Power management company Eaton has announced that an optimized version of its Fuller Advantage Series Automated 10-speed transmissions will be available on select Paccar trucks with the Paccar MX-13 diesel engine.
This powertrain package, intended to maximize fuel efficiency in linehaul applications, “is lighter in weight, provides professional drivers with smooth, automated shifting and is designed to enhance the time spent in a diesel engine’s most efficient rpm zone to help reduce fuel consumption,” says Tim Sinden, president of Eaton’s North American truck operations.
“We are excited to partner with North American truck manufacturers to deliver integrated powertrain solutions,” he adds. “Providing our fleet customers with enhanced, optimized powertrain choices, such as this one with Paccar, is what Eaton believes benefits the marketplace, and we are confident this new offering will be well received by professional drivers.”
For Paccar, the MX-13 engine will be paired with the new Eaton Fuller Advantage 10-speed transmission and is available for Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks in long-haul and regional applications. (Paccar is the parent company of Kenworth and Peterbilt.)
By sensing the vehicle load and selecting the best shift points to match vehicle weight and road grade throttle position, this powertrain package can save up to 2 percent in fuel economy, notes Sinden.
Transmission upgrades
A new Precision Lubrication system represents one of the most important upgrades in the Fuller Advantage Series, Sinden says. The system reduces the oil churn energy losses found in traditional transmissions by nearly 33 percent.
With less heat being generated, the Fuller Advantage Series transmissions do not require a cooler and corresponding lines and fittings. The result is less preventative maintenance is required, and the engine fans cycle less, further reducing horsepower demand.
In addition, small-step technology enables downspeeding in overdrive and efficiency in direct drive. Optimized shifting is based on grade, vehicle weight, engine torque and throttle position.
Significant weight savings – up to 82 pounds with no sacrifice to strength – has also been achieved with the new Fuller Advantage Series transmissions. A thin-wall cast-iron main case design is complemented by the strategic use of aluminum for the shift bar housing, auxiliary section cover and range cylinder.
All Fuller Advantage Series transmissions have a standard warranty of five years/750,000 miles. The Advantage Series clutch is warranted for three years/350,000 miles.
Extended protection plans are also available.
Other features
Additional features of the Fuller Advantage Series Automated Transmission include:
- Error-free, automated shifting due to the use of an Electronic Clutch Actuator (ECA) which offers “unprecedented performance,” including gradeability and low-speed maneuverability.
- Auto Neutral automatically switches into neutral once the parking brake is engaged to prevent potential movement.
- Hill Start Aid prevents roll back or roll forward. When a grade exceeds 3 percent, foundation brakes hold truck for up to three seconds for a controlled launch.
- Extended oil drain interval of 500,000 miles before the first scheduled transmission oil drain service for linehaul applications rated at 80,000 lbs or less.
- Oil level sight glass for reduced preventative maintenance downtime.
- Standard eight- and six-bolt power takeoff openings.
- Ten forward speeds and two reverse.
- Capabilities: gross combination weight ratings up to 80,000 lbs; 110,000 lbs pending.
- Torque capacities from 1,150 to 1,850 ft/lbs.
All Eaton products are backed by the Roadranger network, which includes more than 200 drivetrain professionals throughout North America.
