LOUISVILLE, Ky. – This morning at the first news conference of the Mid-America Trucking Show, Eaton Corp. pulled the wraps off its first fully automatic medium-duty transmission today .
The FO-6406A-ASW transmission has no clutch pedal and is aimed at medium-duty applications and will be priced competitively against Allison MD transmissions, said market development manager Dave Leonard.
“The Eaton Fuller Automatic 6-Speed provides fully automatic operation to minimize driver training and maximize fuel economy and safety,” Leonard said.
According to Leonard, the transmission has been certified for use with Cummins ISB and ISC as well as Caterpillar 3126 engines. Certification is in progress for International and Mercedes-Benz diesels. Production will begin in September with availability first on Freightliner, Sterling and International trucks.
At the same conference, Dana Corp.’s Ride & Control Systems Div. introduced its AdVANtage integrated air-ride trailer suspension module. According to Allen Peacock, chief of engineering-suspension applications for Dana Corp., the air-ride trailer suspension module was designed expressly for van and reefer trailers.
The AdVANtage is offered in tandem ratings from 36,000 to 46,000 lb. Benefits noted include a design that minimizes weight yet maintains strength, a Stay-Align feature to reduce tire wear, and a ride-height lock mechanism to eliminate dock walk.
More information on both product launches can be found at the Roadranger.com web site.
