Cummins' Meritor RPL35+ driveline enhances uptime for heavy-duty trucks
Cummins' new Meritor RPL35+ driveline is designed to improve heavy-duty truck uptime by handling higher torque, reducing maintenance, and simplifying service.
21,600 lb-ft
up to 28 lbs
What Happened
Cummins has introduced the Meritor RPL35+ driveline, a system designed to handle up to 21,600 lb-ft of torque for Class 8 powertrains, particularly as fleets adopt super-fast axle ratios that improve fuel efficiency but increase torque demands. The driveline is sealed from the factory to eliminate routine lubrication, reducing maintenance labor and material costs. It also comes with a longer warranty than traditional drivelines, adding value for fleets focused on uptime and operating efficiency.
21,600 lb-ftlb-ft
Supports today's Class 8 powertrains and super-fast axle ratios.
- Weight reduction of up to 28 pounds for easier handling and reinstallation.
- New enhanced wing style coupling yoke eliminates traditional flange connections, reducing part count and complexity.
- Hollow spline sleeve replaces solid steel design, reducing mass and eliminating need for a diaphragm.
- Standardized components with wing bushings common across Permalube RPL series simplify assembly and service.
In production, Cummins balances drivelines to a G16 balance grade for smooth operation at highway speeds. The use of involute splines increases contact area for smoother operation and improved noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance, helping extend component life. These design choices aim to keep heavy-duty trucks on the road and working productively.
Why this matters
Reliable drivelines are crucial for fleet productivity; the RPL35+ aims to reduce unplanned downtime and maintenance costs for heavy-duty trucks.
Terms in This Story
- driveline
- An assembly of components that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.
- super-fast axle ratios
- Lower numerical axle ratios that reduce engine RPM at cruising speeds to improve fuel efficiency.
- involute splines
- Splines with a curved tooth profile that provide greater contact area for smoother operation and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.