​Eaton Announces New Fluid Service Interval for its Procision™ Medium-Duty Dual Clutch Transmissions for School Bus Applications

GALESBURG, MI … Power management company Eaton has announced an extension to its fluid lubrication service maintenance interval for its Procision line of medium-duty dual clutch transmissions for school bus applications that will lower or even eliminate fluid changes.

The new interval is now 10 years/150,000 miles, a change from 3 years/150,000 miles that was announced when Procision was launched. The new preventive maintenance interval extension is enabled by the unique synthetic fluid used in Procision, the highly capable lifetime sump filter, and relatively low heat generation associated with dual clutch technology.

“This change makes it possible that a school bus fleet may never have to service a Procision transmission depending on their duty cycles,” said Jeff Walker, director, Commercial Powertrain, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “With the average cost of a transmission fluid and filter change of $250, this new extended interval change can save a fleet $583 versus competitive offerings.”

Launched in North America in 2015, Procision is the first medium-duty transmission for Class 6-7 to incorporate dual clutch technology. Eaton employed the dual clutch technology to allow for more efficient acceleration from a stopped position, and to optimize shift points that will efficiently get to the highest gear. When combined with electronic shifting that uses grade, vehicle weight and throttle inputs, the 7-speed transmission lineup delivers 8 to 10 percent better fuel economy than a similarly equipped vehicle with a torque converter automatic.

The smooth, continuous delivery of torque to a vehicle’s wheels under all shift conditions is a key feature that customers across multiple vocational applications have embraced.

Additional features such as Urge to Move and Creep Mode -- which provide best-in-class low-speed maneuverability -- and optional and adjustable Hill Helper technology that prevents roll back or roll forward for up to three seconds while on grades of up to eight percent allowing for a controlled launch, are key for school bus fleets and drivers where starting and stopping and operation on various grades are common. With Procision, any of these features can be turned on and off using Eaton’s ServiceRanger software which is flexibility not offered with competitive products.

The synthetic transmission fluid used in Procision provides component protection while reducing maintenance costs thanks to 150,000 mile lube and filter change intervals. The internal sump filter and electrical system do not require maintenance.

“With the fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, Procision transmissions promise to deliver the lowest total cost of ownership for any medium-duty transmission in the school bus market today,” added Walker. “This is a world-class transmission that helps deliver safe, confident and easy operation for any school bus driver by delivering optimal performance in many driving environments.”

The Procision design life (B-10) is 10 years/400,000 miles. Eaton Procision transmissions for school bus applications have a five-year/unlimited mile warranty.

Like all of its Commercial Vehicle transmissions and clutches sold in North America, Procision is backed by Eaton’s Roadranger network of more than 180 drivetrain professionals who provide solutions, support and expertise to fleets and dealers. For more information visit www.eaton.com/roadranger, where the latest product information is available, as well as service, parts and training assistance, 24 hours a day. Experts are available in the Roadranger Call Center by dialing 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.

Eaton is a power management company with 2015 sales of $20.9 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 96,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.