During the first testing phase it became evident that the powershift
transmission fitted to all ACO Tractors has several drawbacks. The most
significant drawback is the hard gear shifting that causes a shock load
throughout the drivetrain that is unacceptable for reliable and long-lasting
operations. The second drawback is the ‘power hole’ created by shifting from
one gear to the next as a result of the difference in the gear ratios.
It was decided to fit a torque converter to overcome these problems. Not
only does it solve the shifting problems but the significant advantage of a
torque converter is that it multiplies engine torque and effectively adds an
‘additional’ ratio in between each gear, while the lockup functionality ensures
that efficiency is maintained.
The torque converter replaces the Küsel coupling that is mounted directly to
the engine.
