Eaton has launched a new family of UltraShift Plus transmissions designed exclusively for Navistar to maximize fuel efficiency in linehaul applications. Co-released by the two companies and available now, the new 16-speed direct-drive automated mechanical transmissions are designed with a small 17% step between gears to optimize time in a diesel engine’s most efficient RPM zone and to help reduce fuel consumption.

The new UltraShift Plus LSE (Linehaul Small-Step Efficiency) is in production now, initially paired with Navistar’s proprietary MaxxForce 13-liter SCR engines in International trucks, to be followed soon with Cummins ISX15 engines.

Fleets involved with testing the new transmissions have reported fuel economy improvements from 2 to 4%, says Eaton.

The new UltraShift Plus LSE transmission has 16 forward gears and two reverse gears, with an overall ratio of 14.40. The standard warranty is five years/750,000 miles for the transmission and three years/350,000 miles for the clutch. These transmissions use an electronic clutch actuator to provide faster shifting and smoother engagement. The clutch is fully engaged at idle, giving the driver control in challenging situations like parking lots and loading docks.

UltraShift Plus safety features include  auto neutral and Intelligent Hill Start Aid, which prevents roll-back and roll-forward while launching on grades using the truck’s foundation brakes. Automatic, manual and low modes offer drivers full control.