ZF ECOLife Testman. Challenger Location Offline Junior Member Reputation: 31. Thanks Given: 448 Thanks Received: 152 (23 Posts) Posts: 104 Threads: 6 Joined: Apr 2011 10, 01:36 AM (, 11:48 PM) gka3 Wrote: Working with Nexiq? Thanks given by: Reply. ZF’s six-speed automatic transmission, EcoLife, is in its second generation and provides improved fuel economy capabilities with stop/start, efficiency opportunities through optimized shifts. In the latest EcoLife generation, ZF has also further enhanced the comfort levels, with improved shift quality, as an example. “ICE powered buses are still a central component of public transport systems and long-distance travel provision. It is therefore important to contribute to reduce emissions and increase efficiency in this area.

“ICE powered buses are still a central component of public transport systems and long-distance travel provision. It is therefore important to contribute to reduce emissions and increase efficiency in this area. The market demands high levels of comfort combined with best performance – we have achieved this with the new EcoLife 2,” says Dr. Andreas Grossl, responsible for bus axle and transmission systems at ZF.

ZF has retained the basic principle of a six-stage planetary gearset with torque converter and primary retarder in the second generation of the EcoLife transmission. Numerous technical modifications optimize the new version of the powershift transmission, allowing city and intercity buses to pull away gently with an input torque of up to 2,000 Nm which enables smooth gear shifting.

Economical, robust, and comfortable

Zf Ecolife Transmission Fluid

A torque converter with a new torsional damper enables fast and smooth shifting. It also provides all model variants of the EcoLife 2 with a fuel-saving stop-start function. ZF has adapted the torque converter and torsional damper, satisfying the current trend toward low engine and transmission speeds which are important for efficient operation: the torque converter also transmits fewer engine vibrations to both transmission and complete drivetrain. This increases levels of comfort while minimizing wear.

There is also something new inside the gearbox: the planetary gearset of the EcoLife 2 makes it possible to increase the total gear ratio’s from 5,469 to 5,727, necessary for increased mechanical power transmission and thus for greater efficiency. ZF engineers were able to further reduce internal transmission losses by applying a special coating to the lamellar clutch. This coating also optimizes cooling, which in turn reduces wear.

Another innovation in the EcoLife 2 is the cooling concept. The stainless-steel heat exchanger mounted behind the transmission is now triple-ducted, integrating the transmission cooling system and eliminating the requirement for an additional container. The results is weight savings of around 10 kilograms and increased ease of maintenance.

Gearbox control creates further advantages

Further advantages of the EcoLife 2 result from the transmission control system. The control software is not only responsible for the extremely fast, smooth and more comfortable shifting: it equipps the new generation of city bus transmissions with a coasting function that contributes to fuel savings. Customers also benefit from the fact that the transmission software can also be adapted to a variety of different engine characteristics. ZF can provide the EcoLife 2 with different starting characteristics, according to customer requirements.

Further advantages include simpler assembly and easier diagnostics, for which ZF also offers preventive service packages through its international partner workshops.

EcoLife 2 will be made available to ZF’s existing customers by next year, after which it will be rolled out to the open market. An EcoLife 2 variant for coaches is also under development, covering the torque range between 1,700 to 2,800 Nm.

Zf Ecolife Transmission

Ecodrive are an authorised ZF DriveCentre providing a UK-wide ZF transmission and driveline support service operating from an extensive 1,150M² head office, workshop and parts facility near Bolton in Greater Manchester from where we offer an extensive range of support services including: on site service support; transmission and axle removal and refit service; gearbox repairs and overhauls; and the supply of genuine ZF parts and remanufactured ZF service exchange units.

We provide a UK-wide transmission and driveline mobile support service from our head office located in Manchester and through associated companies based in Glasgow, Surrey, Kent and Bristol. All service vans are fully equipped with the latest tooling and ZF test equipment and ZF factory trained engineers to ensure that customers are given a first class, comprehensive service with the minimum of downtime.

As official trading partner of ZF Services UK Ltd, we also supply genuine SACHS, LEMFÖRDER and BOGE service exchange components and parts.

For information about all products within the brands SACHS, LEMFÖRDER and BOGE, you can search the online catalogue of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, ZF Services below:

Contact Ecodrive directly on 01204 701812.

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Zf Transmission Ecolife

Ecodrive Transmissions has a wealth of experience maintaining and repairing automatic, manual and automated manual transmissions for all types of vehicles from trucks and commercial vehicles to PSV and off highway applications.

Zf Ecolife Transmission

We understand the importance of rapid response and fast turn-around times, and are committed to providing our customers with unparalleled levels of support and technical advice for their ZF gearbox and driveline components.