Gulf Construction Online - Volvo’s optishift promotes fuel efficiency

Loaders

Volvo’s optishift promotes fuel efficiency

01 April 2010

VOLVO is reaffirming its position as a leader in fuel efficiency with its OptiShift, a new driveline system designed to increase operator comfort and durability as well as optimise fuel savings by up to 15 per cent.

The new technology is being launched at bauma, the leading international construction machinery and building materials machines exhibition being held in Germany this month, and will be rolled out across all markets for its larger wheel loaders – the L150F, L180F and L220F.
“OptiShift is a refinement of Volvo’s exceptional APS driveline concept. Not only does it include a new torque converter with lock up and free wheel stator, but also the Volvo-patented reverse by braking (RBB) function – providing reduced fuel consumption, increased operator comfort and durability,” says a spokesman for the Sweden-based manufacturer Volvo Construction Equipment (VCE).
OptiShift is a significant step forward in Volvo’s ongoing quest to dramatically reduce both fuel consumption and environmental impact while maintaining productivity, comfort and machine uptime, he says.
The key to OptiShift is a 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. It can reduce fuel consumption in operations such as load and carry – in applications like rehandling and timber handling – as well as in short cycle loading.
Other benefits include faster loading cycles, increased operator comfort, better drive response, increased hill climbing performance, better deceleration comfort and less loading stress on the torque converter and transmission.
“We are delivering on our promise of increasing fuel efficiency and taking the industry forward when it comes to innovation with another patented Volvo solution,” says Arvid Rinaldo of global market communications at VCE.