Eaton and Navistar Develop New UltraShift PLUS Transmissions

March 21, 2013


Eaton has launched a new family of UltraShift PLUS transmissions designed exclusively for Navistar to maximize fuel efficiency in linehaul applications. To be co-released by the two companies, the new 16-speed direct drive automated mechanical transmissions are designed with a small 17% step between gears to optimize time in a diesel engine's most efficient RPM zone and help reduce fuel consumption.

The new UltraShift PLUS LSE (Linehaul Small-Step Efficiency) will be released initially with Navistar's MaxxForce 13L SCR engines on the International branded vehicles and followed shortly thereafter with Cummins ISX15 engines.

Fleets involved with testing the new transmissions have reported fuel economy improvements from 2 to 4%. Production is scheduled to take place in April of this year.

"The direct drive design also boosts the efficiency of the transmission gear train, to further promote excellent fuel consumption," said Shane Groner, North America product planning manager for Eaton's Commercial Vehicle Transmission Division. "All of the other features and benefits of the UltraShift PLUS are included in this newest addition to our lineup."

The new UltraShift PLUS LSE transmission has 16 forward gears and two reverse gears, and an overall ratio of 14.40. The standard warranty is 5-year/750,000 miles for the transmission and 3-year/350,000 miles for the clutch.

All UltraShift PLUS transmissions use an electronic clutch actuator to provide faster shifting and smoother engagement. The clutch is fully engaged at idle, giving the driver ultimate control in challenging situations, like parking lots, loading docks and other tight spaces.

Additional UltraShift PLUS features include:

• Fully automated two-pedal design (no clutch pedal).
• Safety features include auto neutral and Intelligent Hill Start Aid, which prevents roll-back and roll-forward while launching on grades using foundation wheel brakes.
• Automatic, Manual and Low modes offer driver full control.
• Crepe Mode allows the vehicle to be driven at a constant speed (optional).

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/eaton-and-navistar-develop-new-fuel-friendly-ultrashift-plus-transmissions-2013-03-21

Cummins SuperTruck Yields 54 Percent Increase in Fuel Economy

March 14, 2012


Cummins and Peterbilt Motors Company, a division of PACCAR, released test results today showing their Supertruck demonstration tractor-trailer achieved a 54 percent increase in fuel economy, averaging 9.9 miles per gallon (mpg) during testing last fall on U.S. Route 287 between Fort Worth and Vernon, Texas. The testing was conducted with a Class 8 Peterbilt 587 powered by a Cummins ISX15 engine over 11 runs meeting SAE International test standards along a 312-mile route. The tractor-trailer had a combined gross weight of 65,000 lbs.  Today's long-haul trucks typically achieve between 5.5 and 6.5 mpg. The 54 percent increase in fuel economy would save about $25,000 annually based on today's diesel fuel prices for a long-haul truck traveling 120,000 miles per year. It would also translate into a 35 percent reduction in annual greenhouse gases per truck.

The "SuperTruck" developed by the two companies features a higher-efficiency engine and an aerodynamic tractor-trailer that significantly reduces drag. The truck also includes a system that converts exhaust heat into power delivered to the crankshaft, electronic controls that use route information to optimize fuel use, tires with lower rolling resistance and lighter-weight material throughout.

In addition to the fuel economy improvements, the truck also demonstrated a 61 percent improvement in freight efficiency during testing compared to a baseline truck driving the same route. The Supertruck program has a goal of 50 percent increase in freight efficiency.

Cummins personnel have been focused on the engine and its integration with the powertrain. They have been working with several other companies and research institutions to develop numerous changes in the combustion system as well as advances to reduce internal friction and so-called "parasitic power" - excess power the engine needs to run such things as lube and coolant pumps and air compressors.

In addition to the truck's exterior, Peterbilt and its partners have been working on improvements in the drivetrain, the idle management system, weight reduction and vehicle climate control. Eaton's advanced transmission facilitates further engine downspeeding for additional fuel economy benefits. "Aerodynamics has been a significant contributor to the efficiency gains," said Scott Newhouse, Senior Assistant Chief Engineer of Product Development at Peterbilt.

Testing will continue in 2013 on a new Peterbilt 579. The testing will address use of the tractor-trailer over a 24-hour period; including periods when drivers are at rest but still need power for such things as air conditioning and small appliances.

Eaton and Cummins Announce Powertrain Package for North American Heavy Duty Truck Market

March 10, 2013


Eaton and Cummins Inc. today unveiled a new powertrain package for the North American heavy duty truck market that they expected to deliver 3-6 percent fuel economy improvements, lower preventative maintenance costs, and total life cycle cost improvements. The new product integrates an Eaton Fuller Advantage Series automated transmission with new Cummins ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings. The product will be available in the fall of 2013 for linehaul, regional haul and less-than-truckload applications.

Speaking at a media event today at The American Trucking Associations annual Technology & Maintenance Council meeting, executives from both companies said this product announcement is the result of a long-standing collaboration between Eaton and Cummins. The powertrain package promises to deliver a more fuel efficient, reliable and robust powertrain package.

The Eaton Fuller Advantage Series automated transmission will be offered as a small ratio step Over-Drive model with new Cummins ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings; the ISX15 415 ST2 with torque of 1450/1650 ft-lbs, and the ISX15 450 ST2 with torque of 1550 ft-lbs /1,750 ft-lbs. Through a combination of hardware and software enhancements, the powertrain package benefits include:

• Integrated power, fuel and shifting strategies to provide three and six percent fuel economy improvement for linehaul and regional haul applications; 
• Optimized engine and transmission communications and new control logic enable further engine downspeeding in the over-drive position, and the effective use of direct drive technology in operational conditions required for a blend of perfect efficiency.

One of the main enhancements Eaton has made with its Fuller Advantage Series transmission is the elimination of the cooler, which helps to reduce the overall package weight and improve reliability. Combined with the use of aluminum for the rear transmission housing, range cylinder, shift bar housing and the shift tower - along with a thin wall, cast iron main case design - the new transmission weighs 75 pounds less than Eaton`s UltraShift PLUS LAS base model. A new precision lubrication system for precise and efficient transmission lubrication further enhances fuel economy by reducing churning losses.

The new engine and transmission combination has been designed specifically to work smarter to maximize fuel economy benefits. Cummins new ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings are the next generation of today`s SmartTorque ratings and precisely manage the power needed for the load demand. The Vehicle Acceleration Management is a patented Cummins electronic feature that manages vehicle acceleration for smoother shifting. This feature contributes to fuel economy benefits in stop and go duty cycles found in regional haul applications.

The powertrain package is currently undergoing field testing with various sized fleets, and initial testing and customer validation results are confirming the 3 to 6 percent fuel economy improvement.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/10/eaton-cummins-idUSnBw8sh5S8a+104+BSW20130310
http://www.cummins.com/cmi/displayMoreNewsAction.do?strTitle=Cummins+and+Eaton+Announce+Powertrain+Package+for+North+American+Heavy-Duty+Market&strNewsSummary