Allison builds 1 millionth 1000/2000 Series transmission
Allison Transmission recently presented its 1 millionth 1000/2000 Series transmission to a Navistar representative at Allison’s world headquarters. The company said its fully automatic transmissions with torque converter technology provide superior vehicle performance, increased productivity, reduced driveline wear and tear and lower overall vehicle life cycle costs.
Operational advantages: Powerplant components
“One thing fleet managers have learned,” says Darry W. Stuart, principal at DWS Fleet Management Services, an independent, limited-time executive transportation and fleet management business, “is that their choices may be limited when it comes to spec’ing certain vehicle components.” For example, Stuart points out that due in part to the need to enhance aerodynamics,
Allison Transmission optimized for 2010
Allison Transmission Inc. has announced the new and improved features for its 2010 transmissions. Allison’s load-based shift scheduling (LBSS) feature will include a Super Economy Shift Schedule. This enhancement allows Allison LBSS to up-shift under cruising conditions to further improve fuel economy, the company reported. The transmission will continue to automatically select between economy and performance shift schedules based on the vehicle’s actual payload and the grade on which it is operating. LBSS is available on all Highway Series, Pupil Transport/Shuttle Series, Rugged Duty Series and Bus Series models. Super Economy Shift Schedule is available with SEM/LRTP capable engines.
Parker Chelsea has new PTO for Ford trucks
Parker Chelsea, a power transfer solutions provider to the work truck market, announced its new 248 Series power take-off (PTO) unit designed specifically for the 2011 Ford Super Duty Trucks. This truck features Ford’s new Torque Shift 6 automatic transmission with the engine driven gear. The combination of the new Chelsea PTO and the new Ford transmission provide an unprecedented torque capacity of 200 lbs.-ft., according to Parker Chelsea.
Allison introduces heavy-duty 2nd Reverse
For the 2010 model year, Allison Transmission introduces 2nd Reverse, available on all Allison 4700 and 4800 models.
This new feature offers a second “deep reverse” in addition to the standard reverse and, according to the maker, will provide greater control and engine braking during operation on steep grades. It will also enable more maneuverability when operating in confined spaces, Allison added.
A vehicle in 2nd Reverse will have a slow creep capability with high engine speeds.
Remedy for driveline issues
Spec’ and maintain a quality driveline and when servicing, stick to quality parts
SKF introduces unitized pinion seals for heavy-duty applications
SKF recently announced the availability of SKF unitized pinion seals for heavy-duty applications. The seals reduce temperature at the sealing lip, promote error-free installation and extend service life, according to the maker.
For fuel efficiency: Automatic/automated transmissions
For an increasing number of on-highway fleet operations, automatic and automated manual transmissions are becoming standard specifications.
Fuel economy safety: Adaptive cruise control
No longer an option on commercial vehicles, cruise control systems have become a standard capability of electronic engines.
New Recaptured Energy Technologies system can be retrofit
Recaptured Energy Technologies has developed a new hydraulic braking and propulsion system for fleet, commercial and transit vehicles that can be retrofit to existing vehicles. The system captures wasted brake energy from frequent braking and converts it to an auxiliary source of energy to power the vehicle, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing harmful emissions, its maker said.
The lure of easy shifting
Automated manual transmissions continue to evolve and gain greater acceptance
Stay in the sweet spot
Take advantage of technology and operating practices that can help minimize the impact of escalating fuel prices