AS-Ironic rings the changes
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by Dan Gilkes • Iveco Ford is making it easier to drive EuroStar and EuroTech tractors with the UK introduction of EuroTronic, a clutchless manual transmission system. Built by ZF, which calls the system AS-Tronic, it retains a normal clutch that is activated by an air cylinder.
The transmission can only be used with electronically-controlled engines, and so will initially be available only with the 380hp unit in EuroTech and EuroStar (as a 12-speed) and Iveco Ford's new flagship 470hp EuroStar (with 16 speeds).
Clutch life
Iveco Ford says the system could triple clutch life and has the potential to improve fuel consumption. The most noticeable gain, however, is in the ease of operation, reducing fatigue and allowing the driver to concentrate more on the road than on changing gears.
The box is controlled by a simple electronic lever instead of the conventional gearstick. Simply push forward to the first stop to change up one gear, or to the second stop for two. Similarly, pull back once for a downchange or two clicks for a couple of gears.
Change up and the computer drops the engine revs—no matter what you do with the throttle pedal—and smoothly slips the next gear in. On downshifts, it blips the throttle to match the gearbox and the engine revs.
The selector lever also has two buttons in its head. On the left is a neutral button, and the function control is on the right. Reverse is engaged by lifting a collar on the lever.
Hold the function button in, pull back once and the gearbox will change down to offer maximum power for hill-climbing. Keep it in and come back to the second position, and it drops the truck into the right ratio for maximum engine braking.
By holding the function button in and pushing forward, the gearbox will opt for maximum torque, which is best used when moving away because it saves you having to click your way up through the lower gears once rolling.
EuroTronic is simplicity itself to operate, although fine-tuning its function facilities to obtain maximum fuel economy requires a short familiarisation period.
Best of all, the system leaves the driver in control: it won't change gear unless you tell it to, even if you're not making a good job of it. The only thing it will prevent is an unsuitable downchange which would over-rev the engine.
Self diagnostic
EuroTronic has its own selfdiagnostic package which signals faults to the driver and retains them in its memory to be accessed by service personnel. It will even sound an alarm if you try to move off while the doors are open.
Because the gearbox uses electronic control to match layshaft speeds, it doesn't require synchros in the main box, which contributes to a weight saving of 50kg over a manual ZF 16speeder. It can also be used with a variety of PTOs and an Intarder, The drawback, of course, is price. Iveco Ford is offering EuroIronic with 380hp and 470hp trucks for about E,4,000 on the list price, although that will probably be nearer £3,000 in real terms once discounts are taken into account.
The potential savings come in clutch life, driveline wear and, possibly, fuel consumption. The system will be available exclusively to Neu) until next January, at which time ZF will be free to offer it to other manufacturers.
The introduction of EuroTronic in the UK . has been delayed until the arrival of the
470hp electronic engine, which which will power a new flagship model for the EuroStar range. The 520hp V8 model will stay in production, but the 470 is expected to be the more popular vehicle.
The company reports a continued rise of horsepower ratings in the tractor market, but says the much-talked-about move to 500hp plus has yet to take a hold. Engines above 450hp currently account for 4% of 4x2s and 5% of 6x2s, but they are mostly under 500hp. The really big engines make up barely 1°)-) of either market.
So Iveco Ford's flagship will be the LD400E47 EuroStar, with body-coloured plastics, including the bumpers, grille and step surrounds. Inside the cab, the truck gets air-conditioning, a fridge and wood grain-effect dashboard trim.
Improvements across the whole EuroStar and EuroTech ranges include new seals on the ventilation grille on the rear of the cab to stop water getting in, an improved radio aerial, and rain strips on low-roof trucks to prevent water running onto the driver when entering or exiting the cab.
Extra damper
LD and MP cabs have an underbunk storage box, which can be reached from an external door. This toolbox now has internal lighting and has been sealed to prevent smells from oil or dieselcovered gloves getting into the cab. LD cabs also have an extra damper on the right-hand side to improve stability during tipping.
Internally, new hinges make it easier to open and close the doors, the side curtains have been lengthened and the sun blinds revised to make them easier to operate.