Eaton Corporation recently announced its UltraShift PLUS automated transmissions are an available option on select models of Freightliner Trucks’ Cascadia on-highway Class 8 truck and Volvo Truck North America’s VN series heavy-duty linehaul vehicles with Cummins diesel engines..
The UltraShift PLUS transmission is available on the Cascadia 125 in. bumper to the back of cab (BBC) equipped with the Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15 or DD16 engine, as well as the Cascadia 113 in. BBC equipped with the DD13.
Freightliner and Volvo’s data books have included Eaton’s earlier automated transmission offerings — the AutoShift and UltraShift — as well as Eaton’s Fuller manual transmissions. This latest addition is specific to Eaton’s UltraShift PLUS Linehaul Active Shifting (LAS), Multipurpose High Performance (MHP) and Multipurpose Extreme Performance (MXP) models. Each model family is configured to meet the safety, performance, reliability, profitability and driver comfort needs unique to linehaul applications.
The LAS, MHP and MXP models are available on Cascadia’s in 10, 13 and 18 speeds and up to 2,250 lbs./ft. of torque capacity. Unlimited gross combination weight is available with 18-speed platforms.
Volvo currently offers the LAS, MHP and MXP up to 1,850 lbs./ft. of torque capacity.
Other platforms within the UltraShift PLUS family are exclusively tailored for the demands of offhighway, vocational applications and include the Vocational Construction Series (VCS), Vocational Multipurpose Series (VMS) and Vocational Extreme Performance (VXP) models. The UltraShift PLUS transmission will be available on other on-highway and vocational Freightliner truck models within the year.
All of Eaton’s UltraShift PLUS transmissions, available in overdrive and direct-drive models, feature use of a new self-adjusting electronic clutch actuator 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 allow for a controlled launch;
- Automatic, manual and low mode selections offer control options to the driver;
- A creep feature for significantly improved maneuverability with continuous low-speed control;
- Six- and eight-bolt, as well as thru-shaft power take off (PTO) available; and
- An oil level sight glass to easily check fluid levels.
