Kenworth
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, and will be available for Kenworth Class 6-8 medium-duty models later this year.

Kenworth introduces new Paccar TX-12 PRO automated transmission at NTEA Work Truck Week

March 6, 2024
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, and will be available for Kenworth Class 6-8 medium-duty models later this year.

INDIANAPOLIS—Kenworth 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 lb. of gross combination vehicle weight.

The Paccar TX-12 PRO features many of the TX-18 PRO’s capabilities for vocational and select off-highway applications, including Paccar’s extreme-duty clutch for improved low-speed maneuvering, 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 enhanced maneuverability 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 VP. “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.”

See also: Paccar CEO: We’re not seeing a North American slowdown

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 fingertips 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 includes 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.

About the Author

FleetOwner Staff

Our Editorial Team

Kevin Jones, Editorial Director, Commercial Vehicle Group

Josh Fisher, Editor-in-Chief

Jade Brasher, Senior Editor

Jeremy Wolfe, Editor

Jenna Hume, Digital Editor

Eric Van Egeren, Art Director

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Report: The 2024 State of Heavy-Duty Repair

From capitalizing on the latest revenue trends to implementing strategic financial planning—this report serves as a roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities of ...

Fleet Industry Benchmarks: How does your fleet stack up?

Discover how your fleet compares to industry benchmarks and gain insights from a 2024 Benchmarking Report on maintenance spend, turnaround time, and more. Join us to identify ...

Build a Tolling Program to Manage Toll Fees and Risks

Fleets looking to effectively manage their operational costs should consider their tolling costs. Download the PrePass whitepaper, “Build a Tolling Program to Manage Toll Fees...

Reducing CSA Violations & Increasing Safety With Advanced Trailer Telematics

Keep the roads safer with advanced trailer telematics. In this whitepaper, see how you can gain insights that lead to increased safety and reduced roadside incidents—keeping drivers...