Allison MH Marine Transmission Video

March 25, 2025


Parts for Allison MH Marine Transmission


Allison MH Transmission)
Allison MH Transmission

Having a boat that uses Allison Marine MH gears can be great — until it breaks down. If you find yourself needing Allison Marine MH parts for sale, you may not know what to do. These parts are not always easy to find unless you shop with Diesel Pro Power.

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Marine Transmission Specifications & Applications of the Allison MH Series


Overview of the Allison MH Series Marine Transmission


The Allison MH Series marine transmissions are hydraulically actuated gearboxes developed for use with Detroit Diesel two-stroke engines. Designed for medium- to heavy-duty commercial marine applications, these transmissions offered smoother gear engagement, higher torque capacity, and lower maintenance cycles than their mechanically shifted M Series counterparts.

Produced under the Allison Division of General Motors and later Detroit Diesel, the MH Series was widely installed in government, commercial, and industrial vessels throughout the 1970s to 1990s. These transmissions remain operational in legacy fleets due to their dependable service life, compatibility with Detroit engines, and robust rebuildability.


Key Specifications of the Allison MH Series


  • Transmission Type: Hydraulically shifted marine gear

  • Control System: Hydraulic shift with mechanical or solenoid control valves

  • Typical Models: MH20, MH25, MH30, MH40, MH45

  • Input Power Range:

    • MH20: up to ~300 HP

    • MH25: up to ~400 HP

    • MH30: up to ~500 HP

    • MH40: up to ~650 HP

    • MH45: up to ~800 HP

  • Reduction Ratios Available (varies by model):

    • 1.00:1

    • 1.48:1

    • 2.00:1

    • 2.48:1

    • 3.00:1

  • Input Housing: SAE No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3 (depending on configuration)

  • Output Shaft: Straight or down-angle, flange-mounted

  • Clutch Type: Oil-cooled multi-disc hydraulic clutch

  • Cooling System: Oil-to-water heat exchanger standard

  • Lubrication: Pressurized internal lubrication system

  • Weight: Approximately 600–900 lbs (model-dependent)

The Allison MH Series offers durable hydraulic shifting that delivers reliable performance under continuous load, ideal for pushboats, twin-screw vessels, and boats requiring frequent gear reversals.


OEM Detroit Diesel Engine Pairings with Allison MH Series


The Allison MH Series was purpose-built for seamless integration with Detroit Diesel Series 53, 71, and 92 engines, across a wide range of 2-stroke configurations.

Detroit Diesel Series 53


  • 6-53: Paired with MH20 or MH25 (utility and light-duty patrol vessels)

Detroit Diesel Series 71


  • 6-71: Paired with MH20 or MH25

  • 6V71: Paired with MH30 (common in ferries and twin-screw workboats)

  • 8V71: Paired with MH30 or MH40 (used in tugs, ferries, and pilot vessels)

  • 12V71: Paired with MH40 or MH45 (heavier vessels with dual-output requirements)

Detroit Diesel Series 92


  • 6V92: Paired with MH30 or MH40 (popular in higher HP vessels)

  • 8V92: Paired with MH40 or MH45 (used in powerful push boats and offshore service vessels)

  • 12V92 / 16V92: Paired with MH45 (for high-horsepower towing and ocean-going workboats)

These pairings offered torque-matched performance, supported by SAE housing alignment and consistent shift quality under variable loads.


Common Marine Applications of Allison MH Series Transmissions


Thanks to their high torque rating and smooth shifting capabilities, the MH Series transmissions found success across a wide range of vessel types that demanded reliability and power:

  • Tugboats and Push Boats: MH40 and MH45 were widely used with Detroit 8V92 and 12V71 engines

  • Commercial Ferries: Offering seamless shifting in high-traffic routes

  • Patrol and Enforcement Boats: Used by coast guards and harbor police vessels

  • Pilot Boats: Twin-screw configurations with MH30 and 6V71 or 8V71 power

  • Crew Transfer Vessels: Where continuous forward/reverse operation required hydraulic clutching

  • Utility and Construction Barges: MH40 and MH45 paired with high-torque Detroit 2-strokes


Advantages of the Allison MH Series


  • Hydraulic Shifting: Smooth and efficient under load, ideal for high-duty-cycle operations

  • Durable Clutch System: Oil-cooled multi-disc clutches for longevity

  • Designed for Detroit Diesel Engines: Seamless integration with factory engine specifications

  • Supportable Long-Term: Components remain available for rebuild and maintenance

  • Versatile Output Options: Straight and down-angle configurations suit varied hull types

  • Robust Construction: Operates under saltwater, debris, and high-vibration environments


Ideal Use Cases for Allison MH Series Transmissions

Vessel Type

Suitability

Notes

Medium-to-Heavy Fishing Boats

Excellent

MH20–MH30 with 6V71 or 8V71

Tugboats and Push Boats

Excellent

MH40 or MH45 with 8V92 or 12V71

Government / Coast Guard

Excellent

Durable hydraulic shift for high maneuverability

Ferry Boats and Water Taxis

Excellent

Smooth reversing and throttle control

Recreational Craft

Rarely Used

MH is overbuilt for most leisure applications

Parts for Allison M Marine Transmission


Allison M Transmission
Allison M Transmission

If you have a boat that uses Allison Marine M gears and has parts that need replacing, you may fear all is lost. Where are you going to find Allison Marine M parts for sale these days? The answer, of course, is Diesel Pro Power. We sell a complete selection of Allison Marine M parts online, so we can have your engine running in virtually no time at all.

We can provide you with everything from rebuilt Allison M gears and clutch plates to hydraulic pumps and seals, washers and more. We can send you a complete overhaul kit, too, as well as selector valves, sleeves, springs, bolts or transmission bearings. We’ve also got gauges, couplings, oil filters and more. We even have marine controls, steering, cables, lights and manuals!

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Diesel Pro Power Is Your Reliable Source for Allison Marine M Parts


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Marine Transmission Specifications & Applications of the Allison M Series


Overview of the Allison M Series Marine Transmission


The Allison M Series marine transmissions are mechanically shifted gearboxes developed by the Allison Division of General Motors for use in marine propulsion systems. Built to match the performance profiles of Detroit Diesel 2-stroke engines, these transmissions were widely adopted from the 1950s through the 1980s for small to mid-sized commercial vessels, offering dependable performance with a straightforward, serviceable design.

Mechanical actuation and robust construction made the M Series ideal for fishing boats, harbor craft, and workboats operating in rugged, low-maintenance environments. These transmissions remain in active use in legacy fleets, especially in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.


Key Specifications of the Allison M Series


  • Transmission Type: Mechanically actuated marine gear

  • Shift Method: Manual lever or cable actuation

  • Typical Models: M15, M20, M25, M30, M40

  • Input Power Range:

    • M15: up to ~180 HP

    • M20: up to ~250 HP

    • M25: up to ~300 HP

    • M30: up to ~350 HP

    • M40: up to ~400 HP

  • Reduction Ratios Available (varies by model):

    • 1.00:1 (direct drive)

    • 1.50:1

    • 2.00:1

    • 2.48:1

  • Input Housing: SAE No. 2 or SAE No. 3

  • Output Shaft: Straight output; flange-mounted

  • Clutch Type: Dry or wet clutch (depending on model), manually engaged

  • Lubrication: Splash or basic pump-fed system

  • Cooling System: Optional external oil cooler

  • Weight: 400–600 lbs (depending on model and configuration)

The Allison M Series was favored for its simplicity and rugged reliability—key attributes for vessels where electronic or hydraulic control systems were impractical.


OEM Detroit Diesel Engine Pairings with Allison M Series


The Allison M Series was engineered specifically for Detroit Diesel engines from the 53 and 71 Series. These pairings were standard in a wide range of commercial vessels during the second half of the 20th century.

Detroit Diesel Series 53


  • 4-53: Paired with Allison M15 or M20

  • 6-53: Paired with Allison M20 or M25
    These combinations were commonly found in harbor tugs, pilot boats, and small fishing vessels.

Detroit Diesel Series 71


  • 4-71: Paired with Allison M20 (light-duty commercial applications)

  • 6-71: Paired with Allison M25 or M30 (heavier fishing boats and utility vessels)

  • 6V71: Paired with Allison M30 or M40 (used in twin-screw setups for mid-sized workboats)

  • 8V71: Occasionally used with M40 in lower-load applications, though MH series was more typical at this HP level.

These OEM pairings were based on matching SAE housings, torque output, and duty cycle compatibility. M Series gearboxes were designed to handle the 180–400 HP range typical of these 2-stroke Detroit engines.


Common Marine Applications of Allison M Series Transmissions


Because of their manual operation and straightforward design, Allison M Series transmissions were widely used in applications where ease of repair and reliability were essential. Common marine uses included:

  • Commercial Fishing Boats: Small trawlers, gillnetters, and lobster boats powered by 4-53 or 6-71 engines

  • Harbor Patrol and Utility Boats: Municipal and industrial vessels where maintenance simplicity was a top priority

  • Crew Boats and Launch Vessels: Operating short runs in nearshore environments

  • Pilot Boats: Compact hulls with twin 6-71 engines and mechanical shift M30 or M40 transmissions

  • Dredge Tenders and Inland Barges: Where slow-speed reliability and easy gear changes are critical


Advantages of the Allison M Series


  • Proven Mechanical Reliability: Built for harsh marine environments and heavy-duty daily operation

  • No Electronics or Hydraulics: Ideal for fleets in remote regions or with limited technical infrastructure

  • Long-Term Serviceability: Parts availability and rebuild simplicity make them practical for aging vessels

  • Factory-Matched to Detroit Diesel: Perfect integration with 53 and 71 Series engines

  • Compact and Durable: Fits smaller engine rooms without compromising performance


Ideal Use Cases for Allison M Series Transmissions


Vessel Type

Suitability

Notes

Small Fishing Boats

Excellent

Simple gear change system ideal for coastal fishing

Twin-Engine Pilot Boats

Excellent

M30 or M40 matched with 6V71 Detroit setups

Harbor Utility Craft

Excellent

Low-maintenance solution for short hauls

Heavy Tugs or Ferries

Not Recommended

Better suited to MH Series due to higher torque demands

Recreational Yachts

Rare/Not Typical

Generally too utilitarian for leisure applications


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