Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/611028
62 | Overdrive | December 2015 Converter/battery charger Progressive Dynamics' PD9130 converter and battery charging system is designed to avoid dead batteries and cold-weather jumpstarts. The converter is engineered to allow batteries to remain charged after it is plugged into any 115-volt outlet overnight or over the weekend. While plugged in, a vehicle's battery remains at optimal voltage as the converter simultaneously charges the battery and provides an additional 30 amps for any equipment left on. Progressive Dynamics Inc., http://progressivedyn.com Powertrain upgrades Eaton and Cummins announced upgr ades to their jointly developed and marketed SmartAdvantage optimized powertrain. Eaton also announced upgrades across its lineup of UltraShift Plus-based auto- mated manual transmissions. Chief among the SmartAdvantage upgrades is a new direct drive version available with the Cummins ISX15 in 400- and 420-horse- power ratings and 1,550 and 1,750 lb.-ft. torque ratings to ensure optimal performance at lower rpms when combined with 2.26 or 2.28 axle ratios. Also, Eaton's "small step" gearing technology adds a 26 percent step between ninth and 10th gears to maximize down- speeding in the small-step overdrive model by keeping the engine in its "sweet spot" for maximum fuel economy. Eaton's new Blended Pedal system for all UltraShift Plus-based AMTs, including SmartAdvantage versions, is designed to give driv- ers more precise vehicle control at low speeds. Traditionally, when a driver steps on an accelerator pedal, he is boosting the air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber to increase horsepower. But on new UltraShift Plus AMTs, up to 50 percent of initial throttle input now controls transmission clutch actuation, which helps drivers fi ne- tune low speeds and maintain them more easily to meet specifi c tasks. Cummins, cummins.com | Eaton, eaton.com LED work lamp Optronics' Opti-Brite TLL30FB LED work lamp has a round 3¼-inch-diam- eter lens and four LEDs. The compact lamp is designed for easy mounting on any vehicle with 4½ inches of clear- ance and comes with a durable stain- less-steel mounting bracket. The lamp features reverse polarity protection and accommodates 12- and 24-volt electrical systems. Optronics International, optronicsinc.com GEAR GUIDE