Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/605409
10th gears to maximize downspeed- ing in the small-step overdrive model by keeping the engine in its "sweet spot" for maximum fuel economy. According to Tryzbinski, the ex- panded SmartAdvantage options are all about giving fl eets and owner- operators more choices in how they spec trucks. "Today's line haul and regional haul fl eets are spec'ing down speed powertrains to maxi- mize fuel effi ciency," he notes. "And only the SmartAdvantage Powertrain offers industry-leading downspeed- ing in both small-step overdrive and now direct drive transmission ratios, allowing fl eets to choose the best ra- tio for their application, cruise speed and terrain." Enhanced low-speed control Eaton also announced new elec- tronic control systems for all Ultra- Shift Plus-based AMTs (including SmartAdvantage versions) designed to give drivers more precise vehicle control at low speeds. Tyzbiniski explains that most AMTs on the market today, regardless of brand, are too aggressive at low speeds. Drivers often have a hard time metering throttle inputs and can fi nd it hard to maintain a consistent speed, manageable speed when backing to connect with a fi fth wheel in tractor-trailer confi gurations, or in vocational applications running con- crete mixers or dump trucks spread- ing asphalt. The Blended Pedal system uses a new way of controlling the trans- mission to counter this problem. Traditionally, when a driver steps on an accelerator pedal, they are 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 transmis- sion clutch actuation. This gives drivers the ability to fi ne-tune low speeds and easily maintain them to meet specifi c tasks. The system is highly intuitive and works well. I was able to test it out on both SmartAdvantage-equipped trucks, where it was confi gured in reverse gears only, as well as on the VCS, VMS and MXP vocational Ultrashift Plus transmissions. In all instances, I was able to easily, and precisely, control the truck's speed. And the system is so fi nely tuned that even minuscule throttle inputs December '15 www.studentdriverplacement.com 2 3 Eaton's UltraShiftPLUS