Technical Innovations
Ag axles from Dana
 Dana designed its new independent suspended axle system specifically for middle-range agricultural tractors. |
The Spicer Agricultural Axle Division of Dana Corp.'s Off-Highway Systems Group has developed a new independent suspended axle system for use on middle-range tractors. According to the company, the axle was designed to address power applications most requested by agricultural vehicle manufacturers in Europe.
"The independent suspended axle is an integrated system with position control," said Lino Castellano, Chief Engineer, Spicer Agricultural Axle Division. "Independently supported wheels maintain the vehicle with a consistent ground clearance, even on rough terrain. This (feature) means no vehicle design change is necessary, and the suspension can be used on field retrofit applications."
The hydraulic suspension improves overall handling and increases operator comfort, says Dana, because the suspension has a shock-absorbing effect in various load conditions. Reducing the shock level results in greater on- and off-road traction, less wear on tires, and a longer base component life. The suspension axle system can offer interchangeability with a standard rigid axle.
A lockout option allows automatic or manual adjustment of the vehicle height, as each cylinder is independently leveled in both rebound and compression directions. Also, the integrated hydraulic block/accumulators and electronic box system are linked to the axle, so each independent suspension axle has just one part number. Current customers include Massey Ferguson and Valtra.
Dana has also recently introduced two Spicer portal axles for the mechanical front-wheel drive requirements of compact utility tractors. The 025S and 035S axles offer triple reduction with spiral bevel gears for low noise and improved traction and pulling power. The portal wheel ends feature high-strength, as-forged gears.
"The center of the axle is offset above the center of the wheel, which provides additional ground clearance," said Bob Brazeau, Chief Engineer, Spicer Off-Highway Products Division. "The torque multiplication in the wheel ends results in reduced loading on axle components in the center section of the axle."
Spicer portal axles feature an integral hydraulic power steering cylinder and a high steer angle (62° at the outboard wheel), which provides smooth, effortless turning and the ability to achieve tight turns. Spicer partnered with John Deere to develop the two portal axle models, one for the 4200-4400 tractor series and the other for the 4500-4600 series.
- Jean L. Broge
Centrifugal pumps from Berkeley
 Berkeley Pumps' new Z-Frame centrifugal pumps are available in several configurations and sizes. |
Berkeley Pumps' new Z-Frame centrifugal pumps include both engine-drive and frame-mounted models. The smaller BZR closed-coupled pumps are for a variety of hydraulic-motor-driven applications. The larger BZ-SAE frame mounted pumps offer over 20,000 h of bearing life, claims the company.
An interchangeable housing on the BZ-SAE allows seals to be easily changed in the field from packing to mechanical or mechanical to packing. Large cast-in feet provide rugged and stable support for the pump end. The volute can be rotated for increased application flexibility. A large opening to the packing area allows for better access for improved serviceability. A rigidly supported thrust bearing handles extreme loads in demanding conditions.
Large grease reservoirs were designed into the pumps to extend bearing life and reduce maintenance. A two-piece packing gland comes apart to contribute to faster maintenance. The impellers are available in cast iron or silicone bronze. Pre-drilled SAE #4 or #5 mounting holes allow for engine-choice flexibility.
The frame-mounted BZ pumps are available in clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, depending on the application. A fully enclosed SAE bell housing improves safety when installing or performing maintenance. A severe-duty elastomeric coupling, standard on SAE pumps, extends the life of the pump. A rugged spline shaft adds to durability.
The smaller, more compact BZR pumps for hydraulic-driven applications have a one-piece splined shaft and "greased-for-life" sealed bearing. Its interchangeable design allows for easy replacement of an existing pump without expensive plumbing "change-out." The BZR are also available in clockwise and counterclockwise rotation options. According to Berkeley, the pump's mounting feet do not interfere with volute rotation, and the use of two- or four-bolt motors makes installation quicker.
- Jean L. Broge
