"Keeping pace with evolution"

Increasing fuel prices, growing cost pressure, tighter regulated emissions and safety standards – ZF offers for each challenge the right solution. Hermann Beck, head of the business unit Off-Highway Systems at ZF's Industrial Technology division, talks about an evolutionary 3-stage development program for a promising construction machinery technology.

What are ZF's claims regarding a future-oriented construction machinery technology?

Mr. Beck: Claims and requirements are defined by the market. On the one hand, by increasing prices for the limited supply of fossil fuels in the long run. On the other hand, by emission regulations, like US EPA and EU directives, which become ever stricter. It is against this background that we are planning to save on up to 25 percent fuel and to enhance productivity by up to 40 percent with our new developments. To this end, ZF is not only developing individual components but rather also the entire driveline ranging from transmission and axle to electronic control units.

Does that mean that existing technologies will be brought in line with legal requirements?

Mr. Beck: ZF’s tasks are far more complex. As far as diesel engines are concerned, technological restrictions and constraints that are likely to be stipulated in future would be difficult to satisfy with a conventional transmission. However, we are well prepared and we will have the right technology available at any rate.

How do you plan to launch on the market?

Mr. Beck: ZF introduced a new 3-stage development project. The concept is based on a technology development process that is typical for ZF. As a first step, we have designed the current ERGOPOWER transmission with its EFFICIENCY PACKAGE. Already today, this helps save up to 15 percent fuel in construction equipment.

How does that work in practice?

Mr. Beck: In practice, the driver is supported by the easy use of the torque converter lock-up clutch and other components. These include the complex Multitrac and Multisteer axles and the optimizing by engaged and disengaged power-shiftable differentials. This enables us to save on fuel, generate fewer emissions, and gain a longer service life.

When will the next step be launched and what will be the benefits?

Mr. Beck: From 2012 onwards, it is planned to launch development stage two with a newly developed continuously variable CVT transmission for construction equipment. It is to this end that we have already now accordingly further developed the continuously variable power-split technology known from agricultural machinery. Our aim is to further significantly optimize consumption and enhance productivity.

What about stage 3 of the ZF development project?

Mr. Beck: From 2014 onwards, ZF is planning to hybridize the driveline. The ZF hybrid component based on the ERGOPOWER series constitutes a logical evolutionary step towards electric drives. This is our response to the prevailing trend towards more environmental protection and the preservation of resources. ZF will use as parallel hybrid drive an efficient electric motor which, depending on its size, supplies up to 85 or 120 kilowatts of power respectively.

In engine construction the hybrid technology is currently the solution against climate change and increasing costs. What are the benefits of this technology when it comes to construction machines?

Mr. Beck: The interaction between the electric motor and the combustion engine can be brought in perfect harmony by optimizing energy and hybrid drive management in wheel loaders or excavators for example. Driving conditions with poor efficiency and increased emissions will then be a thing of the past.