What boosts our machines? A glimpse into a key element: The transmission

When we think of heavy machinery, we imagine an imposing power capable of moving earth, gravel, and stone with ease. But behind this vision, there is much more: achieving a longer lifespan with lower maintenance costs. In recent years, heavy machinery has evolved significantly to meet these demands. In this blog, we will explore the heart of these machines, the transmission. With a focus on wheel loaders, we will break down their key components, the fluids that keep them running, and their types.

Emphasizing Their Importance

Transmissions are the backbone of machines, allowing for the efficient transfer of engine power to the wheels or tracks. In a wheel loader, the transmission plays an essential role in adjusting speed and torque (the rotational force a motor can generate to perform work) according to operational needs.

And in the case of a wheel loader… What aspects do we highlight?

Transmisión 714-07-30030

Essential Components of a Loader’s Transmission

Torque Converter

The torque converter is the first piece in a wheel loader‘s transmission. It functions as a hydraulic coupling that allows for the smooth and gradual transmission of power generated by the engine to the transmission. Its design enables jerk-free starts and efficient energy transfer. In situations of heavy loading, the torque converter acts as a torque multiplier, providing greater force to overcome obstacles and challenging terrains.

Convertidor Komatsu 711-53-21001

Gearbox (Powershift)

The gearbox, or powershift transmission, enables control of speeds and gear changes in the wheel loader. The distinctive feature of a powershift transmission is its ability to shift gears seamlessly, ensuring a smooth transition without power loss. It also allows the operator to adapt the machine, such as a wheel loader, to different load and terrain conditions, optimizing efficiency and performance in various tasks.

Caja de transferencia WA500-3

Axles and Driveshafts

Axles and driveshafts serve as crucial foundations in wheel loaders, playing an essential role in transferring the power generated by the engine to the wheels. Axles, designed to withstand loads and torsion, are responsible for maintaining precise wheel alignment and ensuring reliable traction on diverse terrains. Driveshafts, on the other hand, act as vital intermediaries by seamlessly transmitting motion from the gearbox to the axles.

The synergy between these components is fundamental for the optimal performance of the wheel loader, especially in construction, mining, and earthmoving environments.

Keeping them in optimal condition is a priority to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the machine throughout its lifecycle.

Eje transmisión Komatsu WA320-3

Fluids and Lubrication

In the past, powershift transmissions used to rely on engine oil, which was not an optimal choice due to differences in composition and performance required by transmissions. Compared to specialized oils, engine oils could lead to wear and friction issues in components such as clutches and brakes. Changes in fluid technologies and design have given rise to advanced oils that enhance performance and durability.

These modern lubricants fulfill several vital functions, including ensuring friction stability, anti-wear protection, and material compatibility. They also provide control over sludge, protection against rust and corrosion, and thermal stability.

You can choose between single-grade or multigrade oils, depending on the climate and requirements. As the industry evolves, oils will continue to adapt to new engines and emission requirements, remaining essential in maximizing the efficiency and longevity of heavy machinery.

Typology

In the realm of wheel loaders and most heavy machinery, we encounter a variety of transmission types, each designed to meet specific needs and situations:

Transmision WA500-6

  • Powershift: Renowned for its seamless gear shifts, allowing the machine to maintain its momentum and efficiency while changing speeds. Extremely useful in situations of constant load or on uneven terrains. The smooth transition between gears optimizes operation in various conditions, providing greater traction and reducing clutch wear. In construction and mining environments where power and durability are essential, they have proven to be an effective choice.

 

  • Hydrostatic: Hydrostatic transmissions employ hydraulic fluids to transmit engine power to the wheels or tracks. This technology offers precise control and smooth maneuverability, making it particularly valuable for operations requiring precise movements and maneuvers in tight spaces. The ability to vary speed and direction smoothly and continuously makes hydrostatic transmissions ideal for accurately loading and unloading materials in congested work areas.

 

  • Automatic: Automatic transmissions, known for their comfort and ease of use in passenger vehicles, have also been adapted for heavy machinery, including wheel loaders. These transmissions automatically shift gears based on load conditions and machine speed, allowing operators to focus on other critical tasks. Efficiency and the smoothness of gear transitions are standout features of this transmission type, resulting in a more comfortable and productive operation.

Recycling and Sustainability

The recycling of used transmission components plays an essential role in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability in the industry. Firstly, recycling helps minimize the accumulation of electronic and metallic waste, reducing pressure on landfills and preventing soil and water pollution. By salvaging and reusing parts from decommissioned transmissions, the need to extract and process new raw materials is decreased, contributing to the conservation of natural resources.

Additionally, it can have a positive impact on the economy by fostering job creation in the recycling and refurbishment industry. Workshops and specialized companies in parts recovery can repair and refurbish used components, extending their lifespan and offering them at a more affordable cost compared to entirely new parts. This benefits both heavy machinery operators and fleet owners by reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

Lastly, it contributes to a circular economy mindset in the industry, where products and materials are reused and recycled instead of being discarded after their initial lifespan. This not only reduces the industry’s environmental footprint but also promotes greater awareness of the importance of resource conservation and environmental responsibility in a critical sector for construction and infrastructure.

WA500-3

In TAOP PARTS, we can provide the necessary spare parts for your machine, including transmissions and their components. Feel free to contact us for inquiries and assistance.

www.TaopParts.com

info@taopparts.com

Functional test en Taop Parts installation

In today’s post we provide a link list to our YouTube channel videos.

They show tests we carry out on each machine before proceeding with disassembly.

Our general functional tests are listed below:

Backhoe Loader WB93-R2 Komatsu:

Crawler Excavator Komatsu PC210LC-7K

Wheel Loader Komatsu WA4705-H

 

In the next videos, you will appreciate the functional tests of the engine:

S4D106-1F WB93-R2 Backhoe loader Komatsu

SAA6D102-E2 PC240NLC-7K Crawler Excavator Komatsu

You can find more videos in our YouTube channel.

Link of interest:

Tips for buying recycled spare parts for heavy machinery

In this article we will give you some tips on how to evaluate recycled spare parts based on technical information and photos. Continue reading Tips for buying recycled spare parts for heavy machinery

Maximize production with implement maintenance

To maximize the performance of any machine, it is very important to take care of your tools. It should be noted that attachments affect the longevity, productivity, fuel consumption and maintenance costs of your equipment.Find the used spare parts komatsu volvo jcb Continue reading Maximize production with implement maintenance

Buying a new machine or thinking about alternative solutions like leasing, renting or repairing?

When the machine used for earthmoving breaks down, what are the alternative solutions that the owner has?

Buying new construction machinery certainly has its advantages if you have the right budget.

When the budget is limited, you can repair the machine and, in the meantime, you can opt for a rental option. Repair can be done with new or recycled spare parts.Find the used spare parts komatsu volvo jcb

Many users do not like the idea of ​​replacing their old machine with a new one, both for economic reasons and for reasons of difficulty in learning new technologies. If the operator uses the machine well and is productive, a repair is a good solution.

Some owners, for example, would choose to repair any component with the goal of maximizing the overall life expectancy of their machine. Continue reading Buying a new machine or thinking about alternative solutions like leasing, renting or repairing?

Tires or chains?

Today we will treat with a very important topic concerning the difference between wheeled and crawler machines.

Let’s start with the first statement: earthmoving machines have wheeled and crawler versions and various factors come into play when it comes to choosing between them. These are factors related to the type of work to perform, the type of surface on which to carry it out, the load capacity, etc.used spare parts komatsu volvo jcb catalog Continue reading Tires or chains?

Presentation of machinery catalog updated 2020

Catalog updated 2020

 

our machine's fleet

Spare parts available: Engine, Transmission, Refrigeration, Electrical System, Hydraulic System, Pneumatic System, Axes and Filming.

Therefore, we have more than 10,000 spare parts in our stock.

The engine: the element that converts power into hydraulic force

The engine represents one of the most important elements of excavators, loaders, dump truck, bulldozers, backhoe loaders and mini excavators.

Obviously, each type of machine will have a specific engine to adapt to the size and capacity of each individual machine.

Find the used spare parts komatsu volvo jcb

Taop Parts, leader of the sale of original re-usable spare parts sector, checks the functioning of each engine before dismantling, certifying its correct functionality. As mentioned, each machine has a different type of engine. Let’s see what the characteristics are. Continue reading The engine: the element that converts power into hydraulic force

The cabin: the heart of the earth moving machines

Excavators, wheel loader, backhoe loaders, bulldozers, etc. lift very heavy materials during excavations and land handling in general.

These operations are carried out through the tools available to the operator such as the bucket which, thanks to the arm and the movement of the cylinder, carries out the excavations.

The operator activates the tools inside the cabin and it is made up of a series of elements and represents its control station.Used cabin Komatsu

Continue reading The cabin: the heart of the earth moving machines

Hydraulic cylinder: types and operating

Taop Parts offers hydraulic cylinders recovered from original machines, which have been tested and are ready to be installed.

Hydraulic cylinders are important components in earth-moving machines, such as excavators and wheel loaders, as they transform hydraulic force into linear movement, by facilitating the lifting and moving of heavy materials.

used spare parts komatsu volvo jcb catalog

The cylinder works thanks to the hydraulic system, consisting of pumps, pipes and hydraulic fluid.

A hydraulic cylinder is a tube closed at one end with a rod that moves inside. Inside the cylinder we find a piston. The piston separates the internal side of the cylinder from the external one. The fluid moves to both sides of the cylinder to extend or retract the rod.

Hydraulic cylinders can push, pull and lift different types of loads with different weights and sizes.

Continue reading Hydraulic cylinder: types and operating