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.
