Eaton’s Procision is the first dual clutch transmission for Class 6 and 7 trucks in North America.

My time with a new Procision

Dec. 1, 2014
A hands-on opportunity with Eaton’s new medium duty dual clutch 7-speed transmission.

Eaton, in early September, introduced Procision – its new line of medium duty dual clutch transmissions. It is the first dual clutch transmission for Class 6 and 7 trucks (19,501 lbs to 33,000 lbs gross vehicle weight) in North America.

In late November, the company invited me to the Eaton Proving Grounds in Marshall, Mich., to try one out. I never turn down an opportunity to get hands-on with new technology.

The 7-speed Procision grew out of a “clean sheet” design approach, Alison Thomas, Eaton’s global product strategy manager for medium duty transmissions, informed me. It incorporates Eaton’s lengthy experience with heavy duty transmissions, plus the latest automatic transmission technology.

The Procision is intended to deliver 8 to 10 percent or greater fuel economy than a similarly equipped vehicle with a torque converter automatic, she said, and has more driver confidence features than the competition.


What’s in the box?

The key to the Procision’s advantages, said Jeff Carpenter, engineering manager for Eaton’s new medium duty transmission, is dual-clutch technology. A dual-clutch transmission combines the gear efficiency of a manual with the smooth shifting of an automatic transmission.

Unlike a torque converter automatic, dual-clutch transmission consists of two independent automated manual transmissions, each with its own independent master clutch and input shaft, he explained. Electronically-controlled and hydraulic-actuated gear changes are achieved by pre-selecting the correct gear and “swapping” torque between the two clutches.

The dual clutch design combined with Eaton Dynamic Shifting – which uses grade, vehicle weight and driver demand (throttle input) – provides optimal fuel efficiency and smooth, continuous delivery of torque to a vehicle’s wheels under all shift conditions, and allows for more efficient acceleration from a stopped position, Todd Wood, Procision project manager said. These “smart” features enable the transmission to automatically switch between economy and performance shifts.

Shift points, as well as the economy/performance blend bias, can be customized to meet a truck user’s specific needs. The calibration flexibility is the most ever offered on an Eaton transmission, Carpenter noted.


In the seat

I got to drive two similarly spec’d medium duty straight trucks: 2014 Freightliner M2s, each with a 2014 Cummins ISB 6.7 CM2350A diesel engine rated at 240hp and 560 ft/lbs, and loaded to 21,000 lbs. One truck had a Procision. The other had an Allison 2500 RDS 6-speed with fifth generation controls.

The difference between the two trucks was pronounced, with the Procision-equipped one having many more driver-friendly and driver-confidence features. The Procision’s Hill Helper technology, for example, is a great benefit when stopping and starting on grades. It prevents roll back or roll forward for up to three seconds, allowing for a controlled launch.

I found that Hill Helper, which is optional and adjustable, worked on grades up to 15 percent. I wasn’t allowed to go on the Proving Grounds’ steeper grades due to the snow and ice that covered them.

With the Procision, on a downgrade, once the brake is released, the Urge to Move controls the speed so that I didn’t have to ride the brake going downhill. This technology engages the driveline and enables the driveline braking feature that downshifts the transmission to help slow the truck and increase brake pad life.

For me, the Urge to Move worked on up to 20 percent downgrades. Once again, due to the winter weather, I wasn’t allowed on the Proving Grounds’ more sizeable downhill courses.


Easy does it

Another enjoyable feature of the Procision is the forward and reverse Creep Mode, which, Wood said, provides “best-in-class” low-speed maneuverability. This technology, which allows for controlled low-speed maneuvering, was extremely helpful for backing into a loading dock, in bumper-to-bumper, slow moving, stop-and-go traffic and for traveling in parking lots.

Like the Hill Helper, the Creep Mode is also optional and adjustable using Eaton’s ServiceRanger software. Competitive products do not offer this type of flexibility, said Carpenter.

I also liked the Procision’s Tap Down Shifting. At speeds over 15 mph, when you tap the brake pedal, the transmission automatically downshifts.

The transmission also has shuttle shift. This feature allows a driver to go directly between Drive and Reserve with the push of a button. This comes in handy, say for rocking a truck stuck in the snow back and forth to break it free. (I’m not saying I was.)


Specs

The Eaton Procision has an all-aluminum enclosure, weight 364 lbs, has a 3.2-gal oil capacity and 660 ft/lbs of torque. Its ECM is transmission mounted and there are three standard power take-off openings: passenger side, rear and driver side.

The design life (B-10) of the transmission is 10 years/400,000 miles. The new Eaton synthetic transmission fluid enables 150,000-mile lube and filter change intervals for reduced maintenance costs. The internal sump filter and electrical system do not require maintenance.


Warranty

In commercial vehicle applications, Eaton Procision transmissions carry a three-year/unlimited mile warranty, which covers the complete system, including the dual clutch module. School bus applications receive a five-year/unlimited mile warranty. Extended protection plans are available.

Warranty work may only be performed by an OEM dealer or an Eaton authorized fleet. The transmissions, like all Eaton products, are supported by Eaton’s Roadranger network, which includes more than 200 drivetrain professionals throughout North America who provide solutions, support and expertise to fleets and dealers.


Target vocations

The Procision will hit the market mid-year in 2015 and be available globally in the future, Thomas said. Initially the transmission is being targeted at four vocations: pickup and delivery, recovery and towing, beverage and school bus.

Sponsored Recommendations

Ask the Experts: Boost Profitability by Capturing Body Repair Materials Billables

Quality body repairs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks depend on the use of specialized adhesives, sealers, and other allied materials. Unfortunately, many shops face challenges...

Fleet Maintenance E-Book

Streamline your fleet's maintenance and improve operations with the Guide for Managing Maintenance. Learn proven strategies to reduce downtime, optimize in-house and third-party...

Celebrating Your Drivers Can Prove to be Rewarding For Your Business

Learn how to jumpstart your driver retention efforts by celebrating your drivers with a thoughtful, uniform-led benefits program by Red Kap®. Uniforms that offer greater comfort...

Guide To Boosting Technician Efficiency

Learn about the bottom line and team building benefits of increasing the efficiency of your technicians in your repair shop.