Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/597582
New improvements in low speed maneuverability make Eaton automated transmissions even better for on-highway and vocational fleets. High Performance at Low Speeds Low speed requirements in vocational applications have posed challenges for automated transmissions in the past. Not anymore. With the new Urge to Move and Blended Pedal features joining the existing Creep Mode as configurable options across Eaton's full line of UltraShift ® PLUS transmissions, low speed maneuvers are now performed seamlessly, providing compelling options for fleets considering automated manual transmissions for improved fuel efficiency, safety, and productivity. New features deliver seamless automated control With the new Urge to Move feature, drivers simply release the brake pedal to automatically inch forward, similar to the feel of a passenger car. And there's no fighting the truck when the brake is applied. "With UltraShift PLUS, drivers used to have to raise rpms to activate Creep Mode," says Eaton Product Strategy Manager Evan Vijithakumara. "We eliminated that step with the Urge to Move feature. It allows the vehicle to enter Creep Mode while keeping the engine at idle." In applications where increased engine rpms might spin a PTO too quickly, or spin a drum and discharge more material than expected, the new Urge to Move feature allows for controlled motion, controlled discharge, and more controlled operation during the launch phase. While Urge to Move gives drivers a passenger car style motion, the new Blended Pedal feature delivers a level of fine control that, until now, has been the exclusive hallmark of manual transmissions. "With three-pedal manual operation, you have the ability to slip the clutch to allow for really small movements, very slow speeds, very controlled motion," says Vijithakumara. "Blended Pedal gives you the same precise, minute control of the clutch in a two-pedal system. We have remapped the throttle pedal to allow drivers to slip and feather as they go through the starting gears. Drivers now have the ability to move at, say, 25 percent, or 50 percent engagement, or at varying speeds much slower than what Creep Mode allowed in the past. The end result is similar to operating a manual transmission equipped vehicle without requiring a manual transmission skill set." Electronic actuation delivers smoother automated operation The enhanced functionality built into these transmissions is enabled by an electronic clutch actuator, which allows for smoother, more precise shifting, especially at low speeds. The UltraShift PLUS, launched in 2009, replaced the centrifugal clutch system of earlier models with electronic actuation, meaning it can quickly pull back the bearing, disengage and re-engage, and perform shifts regardless of engine rpm. This enables drivers to have smoother and improved low-speed maneuverability. One of the obvious benefits of an automated manual transmission in both vocational and on-highway environments is increased driver alertness. Drivers can focus on their surroundings — whether at the job site or on the highway — rather than watching the tachometer and worrying about being in the most appropriate gear. For fleet owners, this means new hires can more quickly become safe, productive drivers. And automated transmissions allow all drivers to perform at a higher level in terms of maximizing fuel efficiency. Who benefits from these new no-cost features? All trucks currently equipped with UltraShift PLUS can benefit from the upgrades, which are configurable through ServiceRanger. The versatility of the product makes it popular in some of the most rigorous vocations you'll find — logging, oil field and other heavy-haul applications. Improved low-speed shifting performance makes the vocational series of UltraShift PLUS transmissions especially appealing in mixer and construction applications, among others. Urge to Move and Blended Pedal are available for all UltraShift PLUS products, from LAS to MXP, and Fuller Advantage ® Automated, including SmartAdvantage TM and the integrated powertrains from PACCAR and Navistar. See your dealer or contact your local Roadranger today and tell them you want to test-drive. Once you experience these features for yourself, you'll see why Eaton automated transmissions are the right choice for your fleet. Learn more at roadranger.com ©2015 Eaton Corporation.