Eaton Corp has launched the Fuller Advantage Series of heavy-duty transmissions that include a wealth of new design features including reduced weight and increased efficiency resulting in fuel economy improvements, an improved shift feel, as well as features contributing to lower preventative maintenance costs. This new line of 10-speed transmissions is scheduled for commercial production in September.
Fuller Advantage Series transmissions will be available in both manual and automated designs, with the automated versions scheduled for production in the first quarter of 2014. “Using extensive customer input, Eaton is bringing to market the Fuller Advantage Series transmission line that delivers on customer needs and wants and enhances our position as the leader in commercial vehicle transmissions for the North American market,” says Jeff Walker, global product director--manual transmissions for Eaton. “This initial launch is designed for our linehaul and regional haul customers, and the Fuller Advantage Series transmissions include the most performance, reliability and maintenance savings upgrades.”
A new precision lube system represents one of the most important upgrades in the new transmissions. The system reduces the oil-churn energy losses found in traditional transmissions by nearly 33%. With less heat being generated, the Fuller Advantage Series transmissions do not require a cooler and corresponding lines and fittings. This means less preventative maintenance is required and engine fans cycle less, further reducing horsepower demand.
Significant weight savings--up to 75 pounds with no sacrifice to strength--was achieved with the new transmissions. Aluminum has replaced cast iron for the shift bar housing, auxiliary section cover, and range cylinder. Exact weight savings are dependent on the make of truck purchased as vendor-supplied cooler weight reductions vary by manufacturer.
The new transmissions promote better overall vehicle fuel economy performance due to the efficiency improvements and weight savings. Initial fleet and third party test results show up to 1.9 percent fuel economy improvement versus comparable transmissions.
Customers also should see maintenance cost reductions. Contributing here is a new oil level sight glass that allows for routine oil checks to be performed at a fraction of the time previously required. In addition, the precision lube system uses only 16 pints of oil, which is nearly half the amount used in similar transmissions.
Additional technical aspects of the Fuller Advantage Series include:
*Gross Commercial Weight (GCW) ratings up to 80,000 pounds without an oil cooler and expansion to 110,000 pounds post product introduction.
*Torque capacities from 950 (1288Nm) to 1,850 lb/ft (2508Nm).
*Standard eight- and six-bolt Power Take-Off (PTO) openings.
*Optional through-shaft PTO.
*Ten forward speeds (direct and overdrive) and two reverse.
Initial production will include 17 new manual specifications with ratios ranging from 15.42 to 17.53. All of the new Fuller Advantage Series transmissions come with a standard five-year/750,000-mile warranty for linehaul applications. All Eaton products are backed by the Roadranger network, which includes more than 200 drivetrain professionals throughout North America. For more information visit www.eaton.com/roadranger, where the latest product information is available, as well as service, parts and training assistance, 24 hours a day. Experts are available in the Roadranger Call Center by dialing 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the US and Canada. In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.