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The contemporary context of mechanical design engineering undergraduate education is briefly reviewed. A three-course sequence for mechanical design education is proposed which meets the general needs of undergraduate students while providing a strong background for future automotive engineers. A somewhat traditional machine design course with sections on design background, power transmission, and structural design is followed by a course in modern intermediate machine design which covers recent advances in machine design and significant gaps in the traditional design curriculum. A capstone design project course in which the students work in teams completes the sequence. Some suggestions for course content and conduct are presented.

Continuously-variable transmissions are reviewed with an emphasis on heavy agricultural and construction equipment. Designs of split-torque hydromechanical transmissions are discussed. The combination of powershift and hydrostatic elements should provide comfortable, stepless shifting and the ability to allow the vehicle to operate at optimum engine and travel speeds. An integration of a continuously-variable transmission and differential steering is proposed for tracked vehicles.