ZF Friedrichshafen introduces five new EASE-driven braking technologies for off-highway, construction, mining, and agricultural vehicles.
ZF Friedrichshafen Targets Off-Highway Electrification
ZF Friedrichshafen has expanded its braking and control portfolio by introducing five new technologies for off-highway, construction, mining, and agricultural vehicles, all designed around its EASE (Excellent, Adaptable, Safe, and Efficient) philosophy that simplifies system design, improves functionality, and enhances efficiency through improved system usability.
The newly announced technologies, centred on developments that span mechanical, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, and electronic interfaces, are aimed at supporting the industry’s shift towards electrification and automation.
The five developments cover distinct functions within the braking system. A new Pedal Modulating Valve family is designed to operate large multiple disc brakes directly, offering precise brake control and consistent feel across varying operating conditions, with a patent-pending dual hydraulic balancing feature. The new patented Pressure Limiting Electro-hydraulic Brake Valve enhances safety by delivering controlled pressure management under demanding braking scenarios.
The Hydraulic In-line Brake Adjuster introduces patent-ready design features that improve long-term performance stability and simplify installation, addressing packaging constraints while delivering consistent brake adjustment throughout system life. Lastly, ZF also introduced the Electronic Brake Pedal with analogue and PWM output options, allowing vehicle manufacturers to tailor pedal response and signal strategy to their specific control systems and brand requirements, while supporting future electrified and autonomous applications.
“These new developments represent a product bonanza across multiple braking functions. Each product is designed around EASE: Excellent, Adaptable, Safe and Efficient. Our engineering teams develop solutions that provide an ease of operation for drivers, ease of integration for engineers and ease of installation for manufacturing and service,” Tom Chambers, Head of Off-Highway Braking at ZF Industrial Division, commented.
Piergiorgio Di Francesco, head of ZF‘s Off-Highway sales for North America, added that the EASE-driven approach is designed to allow customers to adopt new technologies without unnecessary complexity, while supporting future vehicle strategies with short lead times.
ZF said the products are currently at various stages of release and customer validation, with further details on specifications and availability to be communicated throughout the year.
