Spicer® 27-Ton Front-end Loader System Accommodates Wider Track and Tire Ranges

SHANGHAI, China -- Nov 23, 2004 -- Dana Corporation (NYSE:DCN) Off-Highway Systems exhibited a Spicer® front-end loader system at Bauma China, Nov. 16 to 19 in Shanghai, China.  This system is designed to accommodate a 27-ton lift capacity, and includes Spicer® Hercules™ 37R and 43R axles, the Spicer® HSE 2+3 hydrostatic/electronic transmission, and the Spicer® GWB™ 2035 driveshaft.

The Hercules™ axle Models 37R116 and 43R175 were designed especially for front-end loaders, with large-capacity spindle and bearings that accommodate wider tracks and tire ranges. The axles’ rigid three-piece load-supporting design with differential carrier, housing arm, and planetary wheel-end are appropriate for multiple platform applications. 

“The Spicer® Hercules™ axle structure uses extra-high capacity wheel end bearings and heavy section modular structural components to allow for a wider range of vehicle weights, tracks, tires, and chain combinations,” said Bob Brazeau, chief engineer, Dana Off-Highway Systems.   “Dual, extra-wide flotation tires are approved for most vehicle configurations.”

The 37R and 43R axles’ inboard multi-disc brakes take advantage of oil-sump cooling within the differential and housing arm areas for optimum braking performance and durability.  An outboard 6.00-ratio planetary reduction system employs field-proven, high-efficiency gearing and bearing designs for long life and cool operating temperatures.  Free-floating sun gear, internal gear, and axle shaft components optimize contact ratio and load-sharing for reduced stress.  Mechanical face seals are used for extreme sealing integrity in wet environments.

As an operator-controlled differential, the 37R and 43R axles’ Hydra-Lok™ design allows for moment-to-moment lock and release control – providing superior ground torque bias in severe traction conditions.  In its unlocked condition, the Hydraloc differential allows for free vehicle steering to facilitate maximum maneuverability.  Once locked, a hydraulic piston applies force to a large multi-plate wet clutch, resulting in up to 100-percent torque transfer to the high traction wheel.  

“Spicer® Hydra-Lok™ offers up to 50-percent increased capacity and superior traction control when compared with other designs for front-end loader vehicles,” said Brazeau.  “Spicer® Posi-Torq™ II limited slip differentials with 45-percent locking capacity are also available as an option for less severe traction requirements.”

The Spicer® HSE 2+3 is a hydrostatic transmission offering high-quality, fully-automatic shifting that does not produce traction dip.  While hydrostatic drive systems have historically been restricted to low-speed applications (up to approximately 15 mph or 25 km/h) due to a limited speed range, the HSE 2+3 drivetrain allows for increased speed via Dana’s innovative APC200™ controller, which electronically controls the system’s hydrostatic pump, two hydrostatic motors, and three clutches.  Recent field tests have shown that under some conditions, vehicles equipped with Dana’s HSE 2+3 transmission demonstrate significant increases in fuel efficiency and operational comfort.

The Spicer® GWB™ 2035 driveshaft provides high resistance to dynamic load variations, with large angle capability, uniform load distribution, reduced swing diameter, and multiple flange connectivity.  Together, these features provide an ideal base for both standardized drivetrain and new power transmission concepts.

Off-Highway Systems Overview

Off-Highway Systems is part of Dana Corporation’s Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group. Off-Highway Systems is composed of division facilities and research and development operations in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The group designs, manufactures, assembles, and markets axles and transaxles; driveshafts and end-fittings; transmissions; torque converters; electronic controls; and brakes. Off-Highway Systems also provides replacement parts and service.

Off-Highway Systems serves 30 countries and more than 1,000 vehicle assembly and manufacturing facilities. In addition, through Off-Highway Systems Service, it has two global distribution centers and more than 50 authorized service center locations serving more than 100 countries. Construction, agriculture, specialty chassis, forestry, underground mining, material handling, outdoor power, leisure/utility vehicles, and industrial equipment are just some of the markets that demand the quality found in Spicer’s off-highway systems, products and genuine service parts.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets.  The company’s continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide and reported sales of $7.9 billion in 2003.  Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service facilities in 30 countries.

  For more information, please visit www.dana.com/offhighway.