Equipment World Digital Magazine
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to the rear wheels, and lacks the clutch lag and jerking thanks to the absence of a torque converter. One clutch is fully engaged when the Procision is in gear, while at the same time, the transmission's advanced ECMs are pre-selecting the next gear shift based on throttle input, the truck's load, and data from the unit's grade sensors, according to Jeff Spitnzer, Eaton senior account manager. "And then [the ECMs] calculate how much torque is being demanded at that point," he says. When it's time for a gear shift, the fi rst clutch disengages and the other engages. Because one of the clutches is always closed and the unit isn't opening a torque convert- er, there is also a natural braking effect coming down steep grades. For going up steep inclines, Eaton has engineered Hill Helper, which – based on grade and ve- hicle weight – prevents the truck from rolling back or forward for up to three seconds. This allows for a more controlled launch on steep hills, and helps keep the rear bumper away from vehicles behind the truck. A tangential benefi t of the Procision is that its gears shift at a lower rpm, which reduces en- gine noise. On a non-full throttle launch, a Procision will shift in the 1,300 to 1,400 rpm neighborhood, versus a more traditional range of 1,600 to 1,800 rpm. Creep Mode allows con- trolled low-speed parking lot and loading dock driving without applying the accelera- tor. Forward and reverse creep speeds are independently ad- justable to allow a lower speed in reverse. A fully optimized Procision can offer upwards of 10 percent better fuel economy than a torque converter-equipped auto- matic – a big benefi t for companies interested in keeping more pennies in their pockets. – Jason Cannon T he Department of Transportation has formed an advisory com- mittee on automated transporta- tion, meant to help regulators frame policy around the development and deployment of automated vehicles. Members of the committee will engage in information gather- ing, develop technical advice and present recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on automated vehicles, connected roads and more. Of particular interest are innovations to ensure the DOT is prepared when disruptive technolo- gies emerge, DOT says. EquipmentWorld.com | December 2016 73 CONCRETE RESULTS with unmatched precision E-Z Drill is ready for any challenge. Airport runways or roadways. 100 holes or 100,000 holes. Our drills off er unmatched reliability, effi ciency and precision. Complete any job on time and on budget. ezdrill.com 1-800-272-0121 THE YELLOW DRILL WILL GET RESULTS. GET AN E-Z DRILL. BOOTH C4333 Untitled-31 1 11/17/16 9:04 AM versus a more traditional range of 1,600 to 1,800 rpm. Procision can offer upwards of 10 percent better fuel economy than a torque converter-equipped auto- matic – a big benefi t for companies interested in keeping more pennies in their pockets. DOT committee looks at autonomous transportation