Always in the Right Gear: ZF Bus Transmissions –

Page 1/4, 2014-09-23
Always in the Right Gear: ZF Bus Transmissions –
from Manual to Automatic
New ZF-EcoShift manual bus transmission
EcoLife automatic transmission with smooth start-up
performance and low noise
AS Tronic lite success story - now continued in light buses
ZF boasts a broad product portfolio in bus driveline technology.
Products range from the new EcoShift manual transmission,
which can be extended on a modular basis, the EcoLife 6-speed
automatic transmission, which constitutes a global benchmark in
terms of smooth start-up performance and low noise, through to
the AS Tronic lite automatic transmission system, which ZF also
offers for light buses in intercity bus and coach operation.
With the innovation EcoShift, ZF created a new, state-of-the-art
model range of manual bus transmissions that is designed to meet
future market requirements. The basis is a 6-speed manual basic
transmission which is used as a platform for additional
transmission variants and thus forms the basis for a modular kit.
The uniform basic transmission allows for standardization
regarding the transmission dimensions, mounting position, and
possible connections. This means greater flexibility for vehicle
manufacturers because they no longer have to decide on one
transmission version for a vehicle range. The EcoShift basic
transmission is designed for a torque range of 1 000 to 2 100 Nm
and is therefore suitable for intercity buses and coaches of up to 24
tons. The new transmission stands out with its lower noise and
smoother gear changes. It can also be combined with the
Servoshift shift support system and with the wear-free
transmission brake ZF-Intarder.
Quiet and fuel-efficient: ZF-EcoLife
In order to be accepted as a true alternative to individual transport,
buses operating in inner-city line service must not only have low
emissions, they must also be especially quiet. Repeated approach
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Page 2/4, 2014-09-23
and departure processes at bus stops generate a high noise level for
people who live near bus stops, pedestrians, and passengers. Here,
exhaust gas and noise emissions are actually two sides of the same
coin. After all, anything that has a positive effect on fuel
consumption - i.e. very low engine speeds - also feeds through into
lower noise emissions. The six speeds of the ZF-EcoLife bus
transmission allow for a close gear ratio spread and a high total
spread of 12.6 - thus, the engine can be run in the low speed range
in any operating condition. The standard TopoDyn Life shift
program triggers upshifts as early as possible depending on
topography and load, which results, in practice, in a noise
reduction for the especially loud setting-off process at the bus stop.
As of its market launch, the ZF-EcoLife has been setting new
standards with regard to fuel efficiency: As a result of its
topography-dependent control software TopoDyn Life, the ZFEcoLife needs ten percent less fuel than its predecessor Ecomat.
Many technical details contribute to reducing fuel consumption,
like for instance the on-demand control of the hydraulic pump. It
only provides the complete pump output when driving with full
power. The control software not only shifts into neutral position
when standing still at the bus stop, but even during rolling and
already with a speed of 12 km/h. Like this, engine and brakes do
not counteract, which would have a negative effect on fuel
consumption.
Automation for the growth markets: AS Tronic lite
The AS Tronic automatic transmission range has been very
successful in commercial vehicles for many years. The large 12speed version for heavy coaches has been the benchmark in this
segment since its market launch in 2002. ZF also offers the AS
Tronic lite for light intercity buses and coaches. The automatic 6speed transmission is targeted particularly at the bus market in
Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. These markets
are on their way towards higher technological standards but
currently not financially strong enough to reach the level of
Western industrial nations. For this reason, manual transmissions
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still tend to dominate here. With the AS Tronic lite, ZF wants to
give these countries the opportunity to further advance the
automation in intercity buses and coach operation with the
available means. The AS Tronic lite is suited for buses with a gross
vehicle weight of up to 18 tons, a length of up to twelve meters,
and a maximum torque of 1 100 Nm. It electronically controls
gearshift and clutch operations and carries these out hydraulically.
Impermissible and inefficient gear selections are thus prevented –
the driver can switch quickly to manual mode at any time. The
new 6-speed transmission's electrohydraulic shift module is
compact, therefore easier to integrate than pneumatic units and it
needs no compressed air supply. Furthermore, state-of-the-art,
high-performance helical gears allow for minimum noise
generation.
Just as all members of the AS Tronic transmission family, the AS
Tronic lite convinces thanks to its reliability and high costeffectiveness characteristics which, in turn, is a benefit for the
environment: Vis-à-vis manual transmissions, up to five percent
fleet fuel consumption reductions are made possible. Here,
reducing potentially negative driving impacts makes a decisive
contribution because automatic transmissions always guarantee an
optimum gear selection - independent of driver fatigue or
distraction. Moreover, with the automatic shifting process, load
peaks are avoided which preserves the entire driveline and
consequently doubles the service life of the clutch. The electronic
diagnosis also contributes to the further reduction in operating
expenses because it makes maintenance and repair so much
simpler. As a result, the bus is optimally available in practical
service.
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Konzernkommunikation
Corporate Communications
88038 Friedrichshafen
Deutschland · Germany
Page 4/4, 2014-09-23
Captions:
1.) The new ZF-EcoShift 6-speed manual transmission for buses
is a flexible basic transmission that can be extended on a
modular basis depending on requirements.
2.) The ZF-EcoLife does not only lower noise emissions and fuel
consumption: Its innovative cooling concept makes the
transmission fit for the higher cooling water temperatures of
engines that comply with the Euro 6 exhaust emission
standard.
3.) Attractive: The ZF-AS Tronic lite for light intercity buses and
coaches excels thanks to its increased ride comfort, low fuel
consumption, and thus, better economy.
Photos: ZF
Press Contact:
Frank Discher, Product Communication Trade Press,
Tel.: +49 (0)7541-77 960770, Fax: +49 (0)7541-77 900770,
E-mail: frank.discher@zf.com
Thomas Wenzel, Head of Product Communication Trade Press,
Tel.: +49 (0)7541-77 2543, Fax: +49 (0)7541-77 902543,
E-mail: thomas.wenzel@zf.com
ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology with 122 production
companies in 26 countries. In 2013, the Group achieved a sales figure of EUR 16.8
billion with approximately 72 600 employees. In order to continue to be
successful with innovative products, ZF annually invests about five percent of its
sales (2013: EUR 836 million) in research and development. ZF is one of the ten
largest automotive suppliers worldwide.
For photo material and further press information please visit: www.zf.com
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Konzernkommunikation
Corporate Communications
88038 Friedrichshafen
Deutschland · Germany