Over a period of four months, ZF has tested its AS Tronic mid automatic transmission system in ten terminal tractors at the container terminal of DP World in Dubai. The results were 8 to 11% fuel savings and reduced emissions
The ZF AS Tronic mid automatic transmission system is normally used for heavy-duty trucks, coaches and mobile cranes the[ds_preview] company stated. But it is also possible to apply many of the features of the transmission family to other types of vehicles. Terminal tractors, for example, are equipped with a smaller transmission model, the AS Tronic mid.
Hundreds of terminal tractors are used in container ports and terminals all over the world. Their job is it to move the boxes between ship, storage areas and onto other transport vehicles. However, these vehicles often have idle times, are deployed in multi-shift operation and led by various drivers with different levels of experience. This requires an automatic transmission that is robust, easy to handle and fuel-efficient. ZF AS Tronic mid bundles these features and additionally improves vehicle productivity and efficiency ZF says.
In 2016, field tests were performed on the ZF AS Tronic mid to determine whether it improves efficiency. Therefore ten Terberg terminal tractors were equipped with the transmission system in the port of DP World in Dubai. They were tested over a period of four months against ten Terberg terminal tractors equipped with their standard transmissions to compare. During the testing, fuel savings between 8 and 11% could be identified compared to the standard tractor transmission. According to ZF the main reasons for that were the twelve gears, the high ratio spread and the high efficiency of AS Tronic mid.
The tests also showed that it lowers CO2 emissions. With an average idle time in the port of seven years or 35,000 operating hours per vehicle, this means fuel savings of roughly 14,300 l with CO2 emissions reduction of 38.1t per terminal tractor, ZF stated.
Also, for the field test, all of the 20 Terberg terminal tractors were equipped with Openmatics onboard units from ZF. Using the »Fuel Overview« app, drivers can measure fuel consumption and determine CO2 emissions.
According to the manufacturer another advantage for the ZF AS Tronic mid is that the oil filters no longer have to be replaced. Washing the filter during oil changes every four years or after 18,000 operating hours is sufficient. Furthermore, the automatic transmission system ZF AS Tronic mid does not need an additional cooling system. Due to the integrated dry clutch, heat generation is considerably lower than in a conventional automatic powershift transmission that sets off with a torque converter ZF says. That is one reason the AS Tronic mid is ideal for use in warmer weather regions.
Gears are individual
The transmission system features twelve gears and stands out because it is easy to operate and user-friendly. The transmission’s individual gears are automatically engaged by the integrated transmission control unit. At each operating point, one of the twelve gears is ready to operate the engine in the optimal speed range. Designed as a countershaft transmission, it can be ideally configured thanks to its high number of gears. By means of a well-arranged control element, the driver can switch to manual mode to select the preferred gear. And, when ready, return shifting control to the integrated transmission control unit.
The transmission system weighs 211kg and requires not much space for installation. All of its components are integrated into one housing unit, which means that they are protected from outside influences and can resist even the harshest weather conditions ZF informs.
