Advanced, high efficiency drive systems from Bonfiglioli

Bonfiglioli is developing an array of advanced driveline solutions that will boost working efficiency for an array of off-highway machine types. The firm has developed a hybrid drive for aerial platforms, which allows the units to run in electric only mode for operation in confined spaces in car parks or for tunnel maintenance for example. A full electric drive system for an aerial platform will be offered in early 2019, although Bonfiglioli is not keen to disclose which manufacturer will introduce the unit
November 29, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Bonfiglioli is now developing advanced driveline solutions

5073 Bonfiglioli is developing an array of advanced driveline solutions that will boost working efficiency for an array of off-highway machine types. The firm has developed a hybrid drive for aerial platforms, which allows the units to run in electric only mode for operation in confined spaces in car parks or for tunnel maintenance for example. A full electric drive system for an aerial platform will be offered in early 2019, although Bonfiglioli is not keen to disclose which manufacturer will introduce the unit.

The company is also working on a novel hybrid drive system for use with crushers. However Stefano Baldi, global sales director at the firm said, “It is difficult with high power. You need a big motor and a big battery.”

An important development for Bonfiglioli has been the recent purchase of the licence to further develop and manufacture the continuously variable transmissions (CVT) from CVTcorp. Baldi said that the CVTs can make major savings in fuel consumption as they allow engines to operate at optimum speeds. Bonfiglioli is already carrying out field trials of the first of these CVTs for off-highway machines as the firm is working on the project with two telehandler manufacturers at present.

A CVT drive for use in wheeled loaders will follow, although field trials will not commence until 2021 and this process will need to be completed before products are ready for market.

Engines, Components & Tyres

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Advances in tunneling technology offer efficiency
    October 18, 2017
    New developments in tunnelling technologies offer contractors greater efficiencies when constructing new bores. Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are widely being used in major projects such as the Brenner Base Tunnel in the Austrian Alps. Full face TBMs are highly sophisticated machines featuring a rotating drilling head, which removes the material, and, depending on the type of construction, secures the excavated tunnel with shotcrete, rock bolts and wire mesh or prefabricated segments of reinforced concrete.
    Read More
  • Highly relevant: Denmark’s asset management for bridges
    July 12, 2019
    A well-maintained road bridge network is vital to Denmark’s economy. David Arminas caught up with Niels Pedersen, head of bridges at the Danish Road Directorate Denmark, being a country mainly of islands, relies on its bridges and tunnels to help unify the nation culturally. It also means that they are vastly more important to the economic well-being of the nation than in most other states. The World Bank has classified Denmark as a high-income economy. In 2017 it ranked 16th globally in terms of gros
    Read More
  • Metso looks to develop its international profile following its recent demerger
    March 12, 2014
    Metso CEO and president Matti Kähkönen explained how the company is evolving - Mike Woof reports Finnish crushing and screening specialist Metso is looking to expand its worldwide operations following the recent demerger of the group. CEO and president Matti Kähkönen said that Metso has been a multi-industry business for the last 14 years. The firm’s biggest divisions have been the joint construction and mining division and the pulp and paper business, with its automation sector being the smallest of the
    Read More
  • Advanced machine control solutions
    February 15, 2012
    Trimble has developed an array of smart solutions for GPS machine control applications, which can now be installed on a wide variety of machines from different manufacturers. The company has long had a close relationship with Caterpillar but can also install units on machines from a range of manufacturers including Case, John Deere, Komatsu, Liebherr, Roadtec and Volvo. The firm's range has developed beyond just the GPS hardware though and includes sophisticated software, which can be loaded onto a hand-hel
    Read More

Highlighted Content