Dana's Off-Highway Systems Group Introduces New Generation of Transmission Controls

Las Vegas, Nevada -- Mar 15, 2005 -- Dana Corporation’s Off-Highway Systems group announced today the availability of a new generation of Spicer® transmission controls that provide compatibility with Can 2.b communication protocol. 

The new Spicer® ECon™ essential controller and PCon™ powertrain controller are compatible with all Dana transmission designs that include an electric control valve.  Specific functionality provided by the controllers includes automatic shifting, system monitoring, data logging, safety shift inhibits, diagnostics, and single-pedal drive.  The Spicer® ECon™ and PCon™ controllers will be available in the near future for new transmission applications, and will be able to be engineered into existing machines that require added vehicle control capability.

“Many construction vehicles remain in operation for an extended period of time,” said Bob Brazeau, chief engineer of Dana’s Off-Highway Systems group.  “When an older construction vehicle’s engine is replaced with a new tier-two or tier-three engine, a transmission controller like the ECon™ or PCon™ controller becomes a viable option to facilitate electronic control of the entire drivetrain.”

The Spicer® TCon™ transmission controller, ICon™ intelligent controller, and ACon™ advanced controller work with Dana’s TE™ series of transmissions to provide enhanced electronic control capabilities including electronically-modulated clutch engagement and operator-controlled, electronically-modulated inching.

The Spicer® TE15 powershift transmission, to be released in the fourth quarter of 2005, will also be compatible with the new generation of Spicer® transmission controls.  Designed for underground mining, construction, material handling and rough-terrain crane applications, the Spicer® TE15 FLT powershift transmission will replace the highly successful 32000 series and deliver a 15 percent rating (kW/Hp) increase using larger bearings and stronger shafting and gearing.  It will provide the 32000 series’ “same silhouette” to facilitate compatibility with engine compartments and subsequently minimize engineering effort. 

The new line of Spicer® transmission controls also features the RD.120 display unit.  The remote display can be mounted in the vehicle’s cab while installing the larger Advanced Powershift Control ECU elsewhere to maximize space.

About Dana’s Off-Highway Systems Group

Dana’s Off-Highway Systems group is comprised of division facilities and research and development operations in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It designs, manufactures, assembles, and markets axles and transaxles; driveshafts and end-fittings; transmissions; torque converters; electronic controls; and brakes. The group also provides replacement parts and service.

Dana’s Off-Highway Systems group serves more than 1,000 vehicle assembly and manufacturing facilities in 30 countries. It also has two global distribution centers and more than 50 authorized service center locations serving more than 100 countries. Construction, agriculture, forestry, underground mining, material handling, outdoor power, leisure/utility vehicles, and industrial equipment are just some of the markets that demand the quality found in Off-Highway Systems Spicer® products and genuine service parts.

About Dana Corporation

Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle producer in the world.  Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles every year.  A leading supplier of axle, driveshaft, engine, frame, chassis, and transmission technologies, Dana employs 46,000 people in 28 countries.  The company is based in Toledo, Ohio, and reported sales of $9.1 billion in 2004.  Dana's Internet address is www.dana.com.

For more information, please visit www.dana.com/offhighway.