Allison's TC10 transmission combines a torque converter with a sophisticated 10-speed mechanical gearbox
to achieve easy starts and smooth, fast shifting. To be available in about a year, the TC10 will provide performance and fuel economy superior to that of competitors' products, company representatives said.

More properly called TC10 TS (for tractor series), it will be aimed primarily at short-haul and regional tractors that run on-highway but see a lot of gear shifting, as well as some vocational tractors that don't go off road.

As a transmission for Class 8 tractors, the TC10 will complement but not replace Allison's fully automatic 4000 RDS (rugged duty series) transmissions that see on/off-road service in straight trucks.

Along with "torque converter," TC in the name also means "twin countershaft," the main gearbox's mechanical layout. Power flow alternates among the counter- and main shafts, depending on what gear it's in.

Engine power is continuously delivered via wet clutches: five in the main 5-speed gearbox and two in the 2-speed range box. The range box also uses planetary gears and a synchronizer for forward to reverse shifts. "Power shifting" means a constant flow of power and torque during gear changes, which contributes to brisk acceleration and fuel savings.

It will initially be rated for use with engines making up to 600 horsepower and 1,650 pound-feet. A higher torque rating will follow.

www.allisontc10.com

Meritor unveiled the newest suspension family members - the MTA25 (25,000-pound capacity) and MTA30 (30,000-pound capacity) - to its product line of trailing-arm air ride trailer suspension systems.

The suspensions are designed for North America truck and trailer operators in various vocational markets. Both are available with the company's new optional lift kit. This is a quick-response system that lets MTA users efficiently raise select axles, which improves maneuverability and extends tire life. Available in painted or galvanized finishes, the lift kit attaches easily and can be installed as original equipment or field retrofit.

www.meritor.com

Brake Machinery Sales says it has developed a radically improved truck brake shoe system.

The BMS GripRite system coordinates the functions of six separate machines into an integrated solution that can cut the time it takes to remanufacture a brake shoe from 60 seconds to 15 seconds, according to the company.

The new system better integrates the cleaning machine, de-riveter machine, shot-blast machine, the prep & paint station, the coining machine (optional), and the riveter/re-liner machine.

According to the company, the new system will result in a higher- quality, more consistent, longer-life brake shoe, with half the labor input and a 25% lower cost.

www.brakemachinery.com

GreenMan Technologies' American Power Group subsidiary has government approval for a clean alternative-fuel vehicle and engine conversion program involving the 2004 Caterpillar C15 engine family.

The Environmental Protection Agency approved APG's submission for an Outside Useful Life Heavy Duty program. It uses APG's latest V5000 dual fuel turbocharged natural gas design.

This first OUL Heavy Duty Diesel EPA approval gives APG a path for additional submissions of conversion programs for an array of heavy-duty aftermarket diesel truck engines.

APG's aftermarket dual fuel system converts diesel engines to seamlessly displace 40% to 60% of the normal diesel fuel consumption with compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, pipeline gas, well-head gas, or bio-methane gas, for an average net fuel cost savings of 20% to 30%, according to the company.

APG's system is non-invasive to the OEM engine and operates within all OEM performance controls, with the flexibility to return to 100% diesel operation at any time.

www.americanpowergroupinc.com

The Bosch heavy-duty Long Haul Extreme brushed alternator is designed to provide superior power output on the road and at idle as well as increased battery life and significant fuel savings.

The alternator eliminates the need for brushless technology, has a longer life and weighs up to 34% less than brushless alternators, according to the company.

The Long Haul's high charge rate at lower engine rpm prolongs battery life by reducing deep cycling. Two versions produce, respectively, 170 and 200 amps at 6,000 alternator rpm operating output, and 120 and 122 amps at 2,000 alternator rpm.

heavyduty.boschautoparts.com

Dana announced a new line of SVL drivetrain components. Designed for older (post-warranty) vehicles, SVL products offer quality replacement parts for vehicles with lower usage cycles.

The SVL product line will initially launch in North America and feature universal joints for the light- and commercial-vehicle markets, and ring and pinion gear sets for heavy-duty applications.

Shortly following the launch, Dana will begin offering SVL-branded light-duty axle components.

Additional components and regional availability will be determined based on market demand.

www.svlparts.com

Marathon Brake released a premium-grade HeatStar20 brake lining, rated for 20,000-pound axle loads. The linings are ideal for a wide range of over-the-road hauling applications, says the company.

Marathon's HeatStar20 formulation provides a long-life friction material that lowers cost per mile and reduces overall brake maintenance costs. High-density friction improves the lining's ability to efficiently handle heat, the most critical component in a friction material's fade, recovery and wear.

HS20 meets federal regulations for brake effectiveness, fade and recovery.

www.marathonbrake.com

Alliance Truck Parts added an EZ-Assist clutch designed for work truck applications that require severe torque transfer for extremely heavy loads.

The EZ-Assist line of clutches require 35% less pedal effort than traditional cast angle spring clutches to engage and disengage, which means less leg fatigue. EZ-Assist clutches are available in torque ratings of 1,400, 1,650, 1,850 and now 2,050 pounds-feet.

www.alliancebrandparts.com

Eaton increased the availability and coverage of its Reman transmissions through the addition of a new Flex Reman line.

Both Eaton's standard and Flex Reman models are made entirely with genuine Eaton technology and are performance-tested to Eaton standards. However, the Flex Reman transmissions differ from Eaton's standard Reman transmissions in three key ways:

- No clutch housing (shipped with new gasket);

- Standard shift bar housing (forward shift bar housing available);

- Cover a range of torque.

www.roadranger.com

Kinedyne introduced a new line of professional-grade tarp ties, designed for strength, durability and toughness regardless of workload, weather and environmental factors.

The Polar Natural Rubber Tarp Tie with the blue logo was designed to withstand frigid temperatures and sev