Oerlikon Graziano displays next-generation transmission concepts at AgriTechnica

Nov. 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Oerlikon Graziano displays next-generation transmission concepts at Agritechnica

Hanover (Germany), 14th November 2011 – Oerlikon Graziano is showcasing the latest advances in off-highway transmissions that will help to make future agricultural and construction equipment cleaner and more efficient at Agritechnica, Hanover 13-26 November 2011 at  Hall 26 – Stand M18. Among the innovations on display by the Italian company are a first-to-market fully suspended axle, an oscillating axle for tractors up to 450hp and the first production CVT for compact tractors. Oerlikon Graziano will also display its range of carbon synchronisers that are helping to increase the reliability and longevity of construction and agricultural equipment.

“The transmission concepts on show at Agritechnica are all in production and demonstrate how working with Oerlikon Graziano solves problems for equipment manufacturers, however unique the challenge,” said Marcello Vinassa, product development manager, Off-Highway Drivelines, Oerlikon Graziano. “Rising fuel costs and tightening emissions regulations require vehicles and drivelines that are cleaner, more efficient, more durable and higher-performance. Manufacturers are using Oerlikon Graziano to develop innovative drivetrains that support the introduction of new machinery for agriculture and construction.”

The front-steering fully suspended axle is the first of its type. Integrated into a tractor, the axle enables the vehicle to travel at higher road speeds, making it a more efficient means of transportation. This flexibility makes it quicker for the tractor to reach more remote fields without the need for it to be transported on a trailer.

“Oerlikon Graziano has developed a bespoke solution that allows machines to reach much higher road speeds in order to quickly cover the longer distances from farm to field that are common in Eastern Europe, Australia and the US,” said Vinassa. “The increased practicality of the suspended axle allows the tractor to be used for both cultivation and transportation. It improves safety and comfort of users, enhancing ride quality and performance.”

Also a industry first, Oerlikon Graziano’s front steering oscillating axle will also feature on the Agritechnica stand. Developed to support the growing demand for larger tractors, the axle is suitable for vehicles up to 450hp. “With machines getting bigger and torque demands increasing, more robust and often bespoke solutions are needed,” said Vinassa. “Oerlikon Graziano’s experience in construction machinery means we can apply enormous expertise to the issue.”

Oerlikon Graziano will also display a mechanical continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a compact tractor. Manufactured in India, the CVT is supplied for a US customer. The application improves fuel efficiency by around 10% compared with a conventional hydrostatic transmission. Oerlikon Graziano’s solution delivers a quieter, more comfortable ride that is also easier for inexperienced users to control.

“Our CVT transmission provided a neat solution for compact tractors that removes some of the normal barriers to sale,” said Vinassa. “Ease of use is an important factor in purchasing decisions in this market and the improved controllability that Graziano’s transmission provides means that no specialised training is needed to operate it.”

Oerlikon Graziano’s Agritechnica stand will demonstrate the company’s expanding range of carbon synchronisers. Capable of extending transmission life by up to ten times, the company expects the technology to become a standard feature in future applications.

For further information, please contact:
Christopher Foster (European press contact)
Market Engineering
T +44 1295 277050
M +44 7775 449 655
christopher.foster@m-eng.com

Stella Roagna
Head of Communications & Marketing
Oerlikon Drive Systems
T +39 011 9570 206
F +39 011 959 1259
stella.roagna@oerlikon.com
www.oerlikon.com/graziano

Marcello Vinassa
Head of Off-Highway Design, Product Development
Oerlikon Graziano
T +39 011 9570 327
F +39 011 9588179   

Photographs
Pictures are available electronically from leanne.burton@m-eng.com or can be downloaded from www.autopresspoint.com


About Oerlikon

Oerlikon (SIX: OERL) is a leading high-tech industrial group specializing in machine and plant engineering. The Company is a provider of innovative industrial solutions and cutting-edge technologies for textile manufacturing, drive, vacuum, thin film, coating, and advanced nanotechnology. A Swiss company with a tradition going back over 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with more than 16 500 employees at over 150 locations in 36 countries and sales of CHF 3.6 billion in 2010. The Company invested in 2010 CHF 239 million in R&D, with over 1 200 specialists working on future products and services. In most areas, the operative businesses rank either first or second in their respective global markets.

About Oerlikon Graziano

Oerlikon Graziano is a global player in power transmission field with more than 80 years of experience. Today the company is focused on the major markets as Off-Highway (Agricultural and Construction), Automotive and Industrial Application. Through its global footprint - in America (USA), Asia (China and India) and Europe (Italy, Russia and UK) – and its innovation, experience and high-tech solutions, Oerlikon Graziano is able to meet the customer needs, providing complete driveline systems as well as single gearing components.