Westport Innovations has certified the Eaton UltraShift Plus transmission for use with the Westport HD 15L high-pressure direct injection liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine.
The UltraShift is a two-pedal automated heavy-duty transmission with eight platforms and 50 different models, all of which are now certified, Eaton Corp. said.
The engines and transmissions, with gross vehicle weight (GVW) ratings up to in excess of 110,000 lbs., are currently available on Kenworth T800 and Peterbilt 367, 386 and 387 chassis.
“Our newest generation of automated transmissions perfectly complement the Westport engines and are an ideal, environmentally friendly option for a variety of heavy-duty trucking applications because they engage early and do not waste energy,” said Shane Groner, manager – development and product planning North America for Eaton’s Commercial Vehicle Transmissions. “Eaton has been a longtime pioneer of sustainable business practices and very much welcomes this latest certification with the lower emission-producing Westport natural gas engines.”
The UltraShift Plus is available for linehaul and vocational use and offers tailored performance and efficiency for given applications, Eaton said. All UltraShift Plus launches and shifts are automated with the use of a self-adjusting electronic clutch actuator for fast, smooth engagements. They also include a Hill Start Aid feature to prevent rollbacks on grades; an oil level sight glass to easily check fluid levels; six- and eight-bolt power take-off availability at no extra cost; automatic, manual and low mode selections; as well as a creep feature for significantly improved maneuverability with continuous low-speed control.
“The Eaton UltraShift Plus provides Westport customers with a wider range of transmission options in a solution that’s integrated for product and service,” said Clark Quintin, president, Westport HD. “The UltraShift has been engineered and qualified to meet our high standards, and to perform in the Westport HD 15L HPDI engine with excellent performance under the rigors of heavy-duty trucking fueled by liquid natural gas.”
All Eaton transmissions are backed by the Roadranger network.
