Eaton’s UltraShift PLUSEaton has added two new options to its UltraShift PLUS and Fuller Advantage automated manual transmissions.
The new “Urge to Move” and “Blended Pedal” features were added to enhance low-speed maneuverability when backing into a loading dock or maneuvering a construction job site, Eaton says.
Both options are available at no charge and are configurable with ServiceRanger 4, Eaton’s PC-based diagnostic and service tool. It will be available in the “standard” and “professional” packages by the end of the year.
Urge to Move allows the truck to start moving when the transmission is in gear and the driver releases the service brakes. After the vehicle has launched, it will move slowly at a constant speed at engine idle without applying the accelerator, similar to the system in passenger vehicles.
Blended Pedal allows the driver to directly control clutch engagement at engine idle through accelerator positioning, and it enables movement at different speeds.
“Both Urge to Move and Blended Pedal allow for controlled motion, controlled discharge of payloads, and more controlled operation when launching the vehicle,” said Evan Vijithakumara, product strategy manager for Eaton. “Blended Pedal delivers a level of fine control that, until now, has been exclusive to manual transmissions. The end result blends three-pedal operating performance at low speeds with all the benefits of our latest driver-friendly two-pedal automated technologies.”
An electronic clutch actuator allows for increased functionality of the AMTs through smoother, more precise shifting at low speeds. The actuator quickly pulls back the clutch bearings, disengages and re-engages the clutch, to perform shifts regardless of engine rpm.
Urge to Move and Blended Pedal are available on all models of UltraShift PLUS transmissions and Fuller Advantage automated transmissions, including the SmartAdvantage powertrain and the integrated powertrains from International and Paccar.
