Eaton Corporation’s UltraShift PLUS automated heavy-duty transmissions have been certified for use with the Westport HD 15-liter high-pressure, direct-injection liquefied natural gas engine (made by Westport Innovations, Inc.), providing a greater range of applications for two-pedal solutions (brake and accelerator) with heavy-duty line haul and heavy-haul applications.
The engines and transmissions, with gross vehicle weight (GVW) ratings up to in excess of 110,000 pounds, are currently available on Kenworth™ T800 and Peterbilt™ 367, 386 and 387 chassis.
“Our newest generation of automated transmissions perfectly complement the Westport engines and are an ideal, environmentally friendly option for a variety of heavy-duty trucking applications because they engage early and do not waste energy,” said Shane Groner, manager – development and product planning North America for Eaton’s Commercial Vehicle Transmissions. “Eaton has been a longtime pioneer of sustainable business practices and very much welcomes this latest certification with the lower emission-producing Westport natural gas engines.”
The certification covers all makes and models of UltraShift PLUS, which now includes eight platforms and more than 50 different models. UltraShift PLUS transmissions are also currently certified with all major diesel engine manufacturers in North America, including Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar, International/Navistar and Volvo.
“The Eaton UltraShift PLUS provides Westport customers with a wider range of transmission options in a solution that’s integrated for product and service,” said Clark Quintin, President, Westport HD. “The UltraShift has been engineered and qualified to meet our high standards, and to perform in the Westport™ HD 15L HPDI engine with excellent performance under the rigors of heavy-duty trucking fueled by liquid natural gas.”
UltraShift PLUS automated transmissions are available for linehaul and vocational use and offer tailored performance and efficiency for given applications. All UltraShift PLUS launches and shifts are automated with the use of a new self-adjusting electronic clutch actuator for fast, smooth engagements. All of the new transmissions also share a Hill Start Aid feature to prevent rollbacks on grades; an oil level sight glass to easily check fluid levels; six- and eight-bolt power take-off availability at no extra cost; Automatic, Manual and Low mode selections; as well as a creep feature for significantly improved maneuverability with continuous low-speed control.