The world’s first transporter with stepless drive – Aebi VT450 Vario

The Viatrac Aebi VT450 Vario is the new high-end model of the top-class Transporters. It still has its sleek design, now what is revolutionary is the newly developed stepless, mechanical-hydrostatic, power-split drive. Those who are already driving a Terratrac with a hydrostatic drive will feel right at home in the new Viatrac Vario as the handling is virtually identical. The multifunction drive lever is used to precisely control the speed and many functions can be easily and conveniently operated at the touch of a button. Individually programmable speed levels can be activated via the TipTronic. The stepless drive is purely hydrostatic in the low-speed range and features mechanical-hydrostatic power split at higher speeds. This design helps to achieve an outstanding transmission efficiency and high traction. With the new model, Aebi is the first manufacturer worldwide to build transport vehicles with a stepless drive.

Aebi offers the Viatrac Vario for municipal services and agricultural operation. The VM turbo diesel delivers impressive 72 kW (98 HP), has a torque of 340 Nm at 1400 rpm and a torque rise of 29%. In addition, the engine meets Euro 5 and operates in a very environmentally friendly manner thanks to a diesel particulate filter and catalytic converter. Thanks to the multifunction drive lever, the change from forward to reverse driving is ultra-smooth. Clutching and shifting are completely eliminated and the permanently available power flow considerably increases safety in all driving situations. Preselectable driving modes, such as the ECO-Drive, reduce fuel consumption and enhance efficient operation. The hydropneumatic full suspension with hydraulic transverse stabilisers on the rear axle ensures excellent driving comfort. There are two versions available with a total weight of 8.5 t or 9.5 t and a correspondingly high payload.

The Aebi TP420 Transporter is directly derived from the top-class model Aebi TP460. The attractive design of the cabin and a variety of components are absolutely identical or only slightly different. Aebi’s aim was to realise a high-performance model with a simplified operating concept using proven technology. The result was a transporter that should rank straight to the top of the middle class with a high payload, first-class driving comfort, a powerful and clean turbo diesel and an excellent price/performance ratio. In the basic version, the front axle is equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension, whereas the newly developed rear axle has no suspension. The VM turbo diesel delivers impressive 80 kW (109 HP), has a torque of 420 Nm at only 1100 rpm and a torque rise of 40%. In addition, the engine meets stage IIIB and operates in a very environmentally friendly manner thanks to a diesel particulate filter and catalytic converter.