Carter’s Tyre Services has introduced 37 Hyundai Mighty EX9 light-duty trucks into its fleet specially configured with Allison fully automatic transmissions that power both the truck and its air compressor unit.
Previously, Carter’s had been using trucks with an automated manual transmission (AMT) and the air compressor units used to inflate tyres had their own ancillary engine that sat behind the cab taking up valuable space.
In a custom arrangement between Hyundai and Allison Transmission the use of a wider Hyundai Mighty chassis version enabled fitment of both a power take-off (PTO) and a high-performing vehicle mounted air compressor (VMAC) screw within.
Benefits of the one-engine application include reduced vehicle weight, simpler installation with less components and reduced fuel consumption, which halves service requirements and creates much-needed extra space for Carter’s to attend roadside incidents.
Allison Transmission Australia and NZ sales manager Robert Cavagnino says ease of use and bespoke applications like this one deliver tangible business benefits and are the main reasons fleets switch to fully automatic transmissions.
“As roadside assist vehicles, a Hyundai Mighty equipped with an Allison 1000 xFE, provides quick acceleration and ease of operation that assists with response time whilst also reducing the risk of drivetrain wear that inexperienced drivers can cause in manual vehicles.
“Thanks to an unwavering support of Allison Transmission’s New Zealand distributor, TDX, we were able to work closely with Hyundai and Carter’s to deliver this unique application,” Cavagnino says.
“Key to this was opting for the correct power take-off ratio and ensuring the transmission control module’s selectable parameters were set correctly for the air compressor application.”
Carter’s agreed it was a better set up running from the main vehicle engine with no need for a compressor-engine taking up room in the back.
“That space is really useful for a roadside assist business to keep spare parts and tyres,” Carter’s Tyre Services director Gary Carter says.
“Not to mention having one less engine means less noise, less fuel, less emissions and we don’t have two sets of moving parts to service and maintain.”
Meanwhile, Hyundai trucks national manager Jim Rose says the first of the 37 units were delivered last year and the last of the current order is hitting the road this month.
“The fleet is running really smoothly. Hyundai prides itself on delivering quality, application-specific vehicles and we’re always confident when there’s an Allison involved,” Rose says.
