I never fail to be fascinated by the diversity in our beloved industry, especially when it comes to what one single truck manufacturer does in different markets. For example, Biglorryblog learns that Eaton’s UltraShift Highway Value (HV) auto box (that’s it pictured above) will be offered by Hino in the US on their 2009 model year 268A and 338 truck models, “…providing Hino customers significant fuel and operational savings over a conventional automatic.”
The two-pedal UltraShift HV goes in US Class 6 and 7 medium duty trucks with up to 260hp on tap and a GVW of 15 tonnes---and in recent independent tests which saw it pitted against what's described as "a conventional automatic transmission" (and from that I'd guess that would be an Allison) “….the UltraShift HV transmission delivered fuel economy savings from 6-19%, depending on the duty cycle. “
Meanwhile, Nick Vermet, senior vice president, sales, marketing and customer support, Hino Trucks tells BLB: ““Hino trucks have gained the reputation for superior fuel economy and providing owners with a low cost per mile option---adding the Eaton UltraShift transmission to our lineup furthers this position and offers our customers a way to reduce their overall operating cost.”
Ironically I seem to recall that ZF did offer the AS-tronic in the US (under the name of the 'ComfortShift' or "Comfortline" or some such moniker) through a US partner---but ultimately it didn't go very far. Perhaps old worldtruckblog himself Mr Dixon can elaborate?
Meanwhile, click through here for BLB's thoughts on Europe....
So why should I find this fascinating. Well over here the biggest 700 Series (either a tractor or eight-legger) gets a ZF Ecosplit box with no auto option, not even a ZF AS-Tronic.
And the little 300 Series has a manual too. Yet Stateside, autos are on offer…from Eaton. I guess it just goes to show that local markets get local kit. Only I wonder how long before we get a two-pedal box in a Hino tipper or tractor in the UK? And if we do, whose will it be?
Two-Stroke has sent BLB this snippert of news: "The box I think you are referring to is ZF-Meritor Freedom Line - which Volvo have used in the VN and VT, the good news for the US is that Volvo's own I-Shift auto is now available in this truck."
can I the quotation of different types of dump 25 tons and the transport from japan to lubumbashi dr congo via dar es salaam