Kenworth has announced the option for a 7-speed Allison 4700 Rugged Duty Series fully automatic transmission on its 116.5-inch BBC T880 short hood.

The Allison transmission is available with the Paccar MX-13 engine as well as the lighter MX-11 engine. The transmission is designed to improve drivability by allowing truck operators to creep slowly and perform other low-speed maneuvers.

The Allison 4700 RDS gives a level of control that is aimed at ready-mix applications where drivers need a truck with good speed control for job site maneuverability in steep and difficult terrain. It also benefits mixer trucks that move slowly while pouring concrete for street curbs, driveways or other projects in confined spaces.

A lower first gear ratio and an optional second ‘deep reverse’ make the truck more maneuverable on steep grades and in tight settings, per Kenworth. The transmission features no-power interrupts, providing full power shifts and allowing full use of an engine’s horsepower.

“With the Allison 4700 RDS, customers can spec a highly maneuverable mixer of any type and benefit from greater precision of concrete delivery with no shifting required, enabling ready-mix drivers to focus on the road ahead and the jobsite around them,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “By coupling the Allison 4700 RDS with the Paccar MX-11 and the T880 short hood, truck operators get a truck with a lighter gross combination weight and an additional 6 inches of body space on the chassis for more payload.”