Date: June 23, 2005
Eaton Adds New Fuller Ultrashift HV Transmission To Roadranger System
KALAMAZOO, MI - Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE: ETN) has introduced the newest member of its fully automated UltraShift family - the Fuller UltraShift "HV" (Highway Value) medium-duty transmission.
"The UltraShift HV has been designed to deliver fuel savings superior to its competitors by allowing the engine to consistently operate in the most fuel-efficient portion of the performance curve", said Bill Gross, product manager for Eaton's medium-duty transmissions. Gross explained that an automated mechanical transmission is inherently more fuel-efficient than a planetary-geared transmission with a torque converter, and cited preliminary results from a recently completed fuel economy study performed by an independent testing laboratory. "More testing is required, and we won't release our results until the HV is in volume production, but I can tell you that our early results are very encouraging, indicating a substantial fuel economy advantage in an urban duty cycle as compared to a torque-converted transmission of the same capacity," claimed Gross.
The UltraShift HV is a fully automated transmission system, sharing technologies and automation components from proven and reliable Fuller UltraShift heavy-duty transmissions. The HV joins the recently re-named UltraShift "HP" (which stands for Highway Performance - formerly the UltraShift ASW) - in an expanding family of automated medium-duty transmissions. The HV is designed for Class 6 and 7 vehicles with diesel engines in the 195 to 260 horsepower range, the HV is capable of handling torque capacities up to 660 lbs.ft. and loads up to 33,000 lbs. GVW. Pickup & delivery, service/utility and recovery applications are ideally suited for the operational characteristics of the UltraShift HV.
A key feature of the new HV is its "Hill Assist" feature. Hill Assist automatically minimizes rollback on up to 10% grades while the operator makes the transition from the brake pedal to the accelerator. "During the development stage of this product we surveyed many of our customers and the results were convincing," explained Gross. "The vast majority of those surveyed indicated that Hill Assist was a top priority when specing a medium-duty transmission. This feature is not only a convenience, but aids the driver in safer day to day operation". Hill Assist benefits the driver in both uphill and downhill stop/start situations.
Additional key features and benefits of the UltraShift HV include:
* Warranty: Vocationally tailored warranty coverage for up to three years, unlimited mileage, parts and labor (customers are encouraged to ask their OEM dealers regarding coverage specific to their application).
* Lubed for Life: provides lower maintenance and downtime costs than the competition over the lifecycle of the truck.
* Modular Design: provides more rapid service and reduced service costs.
* Abuse Protection: electronic shift protection and clutch protection logic reduces the potential for drivetrain and clutch abuse.
* Commonality: electronics modules and shift controls used on other Fuller manual and automated transmissions allow service providers to reduce service parts inventories and speed training and certification of technicians
Several unique electronic service features are part of the new "Gen 3" electronics in the HV and all other new UltraShift transmissions, including:
* "Electronic Snapshot" - takes a data picture of the system when the fault occurred.
* "Wiggle Test" - tests system connections by simulating an operating environment with vibrations and jarring.
* Service Port - Separate test port allows technician to test the system without disturbing the current condition of the components and wiring.
* Driver-triggered Data Logger - captures 10 seconds of system performance data to capture and record hard-to-replicate faults when they occur in actual operation.
Service support will be provided to UltraShift HV owners by OEM dealer service locations, as well as the Roadranger service support system throughout North America.
The UltraShift HV is currently in LQR phase (Limited Quantity Release) with 500 units scheduled for production between now and March 2006. Volume production is scheduled for April 2006.
For more information on the Fuller UltraShift HV and other Roadranger products and services, visit the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to Roadranger Marketing, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. To reach a Roadranger right now, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.
The Roadranger Solution is an unbeatable combination of the best drivetrain, chassis and safety components from Dana Corporation and Eaton Corporation, all backed by the Roadrangers - the most experienced, expert, and accessible drivetrain consultants in the business.
Eaton is the leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of drivetrain systems and components for medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial vehicles on the American continents. In concert with its manufacturing and marketing partners, principally Dana Corporation, Eaton markets the "Roadranger System" - a complete line of drivetrain components, systems, safety products and service tools, including manual and automatic transmissions, clutches, driveshafts, steer and drive axles, trailer axles and suspensions, brakes, anti-lock braking systems, tire pressure management systems, collision warning systems with adaptive cruise control, and mobile diagnostic tools and software.
Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2004 sales of $9.8 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 56,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries.
(269) 342-3341
monicametty@eaton.com