Cummins and Eaton: New Powertrain Pac for North American HD Market
Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton and Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) have unveiled a new powertrain package for the North American heavy-duty truck market that is expected to deliver a 3 percent to 6 percent fuel economy improvement, lower preventive maintenance costs, and total lifecycle cost improvements.
The new product combines an Eaton® Fuller Advantage™ Series automated transmission with new Cummins ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings. The product will be available in the fall of 2013 for linehaul, regional haul and less-than-truckload (LTL) applications.
The annoucement was Speaking at a media event today at the American Trucking Associations’ annual Technology & Maintenance Council meeting, executives from both companies said this product announcement is the result of a long standing collaboration between Eaton and Cummins. The powertrain package promises to deliver a more fuel efficient, reliable and robust powertrain package.
“Cummins and Eaton have had an extensive technical and business relationship over the years, in which we have collaborated on powertrain solutions for the North American on-highway markets that we serve,” said Lori Thompson, Cummins Vice President – Truck and Bus OEM Business. “This latest chapter in our partnership combines some of the best technologies from both companies, and makes them smarter, delivering the level of fuel economy improvements that our customers have come to expect.”
“The collaboration between the Eaton and Cummins teams has resulted in a superior powertrain package with which both fleet owners and professional drivers will be thrilled,” said Tim Sinden, President – North American Truck Operations, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “The level of integration between this transmission and engine is best in class in the North American heavy-duty truck market.”
The Eaton Fuller Advantage Series automated transmission will be offered as a small ratio step Over-Drive model with new Cummins ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings: the ISX15 415 ST2, with torque of 1450 lb-ft to 1650 lb-ft (1966-2237 N•m), and the ISX15 450 ST2, with torque of 1550 lb-ft to 1750 lb-ft
(2012-2373 N•m).
Through a combination of hardware and software enhancements, the powertrain package benefits include:
* Integrated power, fuel and shifting strategies to provide 3 percent to 6 percent fuel economy improvement for linehaul and regional haul applications
*Optimized engine and transmission communications and new control logic that enable further engine downspeeding in the overdrive position, and the effective use of direct drive technology in operational conditions required for a blend of perfect efficiency
One of the main enhancements Eaton has made with its Fuller Advantage Series transmission is the elimination of the cooler; this helps reduce the overall package weight and improve reliability. Combined with the use of aluminum for the rear transmission housing, range cylinder, shift bar housing and the shift tower – along with a thin wall, cast iron main case design – this results in the new transmission weighing 75 pounds less than Eaton’s UltraShift® PLUS LAS base model. A new precision lubrication system for precise and efficient transmission lubrication further enhances fuel economy by reducing churning losses.
The new engine and transmission combination has been designed specifically to work smarter to maximize fuel economy benefits. Cummins new ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings are the next generation of today’s SmartTorque ratings, and precisely manage the power needed for the load demand. The Vehicle Acceleration Management is a patented Cummins electronic feature that manages vehicle acceleration for smoother shifting. This feature contributes to fuel economy benefits in stop-and-go duty cycles found in regional haul applications.
The powertrain package is currently undergoing field testing with various sized fleets, and initial testing and customer validation results are confirming the 3 percent to 6 percent fuel economy improvement. Customers can rely on the proven service support offered today through Eaton’s unparalleled Roadranger® program and Cummins extensive network when the powertrain package goes into production in the fall 2013.
About Cummins
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, (USA) Cummins currently employs approximately 46,000 people worldwide and serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of approximately 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and approximately 6,500 dealer locations. Cummins earned $1.65 billion on sales of $17.3 billion in 2012. More info at www.cummins.com or www.cumminsengines.com.
About Eaton
Eaton is a diversified power management company providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. With 2012 sales of $16.3 billion, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical products, systems and services for power quality, distribution and control, power transmission, lighting and wiring products; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton acquired Cooper Industries plc in 2012. Eaton has approximately 103,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
Category: Engines & Drivetrains, General Update
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