Dana’s new fuel-efficient system

The first hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT) system resulting from a co-operative effort between Dana and Bosch Rexroth has been among the fuel-efficient, integrated drivetrain systems for construction and material-handling displayed by Dana at the ConExpo show in Las Vegas.

Pietro Franzosi, vice president of business development for the Dana Off-Highway Products Group, said, "The rising price of fuel, combined with more stringent emissions regulations, has made fuel consumption a top concern for the construction industry."

Dana has been showing a complete 18-tonne front-end loader system featuring the new HVT, as well as a driveline system for 8- to 9-tonne industrial lift trucks.

Mr Franzosi said, "At Dana, our integrated systems approach and commitment to research and development have produced numerous drivetrain solutions that help original equipment manufacturers more effectively address the ever-growing demand for fuel efficiency."

The 18-tonne front-end loader drivetrain system also includes the Spicer Hercules 37R axle and Spicer Model 114 axle. Dana and Bosch Rexroth claimed that simulations had demonstrated fuel savings of more than 20% when compared to the same vehicle fitted with a conventional torque converter transmission.

The system is targeted for use on front-end loaders, graders and other off-highway applications requiring 90 to 270 kW. Dana said the HVT improved productivity by enabling "sensitive, precise vehicle positioning and stepless drive, with no interrupted acceleration".

It said that the HVT occupied the same space as conventional torque converter transmissions while allowing for smaller engines. The HVT optimises the operating point of the diesel engine by decoupling engine speed from drive speed, and maintenance costs are reduced by using hydrostatic braking and wear-free directional reversals.

The Dana driveline system for 8- to 9-tonne industrial lift trucks includes the Spicer TE08 powershift transmission and the new Spicer Model 139 axle - the latest in a line of axles specifically designed for industrial lift trucks - as well as a Spicer Life Series Model 150 driveshaft.

Rated at 55 to 82 kW, the Spicer TE08 transmission offers three forward and two reverse speeds, while two-speed forward systems are also available. Dana said that by using a multiple-speed design, the TE08 transmission delivered better overall transmission power transfer than single-speed transmissions equipped with less efficient twin-turbine torque converters.

The TE08 features a reduced transmission length and output drop, helical gears for noise reduction, and an integral engine pump drive to power system hydraulics.

The Dana Off-Highway Products Group includes manufacturing plus research and development operations in Belgium, Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Italy, Mexico, the UK, and the US. It designs, manufactures, assembles, and markets Spicer axles and transaxles, driveshafts and end-fittings, transmissions, torque converters, electronic controls, and brakes.