The full potential of mobile machinery and commercial vehicles will be on display from 12-18 November 2023 at SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS, which is scheduled to take place in parallel with Agritechnica
The exhibitors at the exhibition grounds in Hanover, Germany, will be presenting diverse hybrid concepts as well as 100% electric drive solutions – for virtually every segment.
The electrification of mobile machinery is the current focus of drive technology innovation, replacing the traditional diesel engine and hydrostatic drives. This trend towards electromobility is not limited to passenger cars but also plays a central role in agriculture and forestry, construction, and mining. Electric drives offer several advantages, including fewer moving parts, less frequent servicing, higher efficiency, reduced emissions, and increased performance. However, the size and complexity of the systems present a challenge to developers, and the right equipment is necessary to meet these requirements.
At SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS 2023, developers will showcase practicable solutions for electrification that are easy to integrate and lead to new business models. This includes modular platforms designed specifically for the off-highway sector, compatible with various designs, and covering the entire spectrum of compact to heavy-duty working machines. The use of alternative drives in off-highway applications is encouraged by exhaust emission legislation, and the eDumper demonstrates how manufacturers tackle this issue in a sustainable manner.
System optimisation through electrification
Agricultural machinery manufacturers are also continuously extending their portfolio of electric machines and are transforming the industry, moving it towards a climate-neutral future. High- and low-voltage generator systems for stepless tractor gearboxes are just some of the components that will be on display at the exhibition grounds in Hanover. However, electrification is not limited to the drivetrain. Hydraulic drives currently control linear actuation in agricultural machinery but electric actuators are increasingly gaining in importance. To achieve the necessary performance breakthrough for tractors and attachments, focus is increasingly shifting to modular electric drive systems with which synergies can be achieved with other applications. Increased efficiency and reduced wheel slip are some of the optimisation objectives of electrically distributed traction management.
John Deere is showing the form that this can take with eAutoPowr – a stepless gearbox that replaces hydraulic with electrical components. This gearbox with electromechanical power split is available for three tractor model series. The electrical system is powerful enough to not only supply the electric motor, but can additionally provide up to 100 kW for external consumers via 480 V variable-frequency three-phase alternating current. John Deere has developed an initial application together with the Belgian agricultural machinery supplier Joskin. In combination with a slurry tanker drive, two axles are driven electrically and the weight of the tanker is used to transfer tractive power, leading to increased traction, less slip and better track guidance. Speeds of up to 5 kph are 100% electric, enabling fast and smooth changes of direction. The driver also benefits from precise speed regulation and improved acceleration behaviour.
