Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/699972
24 commercial carrier journal | july 2016 Eaton's UltraShift Plus expands 5700XE's utility W estern Star Trucks will offer Eaton's UltraShift Plus transmis- sion in its aerodynamic 5700XE this fall, allowing the truck to operate with an automated manual transmission in new applications that require power-takeoffs and higher gross combination ratings. The new Eaton Advan- tage 10-speed AMT will be available for the 5700XE in early 2017, with multiple PTO locations. This trans- mission model lineup lets customers spec a 10-speed transmission up to 110,000 pounds gross combina- tion vehicle weight rating, a 13-speed transmission up to 140,000 pounds GCVWR and an 18-speed transmission with no published GCVWR limit. The Eaton announcement was part of a press event Western Star held at Michelin's proving grounds in Laurens, S.C. There, journalists were able to drive three models of the 5700XE – a day cab, a 68-inch high-roof and an 82-inch sleeper. The DD15 engine (14.8 liters, 505 hp) in the two larger units provided ample power for the two maxed-out trailers, and the DT12 AMT was more than responsive. Cabin noise was shock- ingly low, even with the DD15's three-stage engine brake helping to aggressive- ly slow the truck ahead of a turn. – Jason Cannon Western Star's Mike Guarino says designers strove to retain the company's trademark boxy look while still achieving an aerodynamic design that often results in more than 7 mpg. Mack testing zero-emissions-capable port drayage trucks I n partnership with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Mack Trucks announced that it will demonstrate two zero-emissions-capable Class 8 dray- age trucks as part of a California-based heavy-duty truck development project designed to help reduce air pollution at freight-intensive locations throughout the state. SCAQMD will partner with four separate California air quality districts for the project, which is funded through a $23.6 million state grant. As one of the truck manufactur- ers selected to receive funding, Mack will focus on ultra-low nitrogen oxide technologies while advancing plug-in hybrid and geofencing capabilities explored in previous and ongoing projects. Dennis Slagle, president of Mack Trucks, said the project's goals include reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions at ports, rail yards and the freight corridors connecting them. "This unique collaborative effort is aimed at fostering the development of advanced zero-emissions truck technologies that are vital to improving air quality in communities near our busy freight corridors," said Joe Buscaino, Los Angeles City Councilman and SCAQMD board member. "Cleaner truck fleets on our roadways are important for air quality and climate goals and are essential to protecting public health." Mack's efforts will build upon its experiences in designing and demonstrating a plug-in hybrid-electric drayage truck based on a Pinnacle daycab model. The drayage truck was built as part of an earlier SCAQMD-sponsored project and integrates an MP7 diesel engine with a parallel hybrid system and lithium-ion battery pack. Additional lightweight and aerodynamic-enhancing components also were included to extend the hybrid technology's benefits and maximize its zero-emissions range. The truck uses geofencing capabilities similar to those enabled by the GuardDog Connect telematics platform to switch between zero-emissions and hybrid operating modes. When inside the zero-emissions geofence – which includes locations with the heaviest freight traffic, such as a port – the truck operates in pure electric mode. When outside the geofence, such as on the way to a rail yard or distribution center, the diesel engine is enabled, allowing for hybrid oper- ation and battery recharging. – Jason Cannon The Mack drayage truck currently is undergoing evaluation and testing in a drayage fleet at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.