Leading India OEM
Endorsement
Many
leading manufacturers in India have selected ZF as their technology partner as
a result of its globally proven, robust 9-Speed Transmissions coupled with its
industry-leading OptiDrive AMT Controls. ZF’s newest partnership with Ashok
Leyland, one of the largest commercial vehicle OEMs in India and world-wide, is
focused on improving driver comfort and productivity in the tipper segment’s
most demanding operating conditions.
“Tippers
are an integral part of India’s rapidly growing infrastructure market and,
largely operated for long periods in challenging conditions, they must be easy
to use, robust and highly reliable – all the qualities Ashok Leyland trucks are
known for, ”stated Dr N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer with Ashok Leyland,
adding that “The recent launch of India’s first tipper with 9-speed AMT,
demonstrates this best-in-class product approach and Ashok Leyland is proud to
have worked closely with ZF as our technology partner. Globally known for their
proven transmissions and leading OptiDrive AMT controls, ZF has helped us
deliver a first-class product ready to meet the challenging environments and
demands put on tippers.”
How ZF’s EcoTronic
Mid works
With
an intelligent clutch heat mapping algorithm helping avoid unnecessary wear on
the clutch mechanism, the life of both the clutch and driveline is extended.
The EcoTronic Mid system meets leading functional safety requirements and promises
trouble-free operation for the customer. This indigenous solution is assembled
and supplied by ZF’s facility in Pune, India and the EcoTronic Mid can be
serviced pan-India across ZF’s extensive Aftermarket network. This technology
is currently available for original equipment fitment.
ZF’s
integrated PTO (Power Take Off) mechanism with 9-Speed EcoTronic transmission
works seamlessly for demanding tipper truck applications. EcoTronic Mid’s
intelligent electronic system operates in both manual and automatic modes
providing a 9-gear ratio across the entire commercial vehicle range. As such it
can support all types of application including road transportation, passenger
transport, mining (tippers), long-haul and fuel carriers, for example.
A
best-in-class fully automated system with a deep crawler ratio for better
gradeability and performance, EcoTronic Mid’s sensitive starting mechanism
continuously monitors and automatically senses changes in loads and gradients.
It then adapts the torque and engine speed to support smoother starts on
challenging inclines. Under standard operating conditions, the
acceleration-based gear-shifting technology provides customers with reduced
emissions and fuel savings benefits of up to 5%. ZF’s lightweight solution is
available in both direct drive and over-drive options to match customer
requirements with several options available including Eco, Power and Auto /
Manual modes.
As
the Indian commercial vehicle industry is at a critical tipping point in its
transformation, ZF’s EcoTronic Mid AMT offers a range of industry-first driving
functions including shift-free low-speed maneuvering, hill assist, rock-free
and off-road modes to meet virtually all application needs. It enables a smooth
driving experience, clutch pedal-less operations and increased driver
productivity to support quicker turnarounds.
A key feature is its throttle, acceleration and gear-based shift
strategies that deliver enhanced fuel efficiency and drivability. Additionally,
the transmission control unit with its integrated inclination sensor can
accurately measure the gradient and select the launching gear, which helps
approximately double clutch life. EcoTronic Mid is available with India’s
industry-first GPS-based predictive shifting technology to reduce the frequency
of shifting, improve clutch life and deliver greater fuel economy.