Power management company Eaton recently revised its line of synthetic lubricants with new specifications, labeling and a new name. All of the initiatives are intended to help customers identify and use the proper lubricant to ensure the best possible performance of medium- and heavy-duty transmissions and other commercial vehicle components.
Two new specifications have been introduced – one for newer model Eaton heavy-duty manual and automated transmissions, and one for medium-duty Procision transmissions. The entire lubricant portfolio has also been rebranded, and package labels have been redesigned to help ensure the current generation of products and specifications are easily identifiable.
"Lubrication plays a vital role in keeping trucks on the road," said Donna Mosher, Eaton's engineering technical specialist. "So we've raised the bar to meet and exceed customer demands for fuel efficiency, extended drain intervals and improved performance."
Replacing the decade-old PS-164rev7 specification is the new Eaton PS-386 specification, which is backward compatible and mandatory for Fuller Advantage Series (FAS) transmissions, high-torque models, all automated units and extended protection plans. Initial tests have demonstrated fuel-economy improvements of 1.5 percent on non-Fuller Advantage Series transmissions.
The new Eaton PS-278 specification has been specially formulated for the wet dual-clutch design of Procision transmissions and should not be used in other Eaton transmissions.
To alleviate confusion surrounding the use of approved fluids, the new colorful labeling system features gold/yellow logos identifying all PS-386 lubricants, as well as light-green logos identifying PS-278 containers. Eaton also is making available light-green dipstick tags for Procision transmissions.
"There often is confusion about what the right lubricant is for a particular transmission," added Mosher. "We've made it simple, by either purchasing Eaton-branded lubricants or looking for the new 'Eaton-approved lubricant' logo on the package. Taking one of these steps will reduce the risk of having the improper lubricant for your transmission."
The Eaton-branded lubricant portfolio now includes two axle fluids (FE 75W-90 and 80W-140), a multi-purpose grease and two transmission fluids.
For more information, visit www.eaton.com.