Cummins X15 Pt 2: Efficiency Series

Nearly 20 years after Cummins launched ISX, the 2017 version of the engine brings new technology and engineering advancements to market that deliver better performance, better efficiency and lower cost of ownership.

Cummins X15 Pt 1: An Overview

COLUMBUS, IN -- As engine platforms go, Cummins' ISX has to be considered slightly remarkable. It was introduced in 1998, although the program that brought the engine to life began in 1994. It survived the transition to EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and then to SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) aftertreatment. Several other engines did not. And it's still very much alive and kicking today. We spent a day test driving a couple of production-intent versions of the 2017 X15 (as it's now known), and a current ISX15 for comparison.

Isuzu engine durability

Isuzu has increased the B10 rating of its 4HK1-TC diesel engine to about 600,000 kilometers. This is the point where 10% of engines would require a major repair or…

Mack Super Econodyne Direct

Mack has combined its Super Econodyne spec' with a direct drive version of its mDrive Automated Manual Transmission, boosting fuel economy by as much as 1%. The option is designed for trucks with Gross Combination Weights of less than 80,000 pounds and remain in top gear for most of the time.

Extreme-duty poly V-belt

Continental has unveiled a new extreme-duty poly-V belt available in eight-, 10- and 12-ribbed profiles for Class 6-8 trucks.

Allison TC10 automatics for PACCAR

Allison TC10 fully automatic transmissions will be available on trucks including the Kenworth T680 and T880 and Peterbilt 567 and 579 later this year, supporting applications that need up to 1,850 lb-ft of torque and Gross Combination Weights up to 110,000 pounds.

Procision capacities grow

Eaton has expanded Procision transmission market coverage with new horsepower and GVW ratings

Meritor Launches “Most Efficient” Drive Axle Ever

Meritor unveiled its new 14X HE high-efficiency linehaul tandem drive axle on Feb. 26 here at the Technology & Maintenance Council's Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition.

High-efficiency linehaul tandem drive axle

Meritor's new 14XE HE high-efficiency linehaul tandem drive axle has shed 30 pounds from existing 14X models, and improved efficiency by 1.5%.

Lighter driveshaft for downspeeding

Dana is beginning production on its new SPL 350 Lite driveshaft that has been optimized for high-efficiency on-highway and heavy-haul vehicles which rely on downspeeding. It supports axle ratios lower than 2.26:1

Axle ratio for downspeeding

Dana has introduced a new 2.47:1 axle ratio for its Spicer AdvanTEK 40 tandem axle to support downspeeding in linehaul trucks

Cummins X15 extended drain program

Cummins is providing its OilGuard program at no charge for 2017 X15 Efficiency and Performance engines, providing the engine performance data and oil analysis needed to push oil drains up to 80,000 miles (128,000 kilometers) rather than set distances or times.

Eaton Advantage clutch upgrades

Eaton has upgraded its Advantage Series clutches with changes designed to improve durability, reduce vibrations, and enable smoother shifts. And it's reduced the number of part numbers in the process.

Extreme-duty belt

Continental has introduced the Extreme Duty Poly-V belt designed to perform better under high underhood temperatures

New mDRIVE features

Mack's mDRIVE transmission sports Rolling Start and Auto Neutral, two new features designed to boost jobsite performance and safety