Power management company Eaton has expanded the company’s lineup of UltraShift PLUS automated transmissions for vocational applications through enhanced split shaft power take-off (PTO) capabilities. The enhancements now allow for transmission gear selection and clutch control outside of a vehicle’s cab.
Eliminating the need for operators to enter and exit the cab to change transmission gears enhances job-site efficiency and helps reduce fatigue. Based on vehicle application and body builder design, the transmission also allows for the use of all transmission gear ratios for PTO minimum and maximum drive gears.
The UltraShift PLUS additions have been designed to increase the productivity of vehicles and operators in a variety of on/off-road vocations, including vehicles ticketed for mining operations, oil field work, hydro excavating and trucks used in vacuum operations.
“Prior to these new enhancements, the only way to engage the split shaft PTO was from inside the cab,” said Ryan Trzybinski, product planning manager for Eaton. “Now operators have remote clutch and remote shift capabilities from a panel outside of the cab along with the existing remote throttle.”
The remote shifting capabilities adhere to SAE J-1939 commands. Transmission shifting may also be performed during split shaft PTO operation.
Production of UltraShift PLUS transmissions with the split shaft PTO feature additions begins this month. The standard UltraShift PLUS warranties, which are dependent on application, remain the same for this newest application of automated transmissions.
All Eaton UltraShift PLUS transmissions feature self-adjusting electronic clutch actuation for fast, smooth engagements. Intelligent shift selection software employs grade sensing, weight computation and driver throttle commands to make shift decisions for efficient, safe and profitable vehicle performance.
Other benefits include:
- A Hill Start Aid feature to prevent rolling while on steep grades and allowing for smoother vehicle launches.
- Automatic, manual, and low mode selections that offer drivers better control.
- A Creep feature for significantly improved maneuverability with continuous low-speed control.
- Six- and eight-bolt, as well as thru-shaft, power take off options.
- An oil sight glass to easily check fluid levels.
