Eaton Introduces Two New Transmissions
9 April 1999
Eaton Introduces Two New Transmissions
GALESBURG, Mich.--April 8, 1999--The Truck Components Operations of Eaton Corporation recently introduced two new transmissions -- one for the heavy duty market and one for the medium duty market -- that the company says will meet and exceed the trucking industry's growing demand for lighter, more reliable and driver-friendly manual transmissions.Lightning Strikes
The heavy duty platform, tabbed Lightning, has more than 20 U.S. patents issued or pending and represents a dramatic departure from traditional Eaton designs, according to Jeff Romig, manager of worldwide product planning at Eaton. He said the product is 120 lb. lighter than the model it replaces and more than four inches shorter, thereby simplifying installation and maintenance, as well as allowing for larger payloads. It also includes an integral computer that communicates with a vehicle's engine to optimize shifting performance and improve overall vehicle operation and fuel economy.
"The Lightning Series redefines transmission design," said Jeff Romig, manager of worldwide product planning at Eaton. "This introduction is certain to set a new industry standard for transmission performance and new product innovation. The Lightning transmission is the most advanced in the industry in terms of reliability, efficiency, and low cost of ownership, while providing the vehicle operator the most user-friendly manual transmission on the market today."
Production of the first Lightning transmission, which is a 10-speed model with 1,650 lb.ft. of torque capacity, began in March. By year's end, two additional 10-speed models of 1,450 and 1,550 lb.ft. torque capacities will be available.
Standard warranty coverage for the Lightning 10-speed is 5 years/750,000 miles in North America in approved applications with use of an Eaton-approved synthetic lubricant.
Eaton Extends AutoShift(TM) Coverage into Medium-Duty Market
For the third consecutive year, Eaton has expanded its lineup of Eaton(R) Fuller(R) AutoShift(TM) transmissions. The advanced logic, driver-friendly features, fuel economy and performance of AutoShift now are available with a new 6-speed model for medium duty applications.
According to Diane Foppema, market development manager for medium automated transmissions at Eaton, the product represents the beginning of a major initiative at Eaton to expand the company's presence among medium duty markets throughout the world.
The new Eaton Fuller AutoShift 6 Speed has a torque range of 500 - 860 lb. ft., weighs 500 lb. with clutch housing and controls, and initially will be offered with a dash-mounted, push button shift control. Additional shift control options, including steering wheel and T-handle lever designs, are being reviewed for possible introduction later in the year.
Limited quantity production of the 6-speed AutoShift begins in May, with full production runs scheduled for July. The transmission must be ordered with an appropriate electronic engine.
Foppema added that the AutoShift 6-speed would be marketed primarily to vocations where extensive shifting is often required and where professional shifting skills may not be prevalent. These markets include commercial leasing and rental operations, sales and delivery routes, pickup and delivery applications and beverage fleets.
For more information on all Eaton truck components, visit Eaton on the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to Eaton Corporation, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. To call an Eaton Roadranger regional office near you, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357).
The Truck Components Operations of Eaton is the leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of drivetrain systems and components for medium duty and heavy duty commercial vehicles on the American continents. In concert with its manufacturing and marketing partners, principally Dana Corporation, Eaton provides manual and automatic transmissions, clutches, driveshafts, steer, drive and trailer axles, brakes and chassis control systems, and fleet logistics, communications and management.
Eaton Corporation is a global manufacturer of highly engineered products that serve industrial, vehicle, construction, commercial and semiconductor markets. Principal products include electrical power distribution and control equipment, truck drivetrain systems, engine components, hydraulic products, ion implanters and a wide variety of controls. Headquartered in Cleveland, the company has 49,500 employees and 155 manufacturing sites in 25 countries around the world. Sales for 1998 were $6.6 billion. The Internet address for Eaton is: http://www.eaton.com/