Steyr-Daimler-Puch Antriebstechnik recently unveiled a number of interesting technical developments for the manufacturers of construction machinery and commercial vehicles. In addition to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Austrian company has developed a high-performance transfer case.
S-Matic CVT—The S-Matic CVT (shown) for construction vehicles and machinery is said to guarantee optimized operation for every driving situation. The drive system achieves maximum functionality and overall efficiency via a hydrostatic/mechanical power-split transmission. Other advantages include small size and light weight due to modular design.
The S-Matic provides continuously variable electronic control of engine speed to keep it in the optimum fuel-consumption range and reduce pollutant and noise emissions. A vehicle equipped with the S-Matic can be halted on inclines without the use of the brakes or gears, and can start smoothly without jolting. The vehicle is set in motion by the accelerator pedal and a selection lever for forward or reverse. For the highest possible degree of efficiency, a majority of the power is transmitted mechanically. Dog clutches are fitted because multiple-disc clutches would involve considerable power losses. Smooth modulation of the transmission takes place via a hydrostatic power split, whereby the swash plate in the hydrostatic pump is adjusted to vary the drive speed of the hydraulic motor. The collecting planetary gearing combines the hydrostatic and mechanical power branches. An electronic module controls both the planetary gearing and hydrostatic adjustments.
VG 3500 transfer case—According to the company, the VG 3500 is the world's highest performance transfer case for the construction sector. It was developed to handle the sharp increase in construction machinery, special vehicle, and heavy engine performance and torque of recent years. Conceived for an input torque of 35 kN—m (25,800 lb—ft), it was designed for use with ADM (Automatic Drivetrain Management). The main areas of application for it are in heavy construction and towing vehicles, dumpers, concrete mixers, and mobile and all-terrain cranes.
