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The UltraShift PLUS AMT became obsolete at the end of 2023. Because it was around a long time – since 2009 – and thousands are in use today, fleet managers and owner/operators like you who are spec’ing new trucks might be wondering what automated transmission they should now use. To answer this question, we sat down with Mike Garrison who leads customer support engineering and applications at Eaton and Eaton Cummins and brings 34 years of expertise to the job.
With ever-changing engine technologies and truck platforms, UltraShift PLUS was not capable of keeping up. That’s why we designed the Endurant family of transmissions. The first Endurant transmission was launched in 2017. The Endurant transmissions are a clean sheet design, meaning they were designed from the ground up to be an automated transmission. This differs from the UltraShift PLUS AMT transmissions which were essentially manual transmissions with a number of components added, including an ECU to automate the shifting and clutch actuation.
Because the Endurant transmissions were designed from the ground up to be automated transmissions, they are more efficient, lighter weight, have better step sizes between the gears, and use more sophisticated controls than the UltraShift PLUS. There is also improved integration with both the engine and clutch with Endurant which translates into improved maneuverability and drivability.
Sure, the UltraShift PLUS has been replaced by Endurant models. There are currently three models: the Endurant HD, Endurant XD, and Endurant XD Pro. In general, fleets with operations focused on linehaul and pick-up & delivery applications will typically use the Endurant HD 12-speed transmission. Fleets needing higher GCW capability or increased ratio coverage, would consider the Endurant XD 18-speed transmission. And finally, for severe service or off-road applications, Endurant XD Pro 18-speed transmission with capabilities such as Rock Free mode would be the right choice.
Fleets who used to run the UltraShift PLUS MHP 13-speed could potentially end up in any of these three Endurant model families – HD, XD or XD Pro depending on their needs and how the vehicle will be used. The walk from other UltraShift PLUS models to the correct Endurant model is more straightforward and we’ll talk about that in a minute.
There are many factors including road conditions, vocation or application, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCW), power take-off (PTO) requirements, and engine horsepower and torque. Let’s review each one in more detail.
First, fleets should consider what road conditions their truck drives on. We classify road conditions into four groups, but the important differentiator is the one defined as off-road. This is a non-maintained area that typically includes sand, soft soil, or muddy conditions. To handle these off-road conditions, the Endurant XD Pro is needed.
Fleets should also consider their vocation when deciding which transmission is right for them. The more severe vocations such as logging or oil field for example include periods of operation in these off-road conditions, and therefore also require the Endurant XD Pro. Similarly, vehicle types like a straight truck with a dump body are expected to operate in off-road conditions. In addition, some vehicle types require specialized operations such as certain construction vehicles, cranes or high railers which likely require the Endurant XD Pro as well.
Next, the GCW can be a determining factor. The Endurant HD has a maximum GCW of 110,000 lbs. The Endurant XD has an upper limit of 166,000 lbs. GCW. The Endurant XD Pro has an unlimited GCW.
For those fleets that use transmission-mounted PTOs, knowing your power requirements is important. All Endurant models have PTO capability. Endurant HD is available with single or dual PTO openings and maximum output of 95 horsepower. Endurant XD and Endurant XD Pro have single or dual PTO openings and a maximum output of 160 horsepower.
Regarding engine power ratings – the Endurant HD is limited to 515 horsepower maximum. The Endurant XD is good for all horsepower ratings but is limited to 1850 lb.-ft. of torque. For torque values above 1850, the Endurant XD Pro is needed.
The first consideration is road use. If you operate off-road, then the Endurant XD Pro is needed. The Endurant XD Pro has a severe duty clutch, off-highway Performance Goal and Rock Free feature to support the harshest conditions.
Next is engine torque. If you have an engine higher than 1850 lb.-ft. of torque, you need Endurant XD Pro.
We offer additional special features on XD Pro that apply to severe service operations. Examples include: Paving mode, High rail mode, Split Shaft PTO, and Rock Free.
Finally, if you plan to operate greater than 166,000 lbs. GCW, the Endurant XD Pro is needed.
We have many resources to help fleets determine the right transmission for their business. Our online Transmission Selector tool, their OEM dealership, and finally, their local Roadranger representative are all great support options.
Your local Roadranger representative can provide support on transmission model recommendations and help answer a wide variety of other questions. Our Roadrangers bring decades of commercial trucking expertise to the field and can collaborate with you individually to find the right transmission for your fleet’s needs. You can find the Roadranger assigned to your area here.
The Roadranger call center is available to assist you with general and technical inquiries. You can contact them toll-free at 1-800-826-4357.
There are many new and exciting features available with the Endurant model families beyond what I was able to highlight here. I would encourage people to review the information available on the product pages:
For additional help with spec’ing, work with your dealer, check out our online Transmission Selector tool or contact your local Roadranger representative.
