Eaton debuts long-awaited extreme duty Endurant transmission

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Endurant XD transmission
Endurant XD is rated for engines with a maximum torque rating of 1,650 to 1,850 lb.-ft. and is designed for on-highway applications up to 166,000 pounds Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies nearly a year ago teased the debut of a ruggedized version of its Endurant transmission and on Thursday finally pulled back the veil on its new Endurant XD series

A product suite that will include Endurant XD and Endurant XD Pro models, the new series features purpose-built, high-performance automated transmissions designed for on-highway applications with high gross combined weight ratings (GCWR), like double and triple trailers, and severe-duty on/off highway applications, like dump and logging.

Endurant XD is rated for engines with a maximum torque rating of 1,650 to 1,850 lb.-ft. and is designed for on-highway applications up to 166,000 pounds GCWR. 

Endurant XD Series Product Manager Ken Rocker said Endurant XD improves skip shift ability and facilitates smoother shifts compared to previous 13- and 18-speed automated transmissions, and features a Precision Lubrication system for up to 2% better fuel economy than UltraShift PLUS. Additionally, smart features such as new internal oil temperature and fluid pressure sensors help protect the transmission from damage.

Endurant XD proEndurant XD Pro has an unlimited Gross Combined Weight Rating and can be configured with up to six reverse gears.

Endurant XD Pro has an unlimited GCWR, best-in-class PTO functionality, and the longest maintenance intervals in its class (up to 500,000 miles depending on vehicle application). For long reversing distances and deep axle ratios, the Endurant XD Pro can be configured with up to six reverse gears. Endurant XD Pro utilizes Eaton's Extreme Duty clutches, featuring robust components designed for increased durability, improved noise and vibration, in addition to higher thermal capacity for enhanced low-speed maneuverability. 

Unique software features to the Endurant XD Pro include Rock Free, which helps avoid getting stuck in sand, mud or snow by using the accelerator to rock the vehicle free, and the Off-highway Performance Goal – an optimized calibration for operation on natural rolling terrain and soft soil.

Production of the Endurant XD series begins mid- to late-this year. Truck manufacturers are expected to announce availability of Endurant XD series at a later date.

Both models feature a twin-countershaft design with helical gearing and large bearings optimized for higher engine torque. A new 18D ratio set with 20.5:1 overall ratio with small, even steps ensures smooth shifts in all driving conditions. Packaged in a clean, contained design with internal wiring and sensors to minimize exposure and corrosion for improved reliability, the unit weighs in 225 pounds lighter than comparable UltraShift PLUS models. Trucks operating below 110,000 pounds don’t require a transmission cooler.

A new, input shaft driven Power Takeoff (PTO) system delivers power to an eight-bolt bottom mount and four-bolt rear mount that can operate independently of the transmission gear. The four-bolt rear mount features an external pressurized lube port and a large center distance, an alternative when there’s no room for a bottom mount PTO. Total combined PTO capacity is 160 horsepower or 610 lb.-ft. of torque. 

New for the Endurant XD series are Performance Goals, which combine transmission shift points and clutch calibrations with unique software, allowing operators to tailor transmission performance to the job at hand. 

Rocker said the XD series will be available alongside the UltraShift PLUS MXP, adding "the products will coexist for some time. The Endurant XD series transmissions do target the same space," he said, "and as more integrations occur with OEMs and engines, [we] expect customers will migrate to the newer platform."

Jason Cannon has written about trucking and transportation for more than a decade and serves as Chief Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. A Class A CDL holder, Jason is a graduate of the Porsche Sport Driving School, an honorary Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Reach him at [email protected]