In partnership with Navistar, Eaton has enhanced its UltraShift PLUS transmission in order to maximize fuel efficiency in line-haul applications. The new product – UltraShift PLUS LSE (Linehaul Small-Step Efficiency) – will first be launched with Navistar's 13-liter MaxxForce SCR engines on International vehicles, and thereafter Cummins ISX15 engines.
The new 16-speed direct-drive automated mechanical transmission is designed with a small 17% step between gears to optimize time in a diesel engine's most efficient RPM zone and help reduce fuel consumption, the companies say. Fleets that have been testing the product have reported fuel-economy gains from 2% to 4%.
‘Fuel economy has been the cornerstone of the International ProStar, and with the collaboration with Eaton on the 16-speed direct-drive automated transmission, we're able to deliver even more tangible fuel economy benefits,’ says Steve Gilligan, vice president of product marketing for Navistar.
The UltraShift PLUS LSE has 16 forward gears and two reverse gears, and an overall ratio of 14.40. The standard warranty is five years/750,000 miles for the transmission and three years/350,000 miles for the clutch.
The companies say production of the new transmission will begin next month.
