TOKYO, January 26, 2026 – Allison Transmission is pleased to announce that its Allison 4440 six-speed fully-automatic transmission will be installed for the first time on the NT500LD dump trucks of NICHIJO, a comprehensive manufacturer of specialty vehicles with headquarters in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Prototype vehicles are currently undergoing test runs and final adjustments are being made, with delivery to end users scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
About the Vehicle |
The NT500LD is a vehicle primarily used within steel manufacturers' premises, capable of carrying loads of up to 50 tons, including iron ore and coal used as raw materials in the production of iron products, as well as iron scrap and waste generated during the manufacturing process. Its 6x4 drive configuration provides excellent off-road capabilities on gravel roads and unpaved terrain within steelworks. It is powered by a Caterpillar C9.3B diesel engine, delivering a maximum output of 280kW and peak torque of 1,715Nm. It achieves a speed of 50km/h when empty and 40km/h when loaded. The Allison 4440 transmission features six forward gears and one reverse gear, amplifying engine output by 2.42 times maximum via a torque converter and providing powerful starts.
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Allison's unique torque converter amplifies torque, enabling powerful acceleration and superior driving performance. When loading and transporting heavy materials such as scrap iron and iron ore, durability and excellent starting performance are essential. During operation, Continuous Power Technology™ delivers uninterrupted power transfer, delivering seamless gear shifts with no torque interruption. This virtually eliminates shift shock, with the transmission highly praised for the smooth ride quality it provides, said to closely resemble that of a regular car. |
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Yuto Naruse, Group Manager of NICHIJO’s Special Vehicle Technology Department said, "We chose Allison this time because our customers requested Allison products, saying they have almost no shift shock. Steel mills operate on a three-shift system, and our vehicles are required to be durable enough to operate for at least 16 hours each day."
“Adopting the Allison transmission, which has a long track record of installation by other manufacturers and in overseas markets, was a natural progression. Its proven performance in vehicles traversing diverse terrain—snow-covered surfaces, public roads, and rough terrain—provided significant peace of mind. We had concerns about whether it could accommodate our production style, which involves customizing vehicles to each customer's unique specifications and producing them in small batches. We were delighted to learn that it could meet even such requests."
- Yuto Naruse, Group Manager of NICHIJO's Special Vehicle Technology Department
Proven Reliability in Critical Situations
Allison transmissions have been used in a wide range of applications over the company’s 110-year history, and for over 50 years in the Japanese market. Over time, their use has expanded from large city buses to dump trucks and transport trucks.
Allison responds to its customers' diverse needs and helps improve their productivity with advanced technology and products, backed by a service dealer network spanning 33 locations throughout Japan and over 1,600 locations around the world.