Peterbilt Trucks With PACCAR TX-18 Pro Improve Fleet Efficiency

Peterbilt Motors Company is reporting fuel economy and payload improvements for vocational fleets operating Peterbilt Model 567 and Model 589 trucks equipped with the PACCAR MX-13 engine and PACCAR TX-18 Pro 18-speed automated transmission.

Patuxent Companies, a Maryland-based fleet operator, is replacing aging dump trucks with Peterbilt Model 567 and Model 589 trucks equipped with the PACCAR TX-18 Pro transmissions. The company has operated automatic transmissions in its dump truck fleet for decades.

Founded in 1987, Patuxent Companies operates sand and gravel plants, recycling operations, and a large hauling fleet serving concrete producers, utility contractors, and site development projects across Maryland.

Sam Gardiner of Patuxent Companies said the fleet is seeing an 8% to 10% improvement in fuel economy, or about a half to one mile per gallon depending on the driver.

“We're seeing roughly an 8% to 10% improvement in fuel economy,” said Gardiner. “On average, that's about a half to one mile per gallon, depending on the driver. In this business, that adds up.”

Gardiner also noted that the TX-18 Pro transmission is more than 400 pounds lighter than the units it replaces. For trucks equipped with aluminum bodies, that weight reduction increases available payload capacity.

The 18-speed automated transmission features additional low-end ratios and multiple reverse gears. According to the release, the configuration allows drivers to slow down for greater precision or increase speed when conditions allow while maintaining fuel efficiency and payload capacity.

The TX-18 Pro transmission is designed for vocational applications and is engineered to provide ratio coverage for the demands of those operations.

“The combination of Peterbilt trucks and the PACCAR TX-18 Pro transmission is delivering exactly what vocational customers need, greater efficiency, increased payload, and enhanced driver satisfaction,” said Erik Johnson, assistant general manager, sales and marketing for Peterbilt. “This partnership with Eaton Cummins reflects Peterbilt's commitment to Driving Uptime Every Day by providing solutions that help fleets stay productive and profitable.”

The Patuxent fleet rollout reflects trends in the vocational trucking industry, including changing driver demographics, rising operating costs, and increased emphasis on uptime.

The release states that the PACCAR TX-18 Pro transmission is engineered for vocational fleets requiring durable, efficient, and driver-friendly configurations.

For more information about available powertrain options, contact a local Peterbilt dealer or visit Peterbilt.com.