ZF has launches the all-new EcoLife transmission, specifically designed for the stresses of modern city buses and coaches. The company says
ZF has launches the all-new EcoLife transmission, specifically designed for the stresses of modern city buses and coaches.
The company says the transmission represents a major evolution in bus transmission technology.
It is a new design from the ground up to replace the ZF Ecomat series of transmissions, acknowledged as the industry benchmark, which has been delivered in more than 8,000 buses locally.
EcoLife has been developed specifically with fuel economy and passenger comfort in mind.
It is designed for the stresses of modern city buses and coaches, transmitting up to 2,000Nm of torque, and operating smoothly at oil sump temperatures of up to 120 degrees celsius.
Thanks to the improved heat exchange capability, oil change intervals are extended to 180,000km, and service life is also extended.
In conjunction with the new EcoLife transmission is the new TopoDyn Life transmission control system, which continuously monitors load, relating to the gradient on which the bus is travelling.
On flat terrain, shift patterns are optimised for economy, but as the terrain becomes steeper, the software adapts for continuous power, on a constantly variable basis, without ‘gear hunting’.
These intelligent shift strategies work to keep engine speeds at a minimum, and with low-noise, helical gearing, EcoLife provides a quieter environment for those inside and outside the bus.
With further benefits in passenger comfort, lower service costs and a hybrid-ready architecture, EcoLife truly is the bus transmission of the future.
Locally, the first EcoLife transmission will be delivered in a Volvo B7RLE chassis. Further application releases with other OEMs will become available in the near future.
The Australian Bus + Coach Show 2009 marks the Australian launch and unveiling of the EcoLife automatic transmission by ZF, with a feature display at the ZF Australia Pacific stand (Stand #1, Upper Level).
ZF will also be showcasing the technical service and replacement parts business relating to the new EcoLife transmission at the show, as well as the products of its brands SACHS and LEMFORDER; including suspension, clutch and steering components.