LAS VEGAS, March 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems today introduced a short-drop version of the R2 hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT), with pre-production testing by original-equipment manufacturers expected to begin by the end of this year. The short-drop version of the HVT R2 is ideal for a range of material-handling, pushback, and forestry applications. Featuring a modular configuration with a redesigned transmission case that reduces input/output distance, it can be adapted for a variety of vehicles, including forklift trucks, empty container handlers, and terminal tractors. This hydromechanical variable transmission supports power outputs from 130 to 200 kW (174 to 268 hp). In addition, Dana Rexroth is designing an enhanced version of the HVT R2 that supports engine ratings up to 235 kW. It will supply vehicles with more power to simultaneously perform travel and work functions. Units will be available for pre-production testing by vehicle manufacturers in early 2018. "Since production began on the long-drop version of the HVT R2, the power-split transmission program from Dana Rexroth has met industry demands for improved fuel economy, controllability, and reliable performance in real-world operating conditions," said Roland Friedl, head of sales and product management for Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems. "This new short-drop version of the HVT R2 will deliver these benefits to an even wider range of material-handling vehicles and expand this technology to other off-highway applications." In production since 2015, the long-drop version of the HVT R2 from Dana Rexroth supports power outputs from 135 to 210 kW (180 to 282 hp). This version was the first hydromechanical variable transmission from Dana Rexroth, and it is featured on Kalmar's Gloria generation of reach stackers as part of the highly efficient Kalmar K-Motion drivetrain. Dana will exhibit the long-drop version of the HVT R2 from Dana Rexroth at CONEXPO/CON-AGG in booth 84712 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The HVT R2 has demonstrated fuel savings of up to 25 percent over traditional transmission designs with additional savings possible through further optimization with equipment subsystems. Dana Rexroth's full range of HVTs also includes the R3 hydromechanical variable transmission. Designed for applications with net input power from 200 to 270 kW (268 to 362 hp), the HVT R3 is now available for field testing by off-highway vehicle manufacturers. A product of the joint venture between Dana Incorporated and Bosch Rexroth, HVTs from Dana Rexroth significantly reduce fuel consumption by decreasing engine speeds throughout the duty cycle and also at idle, when speeds can drop to as low as 600 rpm. Application analysis demonstrates the possibility of further savings without compromising performance through engine downsizing. Dana Rexroth HVTs enable sensitive, precise vehicle positioning with a stepless drive that offers improved acceleration while maintaining tractive effort. They optimize the operating point of the diesel engine by decoupling engine speed from drive speed, and maintenance costs are reduced by utilizing hydrostatic braking and wear-free directional reversing without clutches. The HVT system designed by Dana Rexroth helps reduce complexity for equipment manufacturers, since the entire system of gears, clutches, and hydrostatic units is managed by an advanced electronic control unit and optimized for efficiency by a single supplier. About Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems Established in 2011, Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems is a 50-50 joint venture formed by Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) and Bosch Rexroth AG to develop and manufacture advanced drive transmissions for the off-highway market. Dana Rexroth's hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT) systems combine Dana's expertise in off-highway transmission engineering and manufacturing with Bosch Rexroth's deep experience in hydraulics and systems. Targeted for use in off-highway applications, the advanced HVT systems developed by Dana Rexroth are focused on meeting customer needs for improved fuel economy, productivity, emissions, and maneuverability. Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems is based in Arco, Italy. For more information, visit www.danarexroth.com.