KALAMAZOO, Mich. … Two of the new UltraShift PLUS automated transmissions from diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation have been specifically designed to efficiently and reliably tackle the toughest on-highway assignments. 

Each of the new fully automated transmissions features new automated clutch technology and intelligent shift selection software that employs grade sensing, weight computation, and driver throttle commands to make intelligent shift decisions for efficient, safe and profitable vehicle performance.

The new Performance UltraShift PLUS platforms, all with built-in application-specific performance features and representing a wide range of new customized transmission designs, include:

• The UltraShift PLUS Multipurpose High Performance (MHP) transmissions, with an overall ratio of 17:1, has been designed for vehicles where a standard on-highway transmission would be inadequate due to higher weights and higher engine torque ratings. It features 13 forward and 3 reverse speeds.
• The UltraShift PLUS Multipurpose Extreme Performance (MXP) transmissions, with an overall ratio of 20:1, has no vehicle weight limits and has been designed for vehicles required to operate with extremely heavy loads in virtually any on-highway driving environment. It features 18 forward and 4 reverse speeds.

“The new UltraShift PLUS Performance Series transmissions provide the muscle and intelligence necessary to meet the most challenging of on-highway assignments,” said Michael Holahan, Eaton’s program manager for the UltraShift PLUS family.  “We have put these new transmissions through rigorous field testing with loads that will not typically be seen on any highway, and the results tell us that this is the perfect transmission solution for severe, multipurpose hauling.”

More than agreeing with that assertion is Carl Kirk, president of Lenore, West. Va.-based Kirk Trucking Company, which specializes in hauling coal out of mines with loads as heavy as 140,000 pounds.  “I’ll never buy another truck without an UltraShift PLUS transmission,” said Kirk.  “It is so much smarter than any driver.  Even the people who run the coalmines are amazed with it.   It pulls out great with no jerking, which has also been especially effective in reducing our maintenance costs with drivelines, u-joints and clutches.  We’re even seeing better tire wear.”

The Performance Series of UltraShift PLUS transmissions feature the highest torque capacity in the trucking industry – ranging from 1450 lb-ft through 2250 lb-ft – as well as, best-in-class low speed maneuverability, world class start-ability and ratio coverage.  Each has been designed for on-highway performance, and each has been manufactured with important driveline protection features such as stall prevention, engine over-speed protection, clutch abuse protection, and auto gear selection. 

The new UltraShift PLUS Performance Series of transmissions will soon be available for limited quantity release for all makes and models of heavy trucks manufactured in North America.  Full production is expected to begin in 2010. 

For more information on Eaton transmissions and other Roadranger products and services, visit www.roadranger.com , where the latest product information is available, as well as service, parts and training assistance, 24 hours a day. Experts are available in the Roadranger Call Center by dialing 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada.  In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.

Roadranger® is a marketing alliance of Dana Holding Corporation, Eaton Corporation and other trusted partners, providing a complete line of drivetrain components, systems, lubricants, safety products and service tools, including manual and automatic transmissions, hybrid power systems, clutches, driveshafts, steer and drive axles, brakes, tire pressure management systems and collision warning systems with adaptive cruise control.  Truck makers, dealers, owners and service providers are supported by the Roadranger support team – providing specification assistance, training, service, parts and warranty expertise throughout North America.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2008 sales of $15.4 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; 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 has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com .