Always in the Right Gear: ZF Bus Transmissions — from Manual to Automatic
ZF bus transmission products range from the new EcoShift manual transmission, which can be extended on a modular basis, the EcoLife 6-speed automatic transmission, which ensures 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 EcoShift, ZF created a new 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 transportation, buses operating in inner-city line service must not only have low emissions, they must also be especially quiet. Repeated approach 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 ZF EcoLife needs 10 percent less fuel than its predecessor Ecomat. Many technical details contribute to reducing fuel consumption, such as 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. ZF also offers the AS Tronic lite for light intercity buses and coaches. The automatic 6-speed transmission is targeted particularly at the bus market in Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. These markets are on their way toward higher technological standards but currently not financially strong enough to reach the level of Western industrial nations. For this reason, manual transmissions 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 12 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.
