More efficiency for the fleet thanks to the ZF-Nivomat
A true challenge for suspension technology: Continuously heavy or changing load situations. Fuel consumption is on the rise and the chassis as well as the tires are subject to higher levels of wear. These aspects become quite obvious for fleet operators and fleet mangers. After all, they have to draw up very precise calculations in order to ensure that their vehicles are profitable on the long run. Here, an optimal solution is provided by the Nivomat leveling system by ZF Sachs. It is a fact indeed: Once the vehicle is loaded, its rear axle starts to give way. Thus, the vehicle’s changes, air resistance grows, and fuel consumption increases. Moreover, a laden vehicle tilts more strongly to the side when cornering; consequently, tires are worn more quickly and usually only at one side. Axle bearings have to face up to stronger loads and are subject to heavier wear. In the end, all of this unnecessarily costs money, not to forget the downtimes of the vehicle!
Further consequences of the additional load affect driving safety and comfort. Driving stability, in particular at higher velocities, is declining. Thus, in critical situations, the vehicle may become difficult to handle. And also comfort is impacted by the vehicle’s wishy-washy driving behavior.
The remedy: The Nivomat leveling system by ZF Sachs, ZF Friedrichshafen AG’s Powertrain and Suspension Components division. It maintains the vehicle at its optimal height, despite changing load conditions, without consuming energy in parallel.
The Nivomat operating principle is simple and at the same time effective: After just a few meters of travel, once extra loads are added, the Nivomat ”pumps up” the vehicle again to its optimal height. To this end, the Nivomat uses the energy which evolves from the motion between the wheel and the vehicle's body. Thus, the special damping technology requires no electronics. Moreover - in contrary to a pneumatic suspension - the Nivomat carries no weight. Another advantage is that it is definitely more cost-effective than an expensive pneumatic suspension.
The Nivomat is particularly suitable for passenger transport as well as the transport of goods and commodities. Where does the Nivomat also pay off? Well, it can be installed in special vehicles within the context of dedicated equipment such as for public service or for service vehicles. And last but not least, it is often used in trailer operation as well, since it helps stabilize the “seesaw effect”.
The Nivomat is made available as standard or optional equipment for many vehicle applications, such as models by Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Saab, Volvo, and VW.
