I was in a Vanhool C2045 with this same Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine and the 12-speed ZF ASTronic transmission. Was hard to get used to computer shifting at first but I grew to like this setup. From a stop-start they don't have the immediate getup and go the Allison B500's have but once on the highway they are faster than an Allison, quieter than an Allison since engine speed is half that of the Allison transmission, and they get nearly twice the fuel mileage of the Allison. Another nice thing is that this computer servo-shifted manual ZF ASTronic transmission can skip-shift up to 3 gears at a time. Taking off in 4th gear from a stop-start, it can be in 12th gear in just three shifts. That is impressive to say the least. Also another thing I like about ZF ASTronic transmissions over Allison B500 transmissions, is the ASTronic is very, very smooth between gears where as the Allison shifts hard enough to cause whiplash. If you have people standing in the isle, an Allison will throw them to the floor when it shifts gears but the ASTronic is so smooth that unless you are watching the display, you can't tell when it's shifting. That's not only good for passengers but good for the driveline components as well.
Nice video man, my favorite engine and transmission combination. Do you think you could try to do more exactly like this one only a lot longer, but include engine start up because that’s my all-time favorite part. Stay safe man and have a great one.
I made this recording back in 2005. I worked inside the Greyhound Terminals...eventually made lots of friends in maintenance and drivers operations. That day we just got # 7284 brand new from MCI ... and one of the Operation Managers invited me along to record this bus. At first glance, I didnt like the way this ZF ASTronic shifts. The jake brake makes up for it.
I would not say that. When I was in the Navy, my ship pulled into Florida, and my ship charter some Greyhound buses, and I rode on a G4100 from the mall to the beach, and that bus had best pick up of any coach I rode on.
Is it my impression or the chassis with Detroit Diesel engines have the rear axles set more backwards than other chassis? The sound is very impressive! The chamber of combustion sounds like it operates over 8 bar pressure level.
do They Still Have A Few Of These Pupies Left On The Road Despite The Machanical Problems There Were Having? I Love The Design. For It To Be A 2004 Model.
@mmffl123456, that's not true, every bus besides NJT jakes that I know come on when lifting off the gas and I used to follow a Vanhool in my city that the jake came on way b4 the brake lights did, so I'm guessing NJT has a lower grade Jake while others have a higher grade Jake, and this video thast imma send you to would prove that......I believe it's greyhound 6384
On Greyhound's DL3s the jake is engaged the second foot comes off the throttle if cruise control isn't set. On the DL3's its a 2 stage set up for the jake. Now on the G4500 you do have to initially hit the service brake before the jake will engage.
I was in a Vanhool C2045 with this same Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine and the 12-speed ZF ASTronic transmission. Was hard to get used to computer shifting at first but I grew to like this setup. From a stop-start they don't have the immediate getup and go the Allison B500's have but once on the highway they are faster than an Allison, quieter than an Allison since engine speed is half that of the Allison transmission, and they get nearly twice the fuel mileage of the Allison. Another nice thing is that this computer servo-shifted manual ZF ASTronic transmission can skip-shift up to 3 gears at a time. Taking off in 4th gear from a stop-start, it can be in 12th gear in just three shifts. That is impressive to say the least. Also another thing I like about ZF ASTronic transmissions over Allison B500 transmissions, is the ASTronic is very, very smooth between gears where as the Allison shifts hard enough to cause whiplash. If you have people standing in the isle, an Allison will throw them to the floor when it shifts gears but the ASTronic is so smooth that unless you are watching the display, you can't tell when it's shifting. That's not only good for passengers but good for the driveline components as well.
Nice video man, my favorite engine and transmission combination. Do you think you could try to do more exactly like this one only a lot longer, but include engine start up because that’s my all-time favorite part. Stay safe man and have a great one.
Wow that jake is nice!!!
I made this recording back in 2005. I worked inside the Greyhound Terminals...eventually made lots of friends in maintenance and drivers operations. That day we just got # 7284 brand new from MCI ... and one of the Operation Managers invited me along to record this bus. At first glance, I didnt like the way this ZF ASTronic shifts. The jake brake makes up for it.
I would not say that. When I was in the Navy, my ship pulled into Florida, and my ship charter some Greyhound buses, and I rode on a G4100 from the mall to the beach, and that bus had best pick up of any coach I rode on.
New Jersey Transit MCI's has a Jake that operates only when the brake is pressed, idk if it were specially made for NJT but is the only agenc
Is it my impression or the chassis with Detroit Diesel engines have the rear axles set more backwards than other chassis?
The sound is very impressive! The chamber of combustion sounds like it operates over 8 bar pressure level.
Dang it's so awesome!
ZF ASTronic? (cough gag choke wheeze) give me a B500R any day :-)
w5pda the Allison 500R definitely has more power
Where? I used to work the Vegas depot (Part-time) about 25 years ago.
I drive a Chevy 5500 Diamond Coach shuttle bus for a hotel and it's got an Alison 6.
I can't believe there's fans of the Gs... Yeah they may look good, but that's as far as it gets..
do They Still Have A Few Of These Pupies Left On The Road Despite The Machanical Problems There Were Having? I Love The Design. For It To Be A 2004 Model.
Plenty still on the road today..
cool
@alexfo7o - cool. what kind of engine ?
@mmffl123456, that's not true, every bus besides NJT jakes that I know come on when lifting off the gas and I used to follow a Vanhool in my city that the jake came on way b4 the brake lights did, so I'm guessing NJT has a lower grade Jake while others have a higher grade Jake, and this video thast imma send you to would prove that......I believe it's greyhound 6384
On Greyhound's DL3s the jake is engaged the second foot comes off the throttle if cruise control isn't set. On the DL3's its a 2 stage set up for the jake. Now on the G4500 you do have to initially hit the service brake before the jake will engage.
it rele sounds like a manual
I see with this transmission, there’s no clutch so all the driver does is keep pushing the accelerator
@madnavigator Pff, Allisonssuck,but this is not the best ZF either. The 6 speed ZF Ecomat is a much nicer sounding full automatic transmission.
are you a bus driver?
@w5pda Ahh heck! Even better would be a 7 speed stick.
Any G models still in service?
Matthew Lyn Yes a bit under 200 or above
@ea90744 its a Duramax Diesel. They are Really powerful.
Agency I know that uses that type
@ea90744