Hanover (Germany), 14th November 2011 – Oerlikon Graziano is showcasing the latest advances in off-highway transmissions that will help to make future agricultural and construction equipment cleaner and more efficient at Agritechnica, Hanover 13-26 November 2011 at Hall 26 – Stand M18.
Among the innovations on display by the Italian company are a first-to-market fully suspended axle, an oscillating axle for tractors up to 450hp and the first production CVT for compact tractors. Oerlikon Graziano will also display its range of carbon synchronisers that are helping to increase the reliability and longevity of construction and agricultural equipment.
“The transmission concepts on show at Agritechnica are all in production and demonstrate how working with Oerlikon Graziano solves problems for equipment manufacturers, however unique the challenge,” said Marcello Vinassa, product development manager, Off-Highway Drivelines, Oerlikon Graziano.
“Rising fuel costs and tightening emissions regulations require vehicles and drivelines that are cleaner, more efficient, more durable and higher-performance. Manufacturers are using Oerlikon Graziano to develop innovative drivetrains that support the introduction of new machinery for agriculture and construction.”
The front-steering fully suspended axle is the first of its type. Integrated into a tractor, the axle enables the vehicle to travel at higher road speeds, making it a more efficient means of transportation. This flexibility makes it quicker for the tractor to reach more remote fields without the need for it to be transported on a trailer.
“Oerlikon Graziano has developed a bespoke solution that allows machines to reach much higher road speeds in order to quickly cover the longer distances from farm to field that are common in Eastern Europe, Australia and the US,” said Vinassa.
“The increased practicality of the suspended axle allows the tractor to be used for both cultivation and transportation. It improves safety and comfort of users, enhancing ride quality and performance.”
Also a industry first, Oerlikon Graziano’s front steering oscillating axle will also feature on the Agritechnica stand. Developed to support the growing demand for larger tractors, the axle is suitable for vehicles up to 450hp. “With machines getting bigger and torque demands increasing, more robust and often bespoke solutions are needed,” said Vinassa. “Oerlikon Graziano’s experience in construction machinery means we can apply enormous expertise to the issue.”
Oerlikon Graziano will also display a mechanical continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a compact tractor. Manufactured in India, the CVT is supplied for a US customer. The application improves fuel efficiency by around 10% compared with a conventional hydrostatic transmission. Oerlikon Graziano’s solution delivers a quieter, more comfortable ride that is also easier for inexperienced users to control.
“Our CVT transmission provided a neat solution for compact tractors that removes some of the normal barriers to sale,” said Vinassa. “Ease of use is an important factor in purchasing decisions in this market and the improved controllability that Graziano’s transmission provides means that no specialised training is needed to operate it.”
Oerlikon Graziano’s Agritechnica stand will demonstrate the company’s expanding range of carbon synchronisers. Capable of extending transmission life by up to ten times, the company expects the technology to become a standard feature in future applications.
