Since being introduced to the market at the last Brisbane Truck Show, Eaton’s Endurant XD Pro has been making waves in the higher GCM heavy-duty segment.
An 18-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), the Endurant XD Pro is the lowest weight transmission Eaton has built for heavy duty commercial vehicles, largely due to the cast-aluminium casing, and is over 100kg lighter than its predecessor the UltraShift PLUS.
First launched in 2023, it followed the smaller Endurant HD, the 12-speed version launched in 2018, optimised for lighter GCM applications.
As Eaton’s Engineering Manager Adrian Wright explained: “The Endurant XD Pro is best suited to heavy duty trucks, from B-doubles through to road trains. There are over 1000 of these transmissions in service now and the feedback has been really positive.
“One thing we’ve been hearing a lot is that those drivers who had previously preferred a manual transmission have really accepted this AMT because they are so impressed with the way it drives.”
While the initial roll-out of the Endurant XD Pro was predominantly focused on B-double applications on the east coast, it’s now been adopted in a wider range of applications, including AB-doubles and road train applications in some of the harshest terrain in Western Australia. Two years on since its initial launch, the features and benefits of the Endurant XD Pro have been proven out in the field.
As Eaton’s OEM Sales Manager Brad Appleton revealed, many users have been impressed by how the product has helped to improve driver fatigue.
“The constant feedback we are receiving from drivers is how much better they felt at the end of a trip compared to driving a manual – particularly in heavy traffic. If you’re on a Melbourne to Sydney run, there’s a lot of traffic, and that’s where drivers really notice the difference of an AMT over a manual.
“In high traffic situations is where an AMT really comes into its own.
“Along with the positive impacts on fatigue, the Endurant XD Pro delivers consistently good fuel economy.
“These are two points that we’re hearing from users quite often.”
As the transmission’s use has extended from B-doubles and into road trains, Eaton developed a range of performance goals within the transmission. Among these is Heavy Haul. Launched in April 2025, it’s designed to optimise the transmission for those heavier applications, with a particular focus on 100 tonne+ applications.
Eaton Sales and Marketing Manager Stephen Vranesic said, “Heavy Haul takes into account the additional drag of multiple trailers. It changes the way the transmission changes gears to ensure it continues to perform well with the additional trailers and axles you’re pulling behind you.”
Further building on its offering, Eaton has added more PTO options for the Endurant XD Pro. Along with the conventional 8-bolt and 4-bolt rear mount PTOs already available, Eaton has just launched Hot Shift PTO compatibility, which allows on-the-fly engagement, without coming to a stop.
At Eaton’s Brisbane Truck Show stand, the brand will also showcase a new product for the reduced horsepower segment – the newly designed Endurant HD-V 12-speed transmission.
“This is a variant of our previous HD model. At the show, for the first time, PACCAR will have a Kenworth with a 9-litre Cummins engine and Endurant HD-V,” said Brad.
“The reason the HD-V variant is being launched behind this engine combination is for added manoeuvrability and exceptional driveability. If you’re working that truck around the CBD or in metro locations, doing stop-start driving, it provides a really nice option for those applications.”
Like the Endurant XD Pro, the Endurant HD-V also has multiple PTO mounting options, including a new 4-bolt rear mount and the more conventional 8-bolt underneath.
Adding to the launches from Eaton at the Brisbane event is a new Electric Vehicle (EV) transmission and a range of low voltage products including voltage converters.
“Eaton is expanding from its traditional transmission and clutch product lines, which is what we’re known for, and moving into the EV and low voltage space with new options, and they’ll be on the Eaton stand,” said Adrian.
“Eaton will launch a dedicated 4-speed heavy duty electric vehicle transmission at the show. Many people ask why do you need a 4-speed transmission in an electric vehicle? That’s because an electric motor with a 4-speed heavy duty transmission provides equal performance to a 600hp diesel engine with an 18-speed transmission.
“Battery life and battery load are very important in an electric vehicle. Having a 4-speed transmission mated with an electric motor in a heavy duty application provides the ability to manage torque, battery life, battery load, driveability and performance more effectively and efficiently.”
By building on its wider electrical DNA, Eaton is continuing to add value to the commercial vehicle market and mobility space.
Stand: 93
Web: eaton.com