Eaton, Cummins Add Powertrain Options
MARSHALL, Mich. — Eaton Corp. and Cummins Inc. recently announced powertrain options that enhance engine downspeeding at highway speeds and increase driver control using automated transmissions at slow speeds.
In a demonstration for trucking journalists at Eaton’s proving ground here, the companies previewed Cummins’ new 2017 ISX15 diesel engine and unveiled a new direct drive ratio for their SmartAdvantage engine-transmission package and new engine ratings for the small-step overdrive ratios.
During the Nov. 4 ride-and-drive event, Eaton demonstrated two recently announced additional features to its UltraShift Plus and Fuller Advantage automated manual transmissions: “Urge To Move” and “Blended Pedal.”
“The Eaton and Cummins Smart-Advantage powertrain continues to demonstrate our unparalleled collaboration,” said Ryan Trzybinski, Eaton’s product strategy manager for the commercial powertrain unit. “We’re building on that success now with these new additions to our lineup of products that give our customers improved fuel economy, performance and driver satisfaction.”
The companies unveiled a new SmartAdvantage direct-drive gearing ratio and new engine ratings for the small-step overdrive ratios available in Fuller Advantage transmissions.
The companies said the new SmartAdvantage direct-drive ratio is available in 400 and 450 horsepower ratings with 1,550 and 1,750 pound-feet of torque, providing optimal performance at lower revolutions per mile when combined with a 2.26 or 2.28 axle ratio.
The companies said the package is ideal for linehaul or regional haul applications that operate in flat and hilly road terrains at cruise speeds in the 50 to 62 mph range.
SmartAdvantage powertrain with small-step technology now is available with new 400- and 420-horsepower ratings, beyond the original 450-horsepower rating. Small-step technology offers benefits of a direct drive and an overdrive transmission configuration and is ideal where cruising speeds exceed 62 mph, company officials said.
Eaton said its Fuller Advantage Series 10-speed transmissions offer a 26% step between 9th and 10th gears to maximize downspeeding in the small-step overdrive model by keeping the engine in the “sweet spot” for maximum fuel economy.
Evan Vijithakumara, global product strategy manager for Eaton, said the new low-speed enhancements are designed to increase driver control by providing better performance at low speeds and in reverse.
“Urge To Move” allows the truck to automatically start moving when the transmission is in gear and the driver releases the service brakes. After the vehicle has launched, it will creep at a constant speed at engine idle without hitting the accelerator.
Vijithakumara and Trzybinski compared the feature to providing a “passenger car feel” to the truck.
“Blended Pedal” allows the driver to directly control clutch engagement at engine idle with a light touch of the accelerator.
That allows for pinpoint, low-speed movement, which can be critical for cement mixers and other applications such as backing into a loading dock or maneuvering in a construction job site.
“Blended Pedal delivers a level of fine control that until now has been exclusive to manual transmissions,” Vijithakumara said.
Included as part of the ride-and-drive demonstration were Navistar International trucks equipped with the 2017 ISX15 that Cummins introduced at the Mid-America Trucking Show in March. Though the engine still is being tested, Cummins officials said they have been delighted with the fuel-economy performance thus far and expect the new engine to go into limited production next September.
Mike Taylor, Cummins’ general manager of global powertrain, said the engine has logged 9 million test miles so far.
He also said the new powertrain options, combined with existing features such as SmartCoast and vehicle acceleration management, will continue to provide higher fuel economy to fleets using the 15-liter engine. The SmartCoast feature engages neutral while on a slight downhill grade, allowing the engine to speed-drop to idle and the truck to safely operate.
Eaton and Cummins officials also said the SmartAdvantage website has received a number of updates, providing fleet managers the chance to learn more about these latest upgrades.
