Eaton Corporation has expanded the UltraShift Plus line of automated transmissions, including two new vocational models, additional application approvals within a multipurpose platform, and a lower range of torque for its linehaul offerings.

The newly released UltraShift PLUS vocational platforms include the Vocational Active Shifting (VAS) and Vocational High Performance (VHP) models, both designed for linehaul vocational use. The 10-speed VAS platform is available between 1050 and 1650 lb ft as well as multi-torque, and the 13-speed VHP model is available in torque ratings between 1650 and 2050 lb ft.

As well, the Multipurpose Extreme Performance (MXP) model has been approved for additional applications. Previously OK’d for linehaul and heavy-haul use, it’s now also approved for logging, mining, oil-field, construction, city-delivery, refuse and off-road applications. It’s based on the Fuller Super 18-speed transmission, with an unlimited GCW rating and torque up to 2250 lb ft.

Eaton has also released lower torque models of the Vocational Construction Series (VCS) and Vocational Multipurpose Series (VMS) transmissions to include 1050 and 1250 lb-ft versions.

Availability of the UltraShift Plus has further increased as Western Star — joining Freightliner, International, Peterbilt, Kenworth and Volvo– now offers it as a databook option for DD13-equipped 4900 day-cab trucks. It will be available for DD13- and Cummins ISL-equipped Western Star 4700 trucks in January 2012. This follows the recent approval of the transmission with Cummins ISL engines.

All UltraShift Plus transmissions, available in overdrive and direct-drive models, feature use of a self-adjusting electronic clutch actuator. Intelligent shift selection software employs grade sensing, weight computation and driver throttle commands to make shift decisions.