Dana Rexroth Begins Testing of Modular R3 Hydromechanical Variable Transmission

Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems has announced that many leading original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have begun pre-production testing of the company’s R3 hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT). The transmission is being hailed for its modular design that can be easily adapted for use in a wide range of configurations and in vehicles including motor graders, industrial lift trucks, reach stackers, wheel loaders, and other types of off-highway vehicles. This transmission is specially designed for applications with net input power from 200 to 270 kW (268 to 362 hp).

Speaking about the new R3 HVT, Roland Friedl, head of sales and product management for Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems said that off-highway vehicles have become increasingly complex and highly technological systems. OEMs and operators now expect such vehicles to be smoother, quieter rides and to offer powerful performance, better fuel economy and driveability. According to him, Dana Rexroth’s R3 HVT is a premium solution that can deliver this optimized mix of efficiency and driving performance.

Due to the “Made in China 2025″ initiative, Chinese markets are increasingly experiencing higher demand for sophisticated, high-tech equipment when it comes to construction applications. Aligning with the program’s guiding principles to make manufacturing innovation-driven, Dana Rexroth shares similar ideals focusing on a relentless drive for continuous improvement and technologies that deliver excellence.

Made as an outcome of the collaboration between Dana Incorporated and Bosch Rexroth, Dana Rexroth’s HVTs are fuel efficient as they decrease engine speeds throughout the duty cycle and when the engine is idle. Thus, they have a significant impact on fuel consumption as the speeds can drop to as low as 600 rpm. It seems that there is still potential for further savings without any compromise when it comes to performance by downsizing the engine.

Dana Rexroth HVTs enable sensitive, precise vehicle positioning with a stepless drive that offers improved acceleration while maintaining tractive effort. As the engine speed is decoupled from the drive speed, this optimizes the operating point of the diesel engine. Maintenance costs are kept at a minimum through the use of hydrostatic braking and wear-free directional reversing without clutches.

Dana Rexroth’s HVT system makes things simpler for equipment manufacturers, as the complete system of gears, clutches, and hydrostatic units is controlled through an advanced electronic control unit and is  optimized for efficiency by a single supplier.

Dana will be exhibiting the Dana Rexroth HVT R2 which supports power outputs from 135 to  210 kW at Bauma China. The HVT R2 was the first hydromechanical variable transmission which Dana Rexroth produced and has been in production from the beginning of this year. The transmission will be showcased on Kalmar’s new Gloria generation of reach stackers where it is one of the components the popular and highly efficient Kalmar K-Motion drivetrain.