Kenworth has introduced the new PACCAR TX-12 PRO automated transmission for Class 6-7 and light Class 8 vocational applications at the NTEA Work Truck Week 2024. The PACCAR TX-12 PRO builds upon the existing PACCAR TX-12 transmission, which was designed to be one of the most efficient on-highway automated transmissions. 

The new transmission is available with select Kenworth Class 8 models, including the T680 and T880 equipped with the PACCAR MX-11 or PACCAR PX-9 engines. The transmission will be available for Kenworth Class 6-8 medium duty models, including the T280, T380, and T480 equipped with the PACCAR PX-9 engine later this year. The TX-12 PRO is optimally engineered to operate with all MX-11 and PX-9 engine ratings – up to 445 hp, 1,700 lb.-ft. of torque, and 70,000 pounds of gross combination vehicle weight (GCVW). 

The PACCAR TX-12 PRO features many of the TX-18 PRO’s enhanced capabilities for vocational and select off-highway applications, including PACCAR’s Extreme Duty clutch for improved low-speed manoeuvring, Rock Free mode to help trucks get unstuck in mud or sand, an off-highway calibration tuned for changing soil conditions, and more. The 12-speed gear set provides wide ratio coverage, allowing for excellent manoeuvrability around job sites.

“The new TX-12 PRO transmission is a welcomed addition to the PACCAR transmission family and will be an excellent powertrain component for our vocational medium duty customers and customers operating Class 8 trucks that are in light vocational applications which don’t require the power of the TX-18 PRO,” said Jim Walenczak, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The TX-12 PRO builds off the proven technology of the TX-12 and TX-18 PRO to be an efficient and durable product for on and off-highway applications.”

The TX-12 PRO offers dual PTO openings – a bottom mount 8-bolt and 4-bolt rear mount for a combined 95 hp capacity. The transmission is equipped with an internal oil temperature sensor. The sensor shows transmission temperatures on the in-cab 15-inch digital display and provides driver notifications in situations causing excessive temperatures.

As with all PACCAR TX-12 and TX-18 transmission models, the TX-12 PRO is standard with Kenworth’s driver-friendly column-mounted, right-hand shifter. The shifter places gear selection and engine brake controls at the driver’s finger tips for enhanced ergonomics, comfort, and overall performance.

Oil maintenance intervals for the TX-12 PRO are 250,000 miles, and the clutch is maintenance-free.

The TX-12 PRO joins Kenworth’s PACCAR transmissions lineup, which include the PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission for fuel efficient, on-highway applications, TX-18 and TX-18 PRO automated transmissions for high performance on-highway and off-highway applications, and the PACCAR TX-8 automatic transmission standard on Kenworth’s medium duty models. The PACCAR TX-12 and TX-12 PRO will be available for Kenworth Class 6-8 medium duty models equipped with the PACCAR PX-9 engine later this year.