Dana to unveil hybrid power train

Dana will launch a new range of Power Boost hydraulic-hybrid powertrain concepts under its Spicer brand at Bauma. These systems capture waste energy from operations such as braking and then make it available to power the vehicle. Dana says the use of hydraulic accumulators to achieve this can provide a power boost for acceleration or work such as driving into a pile. This can not only improve productivity, but it can cut fuel consumption by up to -40%.

The company’s stand will feature the new Dana Rexroth hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT), which has been developed in a 50:50 joint venture with Bosch Rexroth.

Designed for loaders, graders, lift trucks, reach stackers and forestry equipment from 135 – 195 kW, the R2 is said to deliver up to 25% fuel savings compared to a conventional torque converter.

By combining a hydrostatic and mechanical drive in a single unit, Dana Rexroth said it could offer smooth, step-less acceleration as well as drive systems that were well-matched to different engine revs and torque. Effectively, it said, engine speed had been decoupled from vehicle drive speed.

The R2 extends the joint venture’s HVT portfolio, adding to the larger R3 that was launched previously.