Introduced March 10 at TMC’s Annual Meeting in Nashville, the package is expected to deliver 3 to 6 percent fuel economy improvement, lower preventive maintenance costs and total lifecycle cost improvements, according to the companies.
The new product combines an Eaton Fuller Advantage series automated transmission with new Cummins ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings. The product will be available in the fall of 2013 for linehaul, regional haul and less-than- truckload (LTL) applications.
Executives from both companies say this product announcement is the result of a long standing collaboration between Eaton and Cummins. The powertrain package promises to deliver a more fuel efficient, reliable and robust powertrain package, the businesses say.
“Cummins and Eaton have had an extensive technical and business relationship over the years, in which we have collaborated on powertrain solutions for the North American on-highway markets that we serve,” says Lori Thompson, Cummins vice president – truck and bus OEM business. “This latest chapter in our partnership combines some of the best technologies from both companies, and makes them smarter, delivering the level of fuel economy improvements that our customers have come to expect.”
“The collaboration between the Eaton and Cummins teams has resulted in a superior powertrain package with which both fleet owners and professional drivers will be thrilled,” adds Tim Sinden, president – North American truck operations, Eaton’s vehicle group. “The level of integration between this transmission and engine is best in class in the North American heavy-duty truck market.”
According to the companies, the Eaton Fuller Advantage series automated transmission will be offered as a small ratio step Over-Drive model with new Cummins ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings: the ISX15 415 ST2, with torque of 1450 lb.-ft. to 1650 lb.-ft. (1966-2237 N•m), and the ISX15 450 ST2, with torque of 1550 lb.- ft. to 1750 lb.-ft. (2012-2373 N•m).
Through a combination of hardware and software enhancements, Eaton and Cummins say the powertrain package benefits include:
- Integrated power, fuel and shifting strategies to provide 3 percent to 6 percent fuel economy improvement for linehaul and regional haul applications.
- Optimized engine and transmission communications and new control logic that enable further engine downspeeding in the overdrive position, and the effective use of direct drive technology in operational conditions required for a blend of perfect efficiency.
The powertrain package is currently undergoing field testing with various sized fleets, and initial testing and customer validation results are confirming the 3 percent to 6 percent fuel economy improvement. Cummins and Eaton say customers can rely on the proven service support offered today through Eaton’s Roadranger program and Cummins network when the powertrain package goes into production in the fall 2013.
