december2022 - 33

" These fluids have been trending down in
viscosity and may also have the viscosity noted
in different ways, " Bowles pointed out. " You might
see an SAE 75W-90 or an SAE 40, and both may be
similar viscosities. Technicians must be observant
and not confuse 75W-90 axle fluid or gear oil with
a 75W-90 AMT fluid. That's because the axle fluid
or gear oil typically has EP (extreme pressure) additives
that may not be recommended
with the components
found in transmissions. "
As for automatics in the
MD segment, Bowles recommended
looking for an Allison
668-approved fluid, as Allison
has significant market share in
the market.
Speaking of 668-approved
fluids, Bowles said technicians
should also realize that
a TES 668-approved fluid is
backward-compatible with
the older TES 295 specification.
This is one area where
fleet maintenance facilities
can consolidate transmission
fluids by simply going with
a TES 668 for both newer
and older Allison automatic
transmissions, such as Citgo's
SynDurance 668 ATF.
Electric slide
Regardless of how fast the
industry shifts to EVs, fleet
technicians do need to be
prepared because EVs are on
the rise, as evidenced by the
growth in the medium-duty
segment. But that doesn't mean
technicians should become
overwhelmed with anxiety.
" One key benefit of EV
transmissions is that technicians
and fleets already have
all of the tools and knowledge
required to service them, " said
Matt Deschaine, global product
strategy manager for clutch
and light-duty transmissions
at Eaton. " Eaton's heavy-duty
EV transmission-with its four
forward gears, no back box, no
clutch, and no clutch actuator-has
greatly simplified the
overall drivetrain service strategy.
The transmission will only
need an oil change on a preventive
maintenance schedule and
regular troubleshooting in case
of a failure. "
Allison's eGen Power
family of fully electric axles,
introduced in 2020, currently
consists of four models. The
eGen Power 100D is specifically
designed for heavy-duty
trucks such as 6x2 tractors.
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we build solutions that equip you for more efficient repairs and maintenance. From the
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products the best in the industry.
You might find that you pay a little more for our products, but they're safe, dependable
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We have several Gray Products. When
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The 100S is a single-motor variant designed for
heavy-duty 6x4 tractors and heavy-duty straight
trucks as well as medium-duty trucks and school
bus applications.
Whichever solution is spec'd, Harbin said electrified
drivetrains generally require less maintenance
than a conventional transmission. That is
because systems like Allison's eGen Power e-Axles
replace the traditional axle, engine, and transmission
by combining them into one system. While
some maintenance is needed, there are fewer
moving mechanical components, resulting in less
friction and wear.
" In addition, unlike conventional drivetrains,
Allison's e-Axles do not require regular fluid and
filter maintenance, " Harbin pointed out. " Depending
Your Shop Equipment Solution
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December 2022 | FleetMaintenance.com
33
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december2022

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