Hidromek chooses Deere and ZF for backhoe loaders

Hidromek has partnered with John Deere and ZF to develop a new drivetrain for its backhoe loaders. The new system is in place on the HMK 102B, which goes into production this month. Hidromek says the drivetrain offers 5% efficiency gains compared to its previous backhoe loader.

This drivetrain, known as Maestro, combines a heavy-duty ZF electro hydraulic autoshift transmission with a 4.5 litre, 74 kW JD4045HF280 engine from John Deere. The engine complies with Stage IIIA/Tier 3 exhaust emission requirements, making the backhoe loader suitable for sale in Turkey, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Hidromek says it may develop a Stage IIIB/Interim Tier 4 version to address forthcoming emissions requirements in Europe and the US. If developed, such models would also feature the Deere & ZF drivetrainm components.

Excavators coming, wheeled loaders planned

Hidromek business development manager, Merih Özgen, described the partnership as a "Milestone" for the company. He added that there were also plans to increase the Hidromek excavator range, with the addition of 25 tonne and 50 tonne models. He also said the company had longer term ambitions to develop a wheeled loader range, but that it would be three years or so until the first prototypes were unveiled.