ZF piloting electrified mobile excavator drivetrain

ZF announced it has launched its first pilot project involving electrification of a wheeled excavator drivetrain, with the first prototypes delivered to a pilot customer recently.

ZF has begun a pilot project with an electrified wheeled excavator.

The newly launched system consists of a two-speed powershift transmission, electric motor and inverter. It can be scaled up to peak torque 850 Nm and continuous power of 80 kW, ZF said. ZF said the project is in line with the company’s “Vision Zero” philosophy in which its objective is to reduce accidents and downtimes as well as cut machine emissions to zero.

The pilot comes shortly after ZF has started volume production of its eTrac eCD20 electrified driveline system for compact equipment like compact loaders. Three versions of the electric central drive system – the eCD50, eCD70 and eCD90 – are available to cover different vehicle sizes in targeted applications.

The systems include two-speed transmissions, electric motors and SAHR parking brakes, with optional axle disconnect for two- or four-wheel drive capability. The product portfolio for mobile excavators is rounded off by a newly developed electrified swing drive and the company’s established MultiSteer and MultiTrac front and rear axles.

ZF’s eTrac eCD70 electric drive system.

ZF said the electric drive system satisfies all the expectations for performance and productivity found in traditional drivelines and combines them with the benefits and opportunities that electric systems offer, such as reduced operating noise. Because of its modular design, the new range of electric central drives can easily be adapted for various vehicle applications, including backhoe loaders, telehandlers and forestry equipment.