Dana Corp.'s Spicer Off-Highway Products Division's new model C330 torque converter provides manufacturers with the option to use higher capacity, variable-displacement piston pumps mounted directly to the torque converter without any mounting adaptations. The C330 torque converter is appropriate for applications within the underground mining, forestry, material-handling, and industrial markets.
"The C330 is currently the only product on the market that offers four
separate pump drives including the converter/transmission pump," said Roger
Warner, Transmission Product Manager, Spicer Off-Highway Products Division.
"It also has high-contact-ratio pump drive gears for reduced noise generation."
Spicer's new torque converter provides increased pump capacities for underground mining and other off-highway equipment.
The new torque converter features a flex plate drive system with bolt circle options of 333, 343, and 432 mm (13.1, 13.5, and 17 in). Flex plate systems offer cost efficiencies as well as improved reliability over drive gear systems. Optional mechanical disconnects are available for the pump drive locations to eliminate parasitic drag when vehicle system hydraulics are not required.
Increased vehicle design flexibility is provided via the C330's single mechanical output to the transmission at the centerline, which allows remote mounting of the transmission. The C330 features converter wheel groups from 305 to 348 mm (12.0 to 13.7 in) to match a variety of engines and application environments.
Joining 12- and 13-kW (16- and 18-hp) models, the new Kohler Triad overhead camshaft (OHC) 15- and 17-kW (20- and 23-hp) engines include improved airflow and temperature distribution, low fuel and oil consumption, extended oil-change intervals, and no bore distortion. Kohler has moved the camshaft out of the crankcase and positioned it away from the oil sump and crankcase. A majority of the housing above the crankshaft has been eliminated for a great cooling area.
To keep the engine's overall envelope compact, the Triad OHC engines incorporate patented low-profile rocker arms. This innovation enables Kohler keep the engine's height about the same size as the company's standard overhead valve (OHV) engines, which is necessary for fitting the engines within tight parameters on power equipment.
A rugged timing belt with a 3000-h life replaces all internal gears, lowering engine noise and cold oil drag. This automotive belt-driven design also makes for improved cold-weather starting and increases product durability.
Kohler's V-twin, horizontal-shaft engines, which now include (left) the 15-kW (20-hp) and (right) 17-kW (23-hp) versions, feature low profile rocker arms that keep the overhead camshaft (OHC) engine at roughly the same size as other Kohler overhead valve (OHV) engines.
Kohler applied lost-foam technology in the casting of the crankcase to allow intricate passages to be incorporated into the overall design and eliminate the head and intake manifold gaskets. This lost-foam process, technology borrowed from automotive engineers, resulted in two integrated, upper and lower crankcase castings instead of five, reducing internal parts and minimizing machining operations as well as the potential for part and gasket leaks. In addition, heat is more evenly distributed, enabling fewer hot spots.
Triad OHC engines also feature a "powerhead" design that includes an angled intake port to eliminate fuel puddling and provide even fuel distribution. A compact combustion chamber and angled valves improve airflow and fuel efficiency. Improved starting is enabled through a self-relieving choke carburetor, PTO ball bearing, and lower compression ratio.
The engines incorporate spin-on oil filters and full-pressure lubrication systems with oil flow to the crankshaft, camshafts, and connecting rods. The Gerator oil pump is belt-driven and provides a piston-style pressure relief system. Oil drains are located on both sides of the crankcase for easy access and simplified serviceability.
The Kohler TH650 15-kW (20-hp), 653-cm3 (39.8-in3) engine has an 80-mm (3.1-in) bore, 65-mm (3.6-in) stroke, measures 328 x 400 x 449 mm (12.9 x 15.7 x 17.7 in), and has a mass of 40.8 kg (90 lb). With an 8.8:1 compression ratio, it produces 45.1 N·m (33.3 lb·ft) at 1800. The TH720 17-kW (23-hp), 725-cm3 (44.2-in3) engine has an 83-mm (3.3-in) bore, 67-mm (2.6-in) stroke, and the same length and mass as the TH650. Also with an 8.8:1 compression ratio, the TH72 produces 51.1 N·m (37.7 lb·ft) at 3000 rpm.
The engines come with optional features such as an Oil Sentry low oil shutdown or warning light, remote oil filter, 1.7-L (6.4-gal) fuel tank with shutoff valve and filter, heavy-duty air cleaner, 20- or 25-A charging systems, and various mufflers.
