Eaton Corp., Kalamazoo, Mich., unveiled its first fully automatic, medium-duty transmission-the Eaton Fuller Automatic 6-Speed.
The new transmission is intended for medium-duty applications, and will be offered in two torque capacities. The FO-6406A-ASW is rated to 660 lb-ft, and the FO-8406A-ASW is rated to 860 lb-ft. Both products will be offered for limited-quantity release in July, and are slated for volume production in September.
Eaton’s approach was to use a trusted, reliable base mechanical transmission, and apply electronic and mechanical automation.
Building upon Eaton’s very successful AutoShift “3-pedal” heavy and medium-duty transmissions, the new automatic utilizes the popular, industry-proven Eaton Fuller FSO Series 6-speed manual transmission as its foundation.
The Eaton Fuller Automatic uses an oil-cooled, electro-hydraulically actuated clutch in place of a dry, pedal-actuated clutch. The automatic clutch is linked electronically to the ECU and shift controls. An exclusive “urge-to-move” feature improves low-speed maneuvering, and assists in providing a responsive launch.