Top two box clever
Page 10
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• ZF and Eaton are both pushing ahead with development of their semi and fully automated transmissions.
ZF now plans to go into full production with its AVS (automated pre-selection shift system) version of the Ecosplit box next year.
The AVS system is similar to Scania's CAG transmission, in which a computer selects the best gear but the driver activates the change by using the clutch.
ZF is also working with Fichte! & Sachs and MAN on the development of the HS fully automatic gearbox.
This is based on the latest Ecosplit 3 transmission working with an F&S automatic clutch. The driver uses a fingertip selector to choose a gear, which is then engaged by releasing the accelerator. The HS transmission is programmed to prevent the selection of an inappropriate ratio and has self-diagnosis.
Eaton has developed a standalone automatic clutch which has been taken from its AMT fully automated Twin Splitter transmission.
ZF's range of manual gearboxes has been extended with the nine-speed range-change Ecomid 9S-75, which is designed for use at 17 tonnes and above.
The company has also refined the Intarder system, which is a hydro-dynamic retarder integrated into the Ecosplit transmission.
The package, which incorporates the latest alloy-cased Ecosplit 3 design now weighs no more than the the old Ecosplit without a retarder.
Eaton has teamed up with Voith for its retarder package, and can now offer an integral unit based on the Twin Splitter.
At the lighter end, Eaton has added the 5105 five-speed synchromesh gearbox to its range of 4106 and 6109 six and nine-speed boxes.