The Foundation of Harvest Efficiency
In the dense citrus groves of São Paulo and the undulating apple orchards of Rio Grande do Sul, the traditional tractor is being replaced by specialized Self-Propelled Aerial Work Platforms (Plataformas Elevatórias Autopropelidas). These machines allow workers to pick fruit, prune branches, and thin canopies from an elevated position, significantly increasing productivity and safety. The critical component that gives these machines their mobility, traction, and braking capability is the Drive Transaxle (Eixo Motriz / Diferencial).
An agricultural transaxle is more than just a gearbox; it is a structural cross-member that supports the machine’s weight while transmitting torque to the wheels. Unlike construction lifts that operate on flat concrete, orchard platforms must negotiate mud, ruts, and steep gradients (up to 30%). This requires a heavy-duty Hydrostatic or Electric Transaxle equipped with a Locking Differential to prevent wheel spin and Internal Wet Brakes for fail-safe stopping power on slopes.
EVER-POWER's TA-Series (TransAxle) is engineered specifically for the low-speed, high-torque requirements of agricultural access equipment. With integrated input gearboxes for hydraulic motors or electric traction motors, and robust ductile iron axle tubes, these units provide the rugged reliability needed to keep harvest crews moving during the critical picking window.
Technical Specifications: TA-Series (Platform Drive)
| Parametr | Specyfikacja | Parametr | Specyfikacja |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Load Rating | 2,000 kg – 6,000 kg | Współczynnik redukcji | 18:1 / 24:1 / 30:1 |
| Prędkość wejściowa (maks.) | 3500 obr./min | Output Torque (Peak) | 4,000 Nm – 12,000 Nm |
| Materiał obudowy | Ductile Iron QT450 (Central) | Input Type | Flange (Hydraulic/Electric) |
| Brake Type | Internal Wet Multi-Disc | Moment obrotowy hamulca | Up to 800 Nm (Static) |
| Różnicowy | Open with Mechanical Lock | Track Width | 1200mm – 2000mm (Custom) |
| Typ przekładni | Spiral Bevel + Planetary | Materiał przekładni | 20CrMnTiH (utwardzany powierzchniowo) |
| Axle Shafts | Induction Hardened Alloy Steel | Wheel Hub | 6 or 8 Studs (M16/M18) |
| System uszczelniający | Uszczelka kasetowa (odporna na błoto) | Smarowanie | Kąpiel olejowa (SAE 85W-140) |
| Pojemność oleju | 3,5 litra – 6,0 litrów | Hamulec postojowy | SAHR (Spring Apply Hyd Release) |
| Waga (sucha) | 85 kg – 180 kg | Montowanie | Rigid to Chassis or Pivot |
| Farba | Epoxy Chassis Black | Gwarancja | 24 miesiące |
| Zgodność | Danfoss / Dana / Carraro | Aplikacja | Picking Platform / Pruner |
Engineering the “Orchard Crawler”
1. The Hydrostatic Advantage
Orchard platforms require precise low-speed control (creeping at 0.5 km/h) for picking, and moderate speed (10-15 km/h) for transport. Our TA-Series transaxles are designed to be driven by a variable displacement Hydrostatic Motor. This allows for infinite speed adjustment without shifting gears. The gearbox provides a fixed reduction ratio (e.g., 24:1) that multiplies the motor’s torque, allowing a small hydraulic motor to drive a fully loaded machine up a muddy slope.
2. Differential Lock Necessity
In a standard open differential, if one wheel slips in the mud, all power goes to that slipping wheel, and the machine gets stuck. For Brazilian orchards, often planted on hillsides or clay soils, traction is paramount. We integrate a Mechanical Differential Lock (Bloqueio de Diferencial) actuated hydraulically or by cable. This locks both axle shafts together, forcing both wheels to turn at the same speed, ensuring the platform can power out of any bog.
3. Integrated Wet Braking
Safety regulations (NR-12 in Brazil) for personnel lifts are strict. Relying solely on the hydrostatic transmission for braking is insufficient. Our transaxles feature Oil-Immersed Multi-Disc Brakes housed internally. These brakes are “Negative” (Spring-Applied, Hydraulically-Released). This means if a hydraulic hose bursts or the engine dies, the springs instantly clamp the brake discs, locking the axle and preventing a runaway machine on a slope.
4. Structural Axle Tubes
The transaxle supports the entire weight of the rear of the machine. We use Heavy-Wall Ductile Iron Axle Tubes flanged to the central housing. These tubes contain the axle shafts and support the wheel bearings. They are designed to withstand high bending moments caused by uneven terrain and the cantilevered load of the wheels, far exceeding the strength of stamped steel housings used in lighter lawn equipment.
Comparative Analysis: Transaxle vs. Wheel Motors
| Funkcja | Central Transaxle (TA Series) | Individual Wheel Motors |
|---|---|---|
| Koszt | Lower (One motor, one gearbox) | Higher (Two motors, two hubs) |
| Simplicity | High (Simple plumbing) | Low (Flow dividers needed) |
| Traction Control | Mechanical Diff Lock | Electronic/Hydraulic Flow Control |
| Ground Clearance | Medium (Central housing) | High (No axle beam) |
| Trwałość | Very High (Protected gears) | Medium (Hoses exposed) |
*Comparison relevant for 2WD and 4WD orchard platforms in Brazil.
Zlokalizowane zastosowanie: Brazylijski biznes rolny
Apple Harvest (Vacaria, RS)
Apple orchards in the South are planted on rolling hills. Platforms must be stable. Our Wide-Track Transaxles provide a low center of gravity. The fail-safe braking system is mandatory here, as a runaway machine laden with workers and fruit bins could be fatal on a steep gradient.
Citrus Picking (Botucatu, SP)
Orange groves have sandy, loose soil. Traction is the main challenge. Our transaxles equipped with Hydraulic Diff Locks allow the machine to maintain forward momentum even if one wheel loses grip in soft sand, preventing the machine from digging itself into a hole.
📒 Field Engineer’s Log: The “Sliding” Platform
“August 2025, Bento Gonçalves, RS. A vineyard owner reported that his electric pruning platform was sliding downhill when parked, despite the electric motor brake being on.”
“We found that the electric motor brake was acting on the input shaft, but the internal wear in the old chain-drive axle allowed enough play for the wheels to rotate slightly, gathering momentum.
Solution: We replaced the entire axle with our TA-30 Electric Transaxle. This unit features Internal Wet Disc Brakes directly on the axle shafts (post-reduction). This multiplies the braking holding power by the gear ratio (24x). The platform now parks rock-solid on the 20% slopes of the vineyard, ensuring worker safety during pruning.”
Często zadawane pytania (OEM/B2B)
1. Can I use an electric motor instead of hydraulic?
Yes. We offer the TA-Series with a specialized Electric Motor Flange (IEC/NEMA). This connects to 48V or 96V AC induction or PMSM motors, perfect for the new generation of zero-emission electric orchard platforms.
2. What is the max weight capacity?
The TA-50 model is rated for a static load of 5,000 kg. This is sufficient for a platform carrying 4 workers and a 500kg fruit bin. For heavier machines, we have the TA-80 rated for 8 tons.
3. Do I need a drop box for 4WD?
If you want mechanical 4WD, yes. We can supply a transaxle with a Through-Shaft or Drop Box output to drive a prop shaft to the front axle. However, most modern 4WD platforms use a hydrostatic transaxle in the rear and hydraulic wheel motors in the front for simplicity.
4. Is the differential lock manual or automatic?
It is typically Manual (Driver Controlled) via a hydraulic cylinder or cable. Automatic locking differentials (LSD) are available but are less effective in the extreme mud conditions found in Brazilian agriculture.
Complete Your Platform Drive
Wheel Hubs & Rims
Heavy-duty steel rims matched to our 6/8 stud axle patterns.
Traction Motors
48V AC Electric or Hydraulic Orbit motors for transaxle input.
Move with Confidence
Equip your orchard platforms with EVER-POWER Transaxles for safety and reliability.
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Major Markets: Brazil, Spain, Italy, USA, South Africa.
