Improving vehicle transmission with ZF
ZF have put together an efficiency package, which, they claim, will provide fuel savings of up to 20%. Integrated into the package are five key components: a new ZF Ergopower transmission, offering five speeds instead of the previous four; an Ergolockup converter lock-up clutch; an Ergotraction axle-control system; Ecotraction, which automates the optional axle disconnect at the transmission; and Multitrac axles, which provide weight saving, improved stability and greater transmission power.
The Ergopower transmission system has been developed for use in a broader range of machinery, offering smoother, more comfortable and easier handling. Operating costs can be further reduced, as the transmission allows an electronic driveline management system to be connected.
The Ergolockup feature ensures that, at low speeds, the torque converter lock-up clutch is applied by modulation via software. This function is of particular benefit to transmissions with five gears, since it allows the converter lock-up clutch to be closed when shifting gears.
ZF say the major advantage of this feature is that, depending on the application conditions, fuel consumption can be reduced by 10–15%, leading to savings of around 2.5 litres/h. For a company with an average annual operating performance of 2,000h and a fleet of 10 vehicles, this equates to an annual fuel saving of 50,000 litres.
Also helping to reduce fuel consumption is the Ergotraction axle-control system, which provides inter-wheel differential locks in wheel loaders and inter-axle differential locks in dumptrucks. Previously, differential locks were only engaged when they were required.
Ergotraction is different in that it is always engaged, unless it disturbs the operation of the vehicle. It protects the drive system components and vehicle tyres, and provides 100% tractive effort. The user also benefits from increased cross-country mobility and improved vehicle performance, eg better handling.
Ecotraction, meanwhile, offers the key advantage of automatic axle disconnect during transmission. The feature can identify changes from rough terrain to situations in which all-wheel-drive function is no longer required.
Ecotraction works by automatically disengaging the all-wheel-drive or re-employing it for on-site operation. This essentially improves performance, contributes to significant fuel reduction during operation, and protects the vehicle against misuse.
Finally, ZF’s Multitrac steering axle system has been developed to offer high levels of transmission power, as part of the efficiency package. Compact in design, the axles are equipped with integrated wet multi-disc brakes and offer low-noise power transmission through precise meshing of their gearing.
The Multitrac axles require minimum maintenance and are said to have long service life. They can be connected to either an electronic driveline management system or direct transmission mount.
In addition to the efficiency package, ZF have the AS Tronic range of automatic transmissions available that offers, say the company, higher levels of vehicle economy as a result of reduced weight and fuel consumption.
ZF have responded to the recent trend for increased capacity and larger engines in construction/extraction vehicles by adapting their automatic transmission systems to meet these new requirements.
The AS Tronic range helps prevent the driving errors and/or incorrect shift operations that lead to additional expenses for vehicle owners, such as increased wear of the driveline and higher fuel consumption.
With an AS Tronic automatic transmission system in use, it keeps the vehicle operating within the optimum speed range when manoeuvring or during fast travel. Included in the AS Tronic family are a 12-speed unit that covers the torque range from 1,600Nm up to 3,100Nm, and a 16-speed version for engine torques up to 2,600Nm.
Also, forming part of the range is the TC Tronic, which has been designed for use in vehicles weighing up to 250 tonnes. Equipped with a hydrodynamic torque converter, the unit, according to ZF, helps operators learn manoeuvring processes in heavy vehicles. Companies using ZF AS Tronic transmissions include Liebherr, Faun, Iveco Trakker and Terex-Demag.
ZF Great Britain Ltd, Abbeyfield Road, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2SX; tel: (0115) 986 9211.
The Ergopower transmission system has been developed for use in a broader range of machinery, offering smoother, more comfortable and easier handling. Operating costs can be further reduced, as the transmission allows an electronic driveline management system to be connected.
The Ergolockup feature ensures that, at low speeds, the torque converter lock-up clutch is applied by modulation via software. This function is of particular benefit to transmissions with five gears, since it allows the converter lock-up clutch to be closed when shifting gears.
ZF say the major advantage of this feature is that, depending on the application conditions, fuel consumption can be reduced by 10–15%, leading to savings of around 2.5 litres/h. For a company with an average annual operating performance of 2,000h and a fleet of 10 vehicles, this equates to an annual fuel saving of 50,000 litres.
Also helping to reduce fuel consumption is the Ergotraction axle-control system, which provides inter-wheel differential locks in wheel loaders and inter-axle differential locks in dumptrucks. Previously, differential locks were only engaged when they were required.
Ergotraction is different in that it is always engaged, unless it disturbs the operation of the vehicle. It protects the drive system components and vehicle tyres, and provides 100% tractive effort. The user also benefits from increased cross-country mobility and improved vehicle performance, eg better handling.
Ecotraction, meanwhile, offers the key advantage of automatic axle disconnect during transmission. The feature can identify changes from rough terrain to situations in which all-wheel-drive function is no longer required.
Ecotraction works by automatically disengaging the all-wheel-drive or re-employing it for on-site operation. This essentially improves performance, contributes to significant fuel reduction during operation, and protects the vehicle against misuse.
Finally, ZF’s Multitrac steering axle system has been developed to offer high levels of transmission power, as part of the efficiency package. Compact in design, the axles are equipped with integrated wet multi-disc brakes and offer low-noise power transmission through precise meshing of their gearing.
The Multitrac axles require minimum maintenance and are said to have long service life. They can be connected to either an electronic driveline management system or direct transmission mount.
In addition to the efficiency package, ZF have the AS Tronic range of automatic transmissions available that offers, say the company, higher levels of vehicle economy as a result of reduced weight and fuel consumption.
ZF have responded to the recent trend for increased capacity and larger engines in construction/extraction vehicles by adapting their automatic transmission systems to meet these new requirements.
The AS Tronic range helps prevent the driving errors and/or incorrect shift operations that lead to additional expenses for vehicle owners, such as increased wear of the driveline and higher fuel consumption.
With an AS Tronic automatic transmission system in use, it keeps the vehicle operating within the optimum speed range when manoeuvring or during fast travel. Included in the AS Tronic family are a 12-speed unit that covers the torque range from 1,600Nm up to 3,100Nm, and a 16-speed version for engine torques up to 2,600Nm.
Also, forming part of the range is the TC Tronic, which has been designed for use in vehicles weighing up to 250 tonnes. Equipped with a hydrodynamic torque converter, the unit, according to ZF, helps operators learn manoeuvring processes in heavy vehicles. Companies using ZF AS Tronic transmissions include Liebherr, Faun, Iveco Trakker and Terex-Demag.
ZF Great Britain Ltd, Abbeyfield Road, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2SX; tel: (0115) 986 9211.
