Volvo Announces OptiShift Technology
February 19, 2010
Volvo
reaffirms its position as the leader in fuel efficiency, thanks to the
development of OptiShift — a driveline system designed to optimize fuel savings
by up to 12 percent compared to those Volvo models without OptiShift.
Competitive testing in short-cycle loading and level/uphill load-and-carry have
shown up to 30 percent lower fuel consumption versus major competitors and up to
20 percent higher fuel efficiency. OptiShift is now available for Volvo L150F,
L180F and L220F wheel loaders.
OptiShift
is a refinement of the exceptional Volvo APS driveline concept. It includes a
new torque converter with lock-up and free wheel stator, as well as the
Volvo-patented Reverse By Braking (RBB) function — providing reduced fuel
consumption and increased operator comfort.
Fuel efficiency in
focus
OptiShift
is a significant step forward in the ongoing Volvo quest to dramatically reduce
both fuel consumption and environmental impact while maintaining productivity,
comfort and machine uptime. The key to OptiShift is the driveline completely
designed and constructed by Volvo, which allows the system to function smoothly
in a dynamic and powerful unit where all components are matched to work in
harmony.
When
operating at a constant speed, the pump and turbine rotor inside the torque
converter are locked together through a direct-drive clutch, lowering power
losses and fuel consumption. Auto lock-up occurs in second, third and fourth
gear. The lock-up function is activated by a switch on the cab post
panel.
The
Volvo-patented Reverse By Braking (RBB) function automatically
assists the machine’s deceleration by applying the standard service brake
instead of the torque converter. It applies when the operator uses the gear
selector control for changing direction of operation from reverse to forward or
forward to reverse. Less
loading stress on the torque converter and transmission provides increased
durability.
Volvo Construction Equipment
(Volvo CE) is a major international company developing, manufacturing, and
marketing equipment for the construction and related industries. Its products,
leaders in many world markets, include a comprehensive range of wheel loaders,
hydraulic excavators, articulated haulers, motor graders, soil and asphalt
compactors, pavers, milling machines, compact wheel loaders and excavators, and
skid steer and backhoe loaders. Volvo CE is part of the Volvo Group. The Volvo
Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and
construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications,
aerospace components and services, and is one of the world's leading producers
of heavy-diesel engines (9-18 liter). The Group also provides complete solutions
for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs about 96,000 people,
has production facilities in 19 countries and sells their products in more than
180 markets. Volvo Group sales for 2009 amounted to approximately 29 BUSD. The
Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Volvo Shares are listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and are traded OTC in
the US.
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