KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Eaton’s automated UltraShift HV (Highway Value) medium-duty transmissions are now available with a new park pawl option designed to simplify driving and help promote safe operation. When the park pawl is engaged, the device is designed to securely lock the transmission, and simultaneously the vehicle’s drivetrain and driven wheels, to ensure that the vehicle remains stationary when parked.

According to Bill Gross, product manager for Eaton’s medium-duty transmissions, the new park pawl option promises to be especially popular for non-commercial drivers because the option creates a driving environment more like that in an automobile than a commercial truck. Accordingly, the park pawl option is only available for medium-duty applications for Class 6 vehicles with gross commercial weight ratings up to 26,000 lbs.

The UltraShift HV models with the park pawl option require an OEM-supplied shifter that replaces the standard pushbutton shift console. It also features the ability to engage the hold mode in any gear for continuous operation on a variety of grades.

“The UltraShift HV models with park pawl have been designed to deliver additional safety features, along with fuel savings and reduced maintenance features already found in the standard UltraShift HV units,” added Gross “These models are intended for Class 6 applications such as pickup/delivery, service/utility and vehicle recovery purposes.”