Importance of the gearbox in agricultural tractor
In this article you will learn:
- What is a CVT and Powershift transmission?
- How choosing the wrong oil can end up?
- How to choose the right oil for a tractor with an automatic transmission?
On the mechanical shoulders of an agricultural tractor lies quite a responsibility. Such a machine works in extreme conditions and is subjected to enormous loads every day. Consequently, it must be reliable and durable. It is largely on the proper maintenance of the engine and transmission that the efficiency of the tractor and its service life depends. That is why it is so important to choose the right oil. Especially when dealing with an automatic transmission of the CVT or Powershift type.
The importance of the gearbox in an agriculture machine
Different characteristics of operating a passenger car from an agricultural machine require different technological solutions. Every user, whether of a vehicle intended for daily use or a specialized machine used in the field, when asked what is the most important part of such a machine will answer the same: the engine. But to ensure that it works properly and performs at its best, it must get the right support. This is provided by a properly functioning transmission.
An agricultural tractor works under very heavy loads at low speed. The working conditions together with the specifics of operating a popular tractor mean that it is subject to forces that are not easy to cope with. This forces the transmission to adapt torque to the significant resistance resulting from the movement of the vehicle and attached attachments. With the development of technology used in agriculture, automatic transmissions such as DirectDrive, Vario or VT Drive have become increasingly popular, relieving the farmer of the burden of constant gear reduction. Among these modern solutions, we can distinguish two types of transmissions: Powershift and CVT, which offer great comfort. Let's take a closer look at them.
What are Powershift and CVT?
Powershift (such as DirectDrive in John Deere) is a dual-clutch automatic transmission. As the name suggests, it consists of two clutches, one of which is responsible for even gears and the other for odd gears. Such a transmission, when operating in harmony, provides continuous drive without jerks or interruptions in the distribution of torque to the wheels. The alternating clutches, which operate alternately, make it possible to reduce fuel consumption along with optimizing engine operation in adverse conditions.
CVT (Continously Variable Transmission, such as the Vario in Fendt), is a continuously variable transmission. It has an unlimited number of ratios generated without disengaging the drive. This solution enables proper torque distribution even during the heaviest engine work. At the heart of the box is a planetary gearbox, which collects power from the hydraulic motors and from the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. Advantages resulting from the use of this transmission system include the aforementioned unlimited gear range and smoothness of movement.
It pays back to invest in high quality oil!
Modern tractors equipped with automatic transmissions are a significant expense. So it is worth reducing the operating costs of such a vehicle to the minimum necessary. A significant influence on how our machine will perform is the oil we use to operate it.
We must also keep in mind that transmissions of the same type, such as continuously variable gearboxes, have different designs in other manufacturers. For example, McCormick tractors use VT Drive, which requires different parameters from the oil used for Vario in Fendts. The use of an inferior lubricant, or one that is not matched to the type of transmission, can have a deplorable effect. Repairing failures, replacing components, and calibration problems involve headache-inducing expenses. To avoid this, it is worth following a few simple rules.
A SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON HOW OUR MACHINE WILL PERFORM IS THE OIL WE USE TO OPERATE IT.
First, you should always verify the manufacturer's recommendations that the product you choose is dedicated to the transmission you are using. Automatic transmissions are a very complex and delicate mechanism, for which completely different types of oil are intended.
Secondly, you need to reach for a product that is proven, well-established on the market and meets the strictest criteria - at FUCHS we have many such products of the AGRIFARM series, for example, for parts of modern transmissions we recommend AGRIFARM UTTO VT.
Thirdly, stay faithful to the chosen brand of oil, using top-ups of a proven agent. This will ensure that our machine works properly for many years, thus having a direct impact on the thickness of our wallet.
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AGRIFARM UTTO VT
Designed for use in transmission and hydraulic systems with integrated so-called wet brakes, clutches, as well as for differentials installed in agricultural and construction machinery.
Key advantages:
- high performance of both CVTs and multiclutch transmissions
- extreme antiwear protection
- protection against of sludge, deposits and lakes
- excellent friction coefficient in wet brake applications