Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/599511
SmartAdvantage Lineup Expands The Search Accelerates with More Choices for Better Fuel Economy It's a fairly simple concept: slowing down a Class 8 diesel engine improves the fuel efficiency. It's called downspeeding. Every 100 rpm reduction improves fuel economy by about one percent. Today's integrated powertrains accomplish engine downspeeding using both direct drive and overdrive transmission ratios, and there are many variables to consider when deciding which option would better serve your fleet. Launched in 2013, the Cummins and Eaton SmartAdvantage™ Powertrain showed the industry that truly optimized powertrains actually come from the agile integration by component experts. This unparalleled collaboration by North America's leading powertrain experts delivers flawless integration for improved fuel economy, performance and driver satisfaction. Building on the success of the original SmartAdvantage Powertrain, which combines the ISX15 engine and Fuller Advantage ® Series automated transmission, is a new direct drive version for enhanced customer choice. Whereas some integrated powertrains offer downspeeding using direct drive, the SmartAdvantage Powertrains offer industry-leading downspeeding in both direct drive and overdrive configurations, allowing fleets to spec the best ratio for their application, cruise speed and terrain: SmartAdvantage Small-Step – now available in new ratings of 400 hp (298 kW) and 420 hp (313 kW), along with our 450 hp (336 kW) rating, you can choose the right rating for your fleet. The innovative small-step technology on the Fuller Advantage 10-speed transmission provides the benefits of a direct drive transmission with those offered in an overdrive configuration. A 26% step between 9th and 10th gears allows downspeeding in overdrive and efficiency in direct drive that keep the engine in the "sweet spot" for maximum fuel economy. Thanks to its 0.79 overdrive ratio, it delivers more engine downspeeding than a direct drive. It's ideal for linehaul applications where cruise speeds exceed 62 miles per hour, or operate in flat, hilly or mountainous terrain and the truck spends a high percentage of time at cruise speed (75% or more). SmartAdvantage Direct Drive – available in 400 hp and 450 hp ratings, this new powertrain provides superior driveability in a wide range of road speeds, maximizing time in top gear. The 1550/1750 ft.-lbs. torque rating ensures optimal performance at lower rpm when combined with a 2.26 or 2.28 axle ratio. It is the optimal solution for linehaul or regional haul applications that operate in flat or hilly terrain and lower speed applications where cruise speeds are 62 miles per hour and below, but also is great for fleets spending as little as a third of their time at cruise. Fleets looking to further increase mpg should be aware that both choices are available with ADEPT™ technology – which adds SmartCoast TM to SmartTorque2 providing up to 2% more fuel economy in hilly terrain. The Power of Choice Best of all, choosing a SmartAdvantage Powertrain means you can have a single powertrain solution across your diverse fleet.The SmartAdvantage Powertrains are available in the most fuel-efficient trucks from the OEM of your choice. To learn more, visit www.smartadvantagepowertrain.com ©2015 Eaton Corporation. All rights reserved. Eaton, Fuller and Fuller Advantage are registered trademarks of Eaton. Cummins and the "C" logo are registered trademarks of Cummins Inc. All trademarks, logos and copyrights are those of their respective owners. Powertrains are available in the most fuel-efficient trucks from the OEM of your choice. To learn more, visit www.smartadvantagepowertrain.com ©2015 Eaton Corporation. All rights reserved. Eaton, Fuller and Fuller Advantage are registered trademarks of Eaton. Cummins and the "C" logo are registered trademarks of Cummins Inc. All trademarks, logos and copyrights are those of their respective owners.