Waste management is an industry that demands speed, efficiency and sound investment for companies to remain sound and competitive. As such, the efficiency of your equipment can make all the difference. When it comes to landfill compactors, choosing the right drive system is crucial for optimal performance and productivity.
This article will delve into the reasons why a hydrostatic drive powertrain is Aljon’s preferred choice for your landfill compactor versus the conventional powershift transmission (mechanical drive).
Powershift Transmission
Powershift transmission drive train designs are a conventional, mechanical drive option for landfill compactors that consist of many more major components such as the transmission, torque converter, and differentials. With such a complex system, it often puts the machine at a higher risk of expensive component failures, which also require a much longer repair process. Additionally, the mechanical drive powertrain reduces gradability needed when compacting on steep grades, and increases the maintenance requirements as there are more components in need of routine maintenance.
The Hydrostatic Drive Powertrain
The hydrostatic drive powertrain design provides fluid power to drive all four planetaries at each wheel, resulting in full-time 4-wheel drive capability. Each wheel is driven by an individual pump and motor, providing fluid power individually to each wheel. This design offers several distinct advantages for landfill compactors.
Fluid Power to Each Wheel = Full-Time 4-Wheel Drive
With a hydrostatic drive, you benefit from continuous power to all four wheels, ensuring optimal traction and gradeability in the challenging terrain of landfill sites. This enables the compactor to navigate slopes with minimal wheel slippage, keeping each wheel in full contact with the material, which helps produce optimal compaction ratios, regardless of which area of the working face the machine is compacting.
Each Wheel is Powered by a Single Pump and Motor
The simplicity of the hydrostatic drive design is a key factor in its performance. Each wheel is powered by an individual pump and motor, minimizing the number of moving parts. This streamlined approach not only enhances reliability and gradability, but also facilitates easier maintenance and repair, reducing downtime and associated costs.
Easy to Maintain and Repair
Landfill compactors equipped with a hydrostatic drive are renowned for their ease of maintenance because they were designed with simplicity and durability in mind. With fewer components and a straightforward design, routine maintenance tasks become more accessible. This not only translates to cost savings but also ensures that your compactor spends more time on the landfill, contributing to increased operational efficiency.
Optimal Gradability
One of the critical performance metrics for landfill compactors is gradability – the ability to navigate and operate on slopes. Hydrostatic drives excel in this regard, providing optimal gradability. The continuous and independent power distribution to each wheel enhances stability and control, allowing you to tackle steeper inclines with confidence.
Beyond the advantages listed above, the innovative, yet simple, design of the hydrostatic powertrain offers practical performance benefits. Here are 6 additional characteristics of this system which attribute to it being a superior choice for landfill compactors.
1. Unmatched Precision and Control
The hydrostatic drive powertrain allows you to vary the speed smoothly and seamlessly, ensuring that you can adapt to the changing conditions of the landfill terrain.
2. Enhanced Productivity through Variable Speeds
The hydrostatic drive powertrain offers variable speeds, allowing you to tailor the compactor’s pace to the specific requirements of each task.
3. Seamless Reversing Capability
Maneuvering in reverse can be tricky, especially in the confined spaces of a landfill. The hydrostatic drive’s seamless reversing capability eliminates the unpredictable transitions often associated with other drive systems.
4. Operator Comfort and Reduced Fatigue
The hydrostatic drive powertrain enhances the operator’s experience by offering a smoother and more comfortable ride. The absence of abrupt gear shifts and the ability to control speed with precision contribute to reduced operator fatigue.
The Drive System That Puts You in Control
In the fast-paced and competitive environment of landfill operations, every advantage counts. At Aljon, we believe the hydrostatic drive powertrain system offers unmatched precision, control, and efficiency. From variable speeds to reduced maintenance requirements, this innovative technology puts you in control of your compaction process, ensuring optimal performance and productivity.
The hydrostatic drive has been Aljon’s preferred powertrain for over 60 years, which is why our ADV 500, ADV 525, and ADV 600 landfill compactor models come equipped with this system. To learn more about this or any of our product lines at Aljon, please contact us today.
