Are Eaton Ultrashift transmissions reliable?

What is your definition of reliable?

If you want reliable, buy a manual. If you must have automatic buy Allison.

 

The Detroit DT12 reliable. The newer trasmitransns can talk to the truck engine and truck. That help a lot, stuff like keeping the air brakes on untill you pulling the trailer and the computers can turn on the engine brakes between gear shifts helps a lot. Detroit also has a down hill mode that you set the cruise control for any speed you want as low as 30 MPH and the truck and transmission will hold the truck at the speed you set.

I don't think eaton can do that because it's separate from the truck and engine and can't talk to each other.

 

I haven't had any experience with them since 2007 but the only thing they reliably done was give problems. Generally not being able to find the next gear.

 

They are not as reliable as a manual. 90% of the problems are due to wiring which is done by the OEM, not Eaton. So if the truck has good wiring, it would be better. Clutch life is about 60% of a manual because of the way the trans constantly engages and disengages the clutch as you move slowly.

 

Have 14 of them in our fleet. Eaton "sweetened" the deal when ordered the first eight of them. Early issues were ECA's failing, but the Gen 3 ones seem to be holding up fine. Latest common issue has been rail/gear position sensor issues. Pins on harness are spreading due to oil intrusion. Been replacing sensor and re-pinning harness. Would be easier if Paccar would of gave us some access to the XY shifter thru the cab. Quad axle dump yesterday I had to remove fuel tank to replace sensor/repair harness. Driver's seem to like the them, but like the Allison better. Eaton is definitely cheaper to buy, maintain, and overhaul.

 

Because you complained of limited access, Paccar engineers are right now making it harder to get to! LOL!