Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies has introduced the new Endurant 12-speed automated transmission, a 1,850 lb.-ft. capable heavy-duty transmission. Designed for linehaul applications, Endurant weighs up to 105 lbs. less than competitive automated manual transmissions (AMTs). Endurant is the first automated heavy-duty transmission to be introduced as part of the newly formed joint venture between Eaton and Cummins.
“It is important to note that Endurant is not an automated variant that has been adapted from a manual transmission,” said Gerard DeVito, vice president, Technology, Eaton Vehicle Group. “Endurant was designed, engineered and created from a clean sheet to be an automated transmission, not simply an update to an AMT, allowing us to optimize the transmission’s weight, dimensions and features.”
The making of Endurant included valuable input from specially formed Customer Councils, Driver Councils and Service Councils – a list of fleet customers in various locations with different wants and needs in a transmission. These groups helped identify features that are most important and useful to best accomplish their day-to-day jobs, according to the manufacturer.
In terms of reliability, Eaton Cummins vehicle testing program put Endurant through extreme conditions at the Eaton Proving Grounds in Marshall, Mich., in the high-heat of Death Valley, CA, and minus 40-degree temperatures in northern Minnesota. This testing regimen resulted in more than two million equivalent field test miles. Additional features and benefits, according to the manufacturer, include:
• Internal electrical system routing that minimizes exposure and corrosion to wires and connectors for improved reliability;
• A new smart prognostics feature provides clutch replacement notification to better plan maintenance scheduling;
• An industry-exclusive transmission fluid pressure sensor notifies drivers of low oil levels to provide burn-up warranty coverage;
• Smooth and intuitive shift strategies that enhance the operator’s driving experience;
• Predictive shifting using look-ahead technology to execute shift decisions that improve fuel efficiency and provide additional driver comfort;
• A standard, 8-bolt PTO opening that improves future resale value.
Addressing maintenance requirements was taken into account when designing Enduran and are seen in the following features:
• 750,000-mile lube change intervals for linehaul applications;
• A maintenance-free 430mm self-adjust clutch that requires no grease;
• Endurant requires only 16 pints of oil;
• A replaceable input shaft sleeve allows for affordable and quick repair.
Like all automated transmissions from the Eaton Cummins joint venture, Endurant is available with IntelliConnect, a telematics capable system that provides near real-time monitoring of vehicle fault codes, prioritizes the critical events and provides accurate and comprehensive action plans by technical experts at Eaton.
Endurant will be paired with the Cummins X15 Efficiency Series engine beginning in October for Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks. The Endurant automated transmission is also a variant of the newly announced PACCAR automated transmission, which was specifically designed and integrated into the PACCAR MX engine lineup.
The standard Endurant transmission warranty is five-year/750,000 miles for linehaul commercial vehicles, and three-year/350,000 miles for the clutch. One-year and two-year extended protection plans are also available. Endurant’s maximum operating weight (GCVW) is 110,000 lbs. (49,895 kg); and maximum horsepower is 510 HP (375 KW).
