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NEWS system customisable to specific engine characteristics, while enhanced diagnostics are available via integrated telemetry, it states. The system also features variable idle speeds, which enhances several transmission functions under different circumstances, ZF adds. ‘NEXT-GEN’ ZF ECOLIFE BUS TRANSMISSION DUE SOON A ‘LIGHTER, more efficient and more robust’ ZF Ecolife bus and coach transmission is due to be released here in the Australasian/Oceania region. Said to be offering, “improved fuel savings of up to three per cent compared to the first generation transmission”, the compact weight-saving design Ecolife 2 is set to feature increased torque allowance of up to 2,000Nm for city bus use, ZF states. With a focus on lowering operating costs and emissions the “more highly developed” second-generation Ecolife will have an option for coaches that will cover an engine torque range between 1,700Nm–2,800Nm, says ZF. “It’s exciting that the Ecolife 2 bus and coach transmission is coming to Oceania,” said Shane Trenbath, ZF Services Australia technical services manager. FUEL SAVINGS As stated, via Ecolife 2 further fuel savings of up to three per cent will be available compared with the first Ecolife generation, claims ZF. The unit features numerous technical refinements that make it lighter, more efficient, more robust, and easier to Above: Ecolife 2 is the latest generation of automatic transmission systems for buses that can enable fuel savings of up to three per cent, ZF states. maintain, it adds. A torque converter with a new torsional damper enables fast and smooth shifting, and provides the Ecolife 2 with its stop-start function. Another innovation 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 housing, ZF explains. This results in weight savings of around 10 kilograms, and improved ease of maintenance, says ZF. Further advantages of the Ecolife 2 come from the transmission control system, which enables a coasting function that contributes to fuel savings, with the ECOLIFE LEGACY From low life-cycle costs, fuel consumption savings, to savings on service brake component longevity, plus a host of usability and comfort advantages, the ZF Ecolife is in a class of its own, ZF says. At the heart of the efficiency savings is the six-speed configuration, which keeps engine revs low throughout acceleration. This is especially noticeable at speeds less than 20km/h when setting off, with two low-ratio gears utilised, which provides a fuel consumption advantage of up to 10 per cent in city applications when benchmarked against other transmissions featuring fewer overall gears, it says. Furthermore, the integrated ZF Primary Retarder system supports high braking effort which, proportionally, continues to apply braking force until the bus is almost stationary, ZF explains. This characteristic significantly reduces the demand on the vehicle’s service brakes, meaning lower lifecycle costs for the operator, ZF advises. Another feature of the transmission is its dual cooling system, with its transmission and retarder heat exchanger limiting excessive heat, which subsequently extends oil change intervals. LOW NOISE In recent years, the transmission system received a mid-life rework with the addition of a stop-start ready function, as well as new control software, named Topodyn Life. Factoring in prevailing driving conditions, the ZF Topodyn function selects the best shifting strategy for the upcoming topography while also adjusting braking force, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to five per cent, ZF states. With quieter buses of growing importance to fleet operators, passengers and the general public, Ecolife’s low-noise characteristics have proven to yield reduced noise pollution, with the transmission enjoying a noticeable advantage over the competition, both inside and outside of the vehicle. 12 <strong>ABC</strong> February 2021 busnews.com.au
2,000 BCI buses delivered to Australia BCI celebrate their 30th Anniversary, coinciding with the delivery of their Bus Number 2,000 to Australian customers. We would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude to each of the 600 clients that decided to trust in our vehicles and join us in this three decades journey. Currently the first Australian owned bus manufacturers, BCI lead the race to supply zero emissions vehicles and have incorporated to their versatile range new designs for city buses and coaches, confirming their world-class engineering, innovation and dynamism. Bus & Coach International Pty Ltd Head Office Perth: 08 9353 9000 Sales Enquiries: 1300 289 224 www.bcibus.com.au Brisbane: 07 3275 6900 Melbourne: 03 8787 2100 Adelaide: 08 8182 3888
Page 1: AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH ABC KINETI
Page 4 and 5: contents ISSUE 402 FEBRUARY 2021 08
Page 6 and 7: IGNITION FABIAN COTTER One step for
Page 8 and 9: NEWS GREYHOUND RESOURCES SOLD TO SK
Page 10 and 11: NEWS CUSTOM-DENNING ELEMENT E-BUS N
Page 14 and 15: NEWS CLARKS LOGAN CITY LAUNCHES REC
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Page 18: NEWS THE WOT!?! BCSA HANDS OVER BLK
Page 21 and 22: usnews.com.au February 2021 ABC 21
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Page 45 and 46: SLEEPBUS.ORG MANTRA “Sleep change
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TRANSMISSION A: Automatic M: Manual
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