From Less to Zero

Forwarder cPOWER: Heavy loads, continuously adjustable speed, and easy maneuverability – the fully power-split CVT transmission cPOWER combines these characteristics with improved fuel consumption of up to 25 percent

Modern forestry applications must first and foremost reduce fuel consumption and minimize emissions. No matter the power source, conventional or alternative fuels, hydrogen, or electrification: ZF is contributing to reducing emissions from less to zero.

ZF cPOWER – CVT technology

High loads, continuously variable speeds, and therefore comfortable maneuvering – the cPOWER power-split CVT technology combines these characteristics with improved fuel consumption of up to 25 percent. It operates at low engine speeds, thus increasing efficiency and driver comfort in forestry equipment like forwarders and skidders even more. The gain in tractive power through the innovative transmission system is particularly beneficial for the user when driving on challenging terrain types, like steep slopes, soft ground, or deep snow. Whilst the Group’s transmission is already being well-established in the North American full-tree skidder market for several years now, the technology is recently also finding its way into the cut-to-length forwarder market, mainly to be found in the European area.

Being in series production for forwarders since more than three years now, the fully power-split, continuously variable transmission offers significant fuel consumption benefits and productivity increases for the vehicle owner. Because of rising fuel prices and a growing awareness of CO²-emissions, the market demands more efficient drive systems.

In Off-Highway applications, hydrostatic power-split transmissions ensure significant consumption benefits compared to hydrodynamic transmissions and purely hydrostatic concepts.

The continuously variable transmissions clearly demonstrate their benefits in all ranges of the typical forestry operating cycle, i.e. transporting, or loading.

In this process, the percentage of hydrostatic power is kept low whereby; an optimal degree of efficiency can be achieved.

Already in the start-up process there is a power split between mechanical and hydrostatic drive. The share of the mechanical power increases with the vehicle speed up to 100%.

The application of an elaborate hydraulic transmission-control unit and transmission-integrated onboard electronic unit optimally completes driving functions. The application of these units is done with reference to sensitivity and driving comfort and realizes an aligned power management.

The cPOWER series deploys well-known and -proven construction kit modules and benefits from ZF competence in transmission and vehicle system engineering.

Main features:

• Continuously variable drive over the whole drive range

• Hydrostatic-mechanical power splitting in all driving ranges, including the frequently used range up to 10 km/h

• Reduction of diesel motor speed independent of driving speed

• No wear through heavy loads as there is no mechanical connection between engine and driveline cPOWER is applied in the PONSSE Bison Active Frame, the world’s fastest forwarder. With a maximum load capacity of 16,000 kg, it lives up to its name as a powerhouse