ZF has announced the Ecomix II generation of concrete mixer drives, offering a 20 percent weight savings and a 50 percent shorter profile than the company’s
ZF has announced the Ecomix II generation of concrete mixer drives, offering a 20 percent weight savings and a 50 percent shorter profile than the company’s current PLM 9 drive. The Ecomix II – CML 10 (Concrete Mixer Low-speed) model suits drums up to 12-yd. capacity and, compared to the first-generation Ecomix, is described by company engineers as smaller, lighter, quieter, more rigid, more flexible, and of greater serviceability. In addition, the new drive’s special design includes a tough bearing concept that makes it possible to significantly increase the output bearing strength, leading to enhanced rigidity during off-road operation.
The use of proprietary elastomer units from ZF Boge Elastmetall allows an increase of the axial run-out at drum bottom and drum misalignment. With the new bearing concept, the installation angle is no longer dependent on drum size and drum filling, and can run up to 20 degrees. Acoustic and mechanic decoupling of the drum and vehicle frame leads to what product developers note is considerable noise reduction during operation and improved driving comfort. They credit improved serviceability to an adapted, weight-optimized, low-speed hydro motor with separate oil for the transmission and the hydrostatic. A sealing collar has been replaced by a cassette seal, resulting in a reportedly tougher transmission of longer service light. ZF will show the Ecomix II for the first time at Bauma 2007, April 23-29 in Munich. ZF Sales and Service North America, based in Vernon Hills, Ill., plans to test units with mixer body builders. Û 847/478-6810; www.zf-group.com