New Transmission To Challenge Powershift

New Transmission To Challenge Powershift TRACTORS Miscellaneous 20-1-25 A new-style high-tech transmission that provides stepless, variable drive with single joy-stick control has been developed independently by three of Germany's top agricultural manufacturers. Two of the companies will have the transmission available on new lines of tractors this year. Claas plans to use the transmission in its 200 to 300 hp 4-WD, bidirectional "Xerion" tractor (see page 24). Fendt, which produces Germany's top-selling tractors, will have its new "Vario" transmission in its 260-hp tractors this year. ZF, manufacturer of transmissions and components, was the third company to develop the new-style transmission. All say they worked on the transmission independently but came up with similar systems. The transmissions provide the biggest challenge yet to the popular powershift transmission, say industry watchers. At press time, Claas and ZF had released few details about their versions of the transmission.Fendt says its Vario transmission splits power between the mechanical and hydrostatic drives with a computer that selects balance, giving best efficiency for working speed. The transmission will be tuned for maximum efficiency at 4.4 mph plowing speeds, but can be varied to suit other applications. Two ranges available. Work range gives stepless control up to 22 mph; travel range from 0 to 31 mph maximum. Fendt say the transmission will cost about 7% more than a powershift model of comparable power. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Xaver Fendt GmbH & Co., Maschinen-und Schlepperfabrik, Johann-George-Fendt-Str. 4, D-87616 Marktoberdorf, Germany (ph 08342 77-1; fax 08342 77-220).

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