January 8, 1999

Eaton Introduces Tilt Column Steering Option for Increased Operator Comfort

EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA - Eaton's Hydraulics Division has introduced a tilt column option for its line of steering control products that increases operator comfort and contributes to productivity.

The Eaton tilt column was developed in response to the growing trend of bringing some of the same comforts to off-road equipment that are present in automobiles. To enhance operator comfort, the tilt column can be tilted a total of 40 degrees from the farthest front position to the farthest rear position. The forward and backward tilt parameters are 20 degrees each. It features five positions: two back, one center and two forward. The tilt column is engaged with a spring-release lever which can be mounted on either side of the column for additional flexibility.

Standard jacket lengths above the pivot point include 127,0 mm [5.0 inches] and 190,5 mm [7.5 inches]. Standard jacket lengths below the pivot include 101,6 mm [4 inches], 127,0 mm [5 inches] and 546 mm [21.5 inches]. Other jacket lengths are available. Rated steering shaft torque is 81 Nm [60 lb-ft].

Typical applications include: wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, lift trucks, tractors, sweepers and other utility vehicles.

Eaton's Hydraulics Division manufactures and markets worldwide a complete line of hydraulic components for mobile and industrial products. Its products include Char-Lynn^® low-speed, high-torque motors and hydrostatic power steering, Eaton light, medium and heavy duty hydrostatic transmissions, piston pumps and motors, radial ball piston pumps, hydrostatic transaxles, gear pumps and motors, valves and cylinders.

Eaton Corporation is a global manufacturer of highly engineered products that serve industrial, vehicle, construction, commercial and semiconductor markets. Principal products include electrical power distribution and control equipment, truck drivetrain systems, engine components, hydraulic products, ion implanters and a wide variety of controls. Headquartered in Cleveland, the company has 49,500 employees and 155 manufacturing sites in 25 countries around the world. Sales for 1998 were $6.6 billion.

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