Eaton Launches All-New 10-Speed

Eaton Corporation has introduced the first model in an all new heavy-duty transmission line called the Lightning Series. Available in July as a fleet-oriented 10-speed rated at 1650 pound feet of torque (the FRLO-16410C-T2), you’ll see 1450- and 1550-pound foot models by year-end. There will be many more over the years, because this is the company’s new heavy-duty platform.

The Eaton Fuller Lightning does away with the front box/back box tradition that’s been Eaton’s foundation since 1952, which saves 120 pounds compared to the current Super 10. The new design has a single, integrated, all-helical gear package. It’s not only lighter, but also shorter by about four inches, and with 40% fewer parts it’s simpler than current models.

Unique new features include an integrated ECU, built-in oil cooler, and no exposed air lines, but the main selling point may be its driver-friendly nature. It’s a five-hole, no-repeat design with automatic range change and an electric splitter button. The non-repeat pattern means fewer shifts, and there’s a much shorter throw, plus Top 2 automated shifting between 9th and 10th as standard equipment.

We’ve driven it and can tell you it almost wants to shift itself. In fact, the Lightning’s electronics will intervene to prevent starting off in too high a gear, for example, by telling the engine to reduce torque output in such situations.

It may take a while before we see ‘performance’ versions of the Lightning, namely 13- and 18-speed models — maybe as far out as 2004 — though the hardware development for “much higher torque” is well underway.