Idealease Selects Fuller UltraShift For Medium-Duty Automated Transmission Spec

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation recently announced that the company’s Fuller^® UltraShift^® HV (Highway Value) automated transmission has been named the preferred specification for all future North American medium-duty vehicle transactions at Idealease, Inc., of Barrington, Ill.

According to Wade Lucas, vice president – service and equipment for Idealease, the decision was made because of the significant fuel savings advantages the UltraShift HV achieves when compared to competitive automatic transmissions. “The UltraShift HV transmission is good for our customers, so it is certainly good for us,” said Lucas. “Everyone wants the best possible fuel efficiency and that is what the HV gives you.”

Eaton confirmed that recent tests conducted by an independent firm in accordance with SAE J1526 Joint TMC/SAE Fuel Consumption In-Service Test Procedure, Type III, measured the UltraShift HV transmission against a conventional automatic transmission and determined that the UltraShift HV transmission delivered fuel economy savings of up to 19 percent.

The UltraShift HV is a fully automated transmission system for Class 6 and 7 vehicles with diesel engines in the 195 to 260 horsepower range. The HV is capable of handling torque capacities up to 660 pounds per foot and loads up to 33,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. The UltraShift HV transmission is ideally suited for pickup/delivery, service/utility and recovery applications.

Additional key features and benefits of the UltraShift HV transmission include:

• No scheduled maintenance: no filters to change and a Lubed for Life feature provides lower maintenance and reduced downtime costs.

• Hill assist: automatically minimizes rollback on up to 10 percent grades while the operator makes the transition from the brake pedal to the accelerator, which benefits the driver in both uphill and downhill stop/start situations.

• Modular design: provides more rapid service and reduced service costs.

• Commonality: electronics modules and shift controls used on other Fuller manual and automated transmissions allow service providers to reduce service parts inventories and speed training and certification of technicians

Idealease of North America has served the transportation industry since 1982. With over 400 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Idealease is one of North America’s largest full service transportation companies. The Idealease fleet numbers over 41,000 trucks, tractors, and trailers.

For additional information on Eaton’s UltraShift HV transmission and other Roadranger commercial vehicle components visit www.roadranger.com. To reach Roadranger customer service in the U.S. or Canada, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357). In Mexico, dial 001-800-826-4357. The Roadranger Solution is an unbeatable combination of the best drivetrain, chassis and safety components from Dana Corporation and Eaton Corporation; all backed by Roadranger customer service – the most experienced and accessible drivetrain consultants in the business.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2006 sales of $12.4 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 61,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

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