OEM
New technology
so on, without having to stray into the
low speeds where diesel engines do not
perform well.
Dana itself has been working on the
Spicer PowerBoost System, a new line of
integrated hydraulic-hybrid powertrain
concepts which capture energy that would
normally be wasted in the drivetrain and
hydraulic systems. The company says this
could reduce fuel consumption by -20%
to -40% depending on the application
and duty cycle.
It added that Spicer PowerBoost could
also reduce total owning and operating
costs by increasing productivity, reducing
maintenance, and allowing for the use of
a downsized engine.
Aziz Aghili, president of Dana Off-
Highway Driveline Technologies, said, “In an era when
equipment manufacturers are finding it difficult to identify
incremental gains in efficiency, Spicer PowerBoost offers a
tremendous leap forward in productivity and reduced costs that
easily fits into existing design envelopes.”
The heart of the system is a hydraulic accumulator, which
captures waste energy. This can then be access as required, for
parts of the cycle such as accelerating from a full stop, lifting a
load, or driving into a stockpile and so on.
It can also be configured to minimise idling by shutting off
the diesel engine and accessing power
captured in the accumulator
for vehicle operations that
consume low amounts of
energy, such as inching,
light working conditions,
and low travel speeds.
Deep seated development
Heating, cooling and new safety systems form KAB
S
eats with a heater function and ventilation system are among the advances from KAB
Seating, part of the US-based Commercial Vehicle Group.
The company said that operators would feel the benefit of KAB HV seats which are
designed to combat extremes of temperature. The heater system is designed to warm up the
joints to prevent muscle ache in cold weather, while the air cooling system worked to overcome
the unpleasant effects of overheating such as sweating and skin irritation.
As well as the heating and cooling technology, it has KAB Kool – the application of a special
fabric coating that actively draws heat away from the body surface if the operator begins
to overheat. It also returns any stored heat back to the subject if the surface temperature
subsequently drops. KAB said the net effect was to manage the surface temperature of the seat
more effectively, providing a more comfortable environment.
Among other developments is the KSS inflatabelt. This is an airbag folded into the sash
section of the three-point belt, which pins the operator to the seat and preventing excessive
movement in the event of a crash or roll-over. Developed for the automotive industry, it is
already in use on some US vehicles.
The more familiar seats in KAB’s range are the 500, 600 and 800 Series air and mechanical
suspension seats for construction machines, which are available in configurations including
three-point harness, four-point harness and a pod with integrated joysticks.
It also has the Compact Series of air and mechanical suspension seats for smaller machines,
and a further development from this, the Sentinal seat, which carries over features and the
design flexibility of bigger units.
Comer’s new PGRF-11003
heavy duty track drive for
tracked mobile equipment.
The principle is simple. It doesn’t matter which project
you have coming up. Our professional know-how is
here to support you right from the start. From the early
stages of planning and development we create individual,
industry-specific and sustainable hydraulic solutions.
Your advantage: more flexibility, more efficiency, more
reliability and innovative technology. Make it simple:
Contact us. The sooner, the better.
