The fully automated, mechanical ZF Meritor FreedomLine transmission is now available for all of Peterbilt's heavy-duty conventional models, Peterbilt Motors Co announced.
Peterbilt was the first truck OEM to offer the two-pedal (accelerator and brake; there is no clutch pedal) transmission, offering it for the aerodynamically styled Model 387 late in 2000. It is now available for Peterbilt Models 385, 379, 378, and 357.
This transmission can be operated in two modes: fully automatic or driver-controlled. In the former, shifting is electronically controlled with the transmission sensing loads and automatically knowing when to skip shifts, increasing fuel economy by more than 4%, according to ZF Meritor.
The FreedomLine transmission is optional with the Cummins ISX engine and a torque rating of up to 1,650. It will be available with the Caterpillar C15 this fall.