Payload Gains and Fuel Savings with Peterbilt’s TX-18 Pro
Peterbilt’s deployment of the TX-18 Pro transmission is showcasing notable fuel economy improvements alongside significant payload enhancements. The Model 567 and 589, outfitted with this 18-speed automated transmission, are achieving fuel efficiency boosts of 8% to 10% in Patuxent Companies’ fleet, which operates across recycling and construction sectors in Maryland.
Patuxent Companies, established in 1987, manages sand and gravel operations, recycling processes, and a hauling fleet for concrete and utility contractors. With their existing dump truck fleet aging, they’ve begun to replace older models with Peterbilt’s latest trucks.
Sam Gardiner from Patuxent Companies noted, “We’re experiencing an average fuel economy improvement of about half to one mile per gallon, depending on the driver. In this industry, those savings accumulate rapidly.”
The TX-18 Pro, designed with Eaton Cummins, features enhanced low-end ratios and multiple reverse gears, allowing drivers to optimize speed for challenging conditions. This is paired with the Paccar MX-13 engine, creating an efficient powertrain.
This initiative aligns with broader trends in the trucking industry, addressing driver demographics, operational costs, and the need for fuel-efficient solutions. The continued demand for automated transmissions also reflects the pressures of maintaining uptime.
For more details, visit the Peterbilt news release.
