Dana Incorporated has launched a comprehensive vehicle design methodology for delivering complete, integrated suspension solutions for high-performance agriculture tractors.

Introduced at Agritechnica, the initiative uses a sophisticated multiphysics approach to produce virtual prototypes that simulate real-world performance, helping to reduce development times and accelerate the introduction of new vehicles to market.

Additionally, Dana has unveiled a new solution for electric zero-turn mowers featuring compact, high-efficiency Spicer Torque-Hub drives and Dana TM4 motors.  The technologies for turf equipment support superior zero-emissions operation through powerful torque, extended work times, reduced maintenance, and lower noise.

Dana is exhibiting its full range of systems for agriculture and turf management equipment in Hall 15, Stand E12 at Agritechnica.

“With their diverse ranges of specialty vehicles and application requirements, the agriculture and turf management sectors present unique challenges for original-equipment manufacturers and equipment owners facing the energy transition,” said Jeroen Decleer, senior vice president and president, Dana Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems.  “Dana offers the market expertise, engineering resources, and portfolio of innovations that compress development timelines while addressing expectations for performance, efficiency, and sustainability.”

Proven process delivers full, integrated front suspensions

As the market expands for high-performance, feature-rich tractors, Dana has expanded its support for OEMs with an all-encompassing development program that reduces the development time of complete front suspension solutions. The capabilities are especially valuable for OEMs with limited in-house resources.

“Dana’s proprietary algorithms and advanced software has permitted a multi-physics approach to modelling the complexity of advanced suspension systems across multiple dimensions, including vehicle dynamics, mechanics, hydraulics, and software and controls,” Decleer added.

Dana’s proven process includes the definition of vehicle performance parameters, comprehensive data acquisition, virtual prototype development, simulations of real-time duty cycles, and test track validation of prototypes.

The approach delivers suspension solutions offering improved vehicle traction, handling, and operator comfort.

High-efficiency technologies for electrified zero-turn mowers

To address the rapidly evolving market for sustainable landscaping and turf equipment, Dana is showcasing its new range of Spicer Torque-Hub drives and Dana TM4 motors for electric-powered zero-turn mowers.

The technologies support electrification through an efficient, power-dense profile that minimizes energy consumption through permanent magnet concentrated windings, extends working time, reduces noise and vibration, and fits within limited design envelopes.

The solution leverages Dana TM4’s cross-market expertise in permanent magnet and induction motors, power electronics, thermal management, coil winding, outer-rotor topology, and motor and inverter control algorithms.

Extensive support for agriculture equipment

Additionally, Dana is exhibiting drive and motion technologies across a broad range of traditional and electrified vehicle architectures at Agritechnica, including:

complete drive systems that support the versatility of agriculture telehandlers with the high-efficiency Spicer HVT1 powersplit transmission and high efficiency axles; and Spicer independent front suspension axles and precision engineered Graziano shifting solutions for high-performance tractors.