Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023:
Eaton Cummins’ new AMT now available on vocational Daimler models
The Eaton Cummins Endurant XD AMT is now available in the Western Star 47X and 49X and the Freightliner 114SD Plus.Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies
The Eaton Cummins Endurant XD series automated transmission is now available in select vocational Western Star and Freightliner models, Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies announced Monday.
As part of the Cummins integrated powertrain, Endurant XD and Endurant XD Pro, paired with the Cummins X12 or X15 engine, are available in the Western Star 47X and 49X and the Freightliner 114SD Plus​.
“We offer our vocational customers reliable products that can be outfitted to suit their needs,” said Aaron Scates, vice president of Vocational and Medium Duty Market Development at Daimler Trucks North America. “By offering the Eaton Cummins Endurant XD series transmissions in our Western Star and Freightliner vehicles, our customers will have more options when spec’ing for their specific application.”
The Endurant XD series are purpose-built, 18-speed automated manual transmissions designed for applications with high gross combined weight ratings, such as heavy-haul and double- and triple-trailer tractors, and heavy-duty vocational trucks operating in harsh environments.
The Endurant XD has undergone millions of miles of testing from Australia to Mexico, in a variety of applications including dump and logging trucks. Its design features encapsulate electronics that are protected from the environment and provides operators with oil pressure and temperature information to ensure performance in extreme conditions.
[Related: Eaton debuts long-awaited extreme duty Endurant transmission]
Volvo recalling certain trucks for incorrectly listed axle ratings
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling approximately 53 model year 2024 VN and VHD vehicles equipped with size 295/75 or 385/65 Continental tires on the front axle due to an incorrect vehicle certification label.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the vehicle certification label is incorrect, which Volvo said could result in misuse of the vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Volvo said affected units were built between Jan. 9 and Nov. 3, 2023, and the front axle rating of the certification label is lower than true specification.
Dealers will remove and replace the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 29, 2024. Owners can contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586 with recall number RVXX2314. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-816.
[Related: Volvo recalling trucks over passenger seat issue]
Great Dane makes Stemco axle fasteners standard on all trailers
A new strategic agreement between Great Dane and Stemco to promote safety and simplify wheel-end component installation makes Stemco’s new Auto-Torq axle fastener standard on all Great Dane trailers.
“By incorporating the Stemco Auto-Torq axle fastener, we are removing complexity from our installation process,” said Barry Personett, VP of Product and Sales Engineering for Great Dane. “This works with any industry hub manufacturer, simplifies installation, and extends bearing life by ensuring that the optimum clamp load is applied.”
Introduced to the market earlier this year, Stemco said the Auto-Torq is an innovative axle fastener that eliminates the need for complex processes and specialty tools. It securely applies the optimum clamp load on the bearings every time to minimize wear and maximize service life.
"We are excited to partner with STEMCO on making the Auto-Torq axle fastener standard on Great Dane trailers,” said Chris Hammond, EVP of Sales for Great Dane. “We believe this all-in-one solution will streamline wheel end installation, with an exclusive extended warranty that provides significant value to our customers."
The extended warranty includes eight years parts and labor and will be available to customers starting in January of 2024.
