Dana Rexroth Completes Validation Testing on High Fuel-Efficiency R3 Hydromechanical Variable Transmission

MUNICH, Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems today announced that its engineers have completed final validation testing of the fuel-efficient R3 hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT), with the start of production expected in the third quarter of this year.  In addition, the HVT R2 platform is now in production. 

Both versions of the pioneering HVT technology from Dana Rexroth feature a modular design that can be adapted for a variety of applications, including wheel loaders, motor graders, industrial lift trucks, reach stackers, forestry skidders, and other off-highway equipment.  Extending the range of HVTs available to vehicle manufacturers, the HVT R3 is designed for applications with net input power from 200 to 270 kW (268 to 362 hp).

In production since late 2015, the HVT R2 supports power outputs from 135 to 195 kW (180 to 260 hp), and it is now featured on Kalmar's new Gloria generation of reach stackers as part of the highly efficient Kalmar K-Motion drivetrain.  Developed in association with engine manufacturer Volvo Penta, the Kalmar K-Motion drivetrain system for 45-ton Gloria reachstackers equipped with the HVT R2 can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 percent.

"As the need for fuel-saving technologies continues to grow, HVT power-split systems have become an ideal solution to improve fuel economy while maintaining performance.  The HVT R2 has proven its value in real-world operating conditions on reach stackers through our collaboration with Kalmar," said Diego Cornolti, head of sales and product management for Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems.  "The HVT R3 will deliver these benefits to a whole new class of vehicles, expanding this technology to a wider range of power outputs."

A product of the joint venture between Dana Holding Corporation and Bosch Rexroth, HVTs from Dana Rexroth significantly reduce fuel consumption by decreasing engine speeds throughout the duty cycle and at idle, where speeds can be dropped to as low as 650 rpm.  Application analysis demonstrates the possibility of further savings without compromising performance through engine downsizing. 

Dana Rexroth HVTs enable responsive, precise vehicle positioning with a stepless drive that offers improved acceleration while maintaining tractive effort.  They optimize the operating point of the diesel engine by decoupling engine speed from drive speed.  Maintenance costs are reduced by utilizing hydrostatic braking and wear-free directional reversing without clutches.

The HVT system designed by Dana Rexroth helps reduce complexity for equipment manufacturers, since the entire system of gears, clutches, and hydrostatic units is managed by an advanced electronic control unit and optimized for efficiency by a single supplier.

The Dana Rexroth HVT R2 will be exhibited at Bauma 2016 by Dana in hall A4, stand 326 and by Bosch Rexroth in hall A4, stand 327.

About Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems
Established in 2011, Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems is a 50-50 joint venture formed by Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) and Bosch Rexroth AG to develop and manufacture advanced drive transmissions for the off-highway market.

Dana Rexroth's hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT) systems combine Dana's expertise in off-highway transmission engineering and manufacturing with Bosch Rexroth's deep experience in hydraulics and systems.

Targeted for use in off-highway applications, the advanced HVT systems developed by Dana Rexroth are focused on meeting customer needs for improved fuel economy, productivity, emissions, and maneuverability.

Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems is based in Arco, Italy.  For more information, visit www.danarexroth.com. 

SOURCE Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems