The new shifting strategy software is aimed at trucks in construction site environments, and is aimed primarily at the North American commercial vehicle market.
“Fleets have been asking us for better performance on grades and quicker acceleration,” explains Chris Nielsen, manager for global product strategy, vocational and performance transmissions, Eaton Vehicle Group.
Eaton’s gearbox performance enhancement for aggressive gradients has been achieved by incorporating quicker shift times, he explains, adding that they are now 200—300 milliseconds faster.
These allow the engine to come back in at higher rpm. Meanwhile, Nielsen says operators can also expect better start gear selection and improved offset to enable a “stronger launch” in challenging terrains.
Compared to the previous Performance calibration, the new iteration improves acceleration - up to 2.9 seconds faster to 25 miles per hour and up to 5.4 seconds faster to 55 miles per hour, he adds.
In addition, new shift strategy improvements have resulted in better deceleration rates with raised downshift points and improved skip shifting on level ground.