Automatic Transmission suits medium-duty applications.

Press Release Summary:

Original Press Release:

Caterpillar Announces CX28 Automatic Transmission For Medium-Duty Applications

Complements transmissions previously introduced for heavy-duty applications Caterpillar will introduce a new planetary automatic transmission designed specifically for medium-duty on-highway applications. Developed as a totally new design, this transmission will deliver the same reliable, durable performance customers have come to expect from the industry leader in on-highway engines. "For decades Caterpillar has been building planetary transmissions for its construction equipment. We are now leveraging this expertise and applying it specifically to the transmission needs of on-highway customers," said Chris Schena, Caterpillar Vice President, Motion and Power Control Division. "Our first step was introducing the CX31 and CX35 transmissions to vocational truck builders and end users earlier this year. The CX28 is another step forward." The CX28 has six forward speeds and one reverse speed with horsepower up to 400 (298 kW) and torque up to 1,250 lb-ft (1695 N-m). Weight is comparable to currently available alternatives that utilize power take-offs (PTO). The CX28 matches up with the Cat® C7 and C9 diesel engines. Caterpillar will begin production in 2006 with OEM availability to be announced at a later date. "We surveyed OEMs and end users to find out what they wanted and needed in an automatic transmission-their answers included improved performance, more power take-off options, and a single source of service," said Larry Riekert, On-Highway Manager, Caterpillar OEM Solutions Group. "These transmissions are designed to deliver all of these features, giving North American vehicle builders and owners a new choice in automatic transmissions." Power take-off options are a major advantage when specifying an automatic transmission from Caterpillar. This transmission has three power take-off locations: two locations on the torque converter housing (2 o'clock and 8 o'clock) and a new high-output drive at the rear of the transmission. This rear drive can be fitted with a live yoke, a direct drive pump or a clutched adapter. The resulting narrow profile provides excellent packaging flexibility. Cat Transmissions have an electronic control module (ECM) and will use industry standard J1939 communications protocol. Cat parts and service support for the transmissions will be available through Caterpillar authorized facilities. For 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world's infrastructure and, in partnership with its worldwide dealer network, is driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2004 sales and revenues of $30.25 billion, Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. Note to Editors: Caterpillar rolls-out products and services in each of its territories at different time intervals. Although every effort is made to ensure that product information is released only after Caterpillar has received confirmation from our dealer network, our plants, and our marketing subsidiaries that products and services are available in the relevant region, editors are kindly requested to verify with their local dealer for product availability and specifications.