. For example, clutch kit replacements or gearbox overhauls are regularly due to poor driving by drivers who do not sufficiently operate the clutch pedal when changing gears.
The second generation of Actros trucks comes with an electronic sequential gearbox that Mercedes calls the "Telligent" or semi-automatic transmission. Pressing the gear lever activates a pneumatic system that changes gears. The Telligent transmission uses an on-board computer (ECU), with a load sensor system on the fifth wheel, to estimate the truck's speed. For example, if you want to accelerate, the computer estimates the load and engine speed and then provides the necessary gear for the desired engine speed. It's worth noting that, like manual transmissions, there are still three pedals. One advantage of the Telligent transmission is that technical interventions are limited since the driver doesn't directly influence gear changes, thus reducing repair costs. It's also suitable for novice drivers who haven't yet learned to judge the appropriate speed. Later, there were automatic transmissions with two pedals (brake and accelerator) that function exactly like the Tiptronic systems found in smaller Mercedes cars. We find them more often on models manufactured after 2006, such as the 1844, 1846, etc. The fourth generation of gearboxes on the Mercedes Actros is the POWERSHIFT gearbox, introduced in 2011 with a 12-speed automated gearbox for simple applications and a 16-speed gearbox for heavy-duty applications. With a Powershift gearbox, you can choose up to 3 operating modes depending on the terrain you are driving on:
Automatic mode (A) for use on level terrain; Manual mode (M) where the truck can be fully controlled by the driver, for example, on extremely difficult terrain; and Eco Roll mode, which allows the vehicle to shift into neutral on certain descents. The gear selector for these modes is now located near the steering wheel to the driver's right. The main advantages of the powershift are: reduced shift times (a gain of at least 201 TP3T compared to previous versions); improved fuel consumption due to the perfect synchronization between different truck components; and ease of operation for the driver. We will respond more effectively through your questions. If you like this article, please like and share it. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions about Mercedes transmissions.
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