Drive Systems Development for Off-Highway Transport

High performance power trains used in current off-highway rubber tire haulage equipment are important to the increased work capability of these machines. Successive innovations and refinements accomplished during the past 50 years to reach the present state of development are reviewed. Advantages obtained during this evolution are noted, and some evaluation is made of contemporary drive means. From this background of achievement, attention is focused on opportunities for further advancements in power trains for such wheeled transport vehicles.