Influence of Flow Divider on Overall Efficiency of a Hydrostatic Drivetrain of a Skid-Steer All-Wheel Drive Multiple-Axle Vehicle

Abstract

The efficiency of a skid-steer, all-wheel drive, multiple-axle vehicle with a hydrostatic drivetrain equipped with low-speed motors when it operates on soft terrain was studied. A flow divider enables a single pump to simultaneously power more than one motor circuit with different pressures in each. It prevents kinematic discrepancy and improves vehicle mobility. There are two types of flow divider: spool type and gear type, where each type has its own set of performance characteristics, such as flow range, pressure drop, accuracy and application parameters. In the present work, the influence of the characteristics of both types of flow divider on overall vehicle driveline efficacy is described.

Keywords

• hydrostatic drivetrains
• efficiency
• flow dividers