Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/614640
TRUCKING 20 www.FlatbedTruckingJobs.com January 2016 Eaton and Cummins expand features, hp options for SmartAdvantage powertrain offering TOOLS by Jack Roberts E aton and Cummins announced Wednesday, Nov. 4, upgrades to their jointly-developed and marketed SmartAdvantage optimized powertrain at the Eaton Proving Grounds outside of Marshall, MI., as well as upgrades across all Eaton UltraShift Plus-based automated manual transmissions. Additionally, trucking industry journal- ists were treated to an early test drive of 2017 Cummins' ISX15 engine, although the company was understandably mum on details. Chief among the SmartAdvantage upgrades is a new direct-drive version of the integrated powertrain, designed for fl eets that typically operate at lower high- ways speeds ranging from 50 to 62 mph. The direct drive option is available with Cummins ISX15 in 400- and 450-horse- power ratings and 1,550 and 1750 ft.-lbs. torque-ratings and designed to insure optimal performance at lower rpm when combined with a 2.26 or 2.28 axle ratios. The direct drive SmartAdvantage will complement the overdrive version of the powertrain, which debuted in 2013, and is now being offered with expanded horsepower ratings. Ryan Tryzbinski, product strategy manager for Eaton, says the new 400- and 420-horsepower ratings for the overdrive SmartAdvantage drive- train will give fl eets and owner-operators additional options beyond its original 450 horsepower rating. Additionally, Eaton's "small step" gearing technology adds a 26 percent step between 9th and 10th gears to maximize downspeeding in the small-step overdrive model by keeping the engine in its "sweet spot" for maximum fuel economy. According to Tryzbinski, the expanded SmartAdvantage options are all about giving fl eets and owner-operators more Jack Roberts test drove the Cummins-Eaton SmartAdvantage powertrain in this International ProStar.