A Hydrostatic Transmission for a Load-Haul-Dump Vehicle

The feasibility and performance of a hydrostatic transmission for a load-haul-dump vehicle has been studied through computer simulation utilising efficiency data of commercially available hydraulic pumps and motors and measured tractive demand of the vehicle. Results compared with a conventional torque converter - gearbox transmission indicate that with the proper sizing of the hydraulic components, the hydrostatic transmission yields improved drive efficiency, particularly at low vehicle speeds when maximum tractive effort is being demanded. Peak transmission input power has also been significantly reduced.