A new range of compact cam lobe motors designed for construction machinery with chain drives, such as skid steer loaders, is said to offer better performance, higher efficiency and a longer lifetime than other cam lobe motors.

Danfoss Power Solutions, a global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics as well as electric powertrain systems, announced the launch of its Thorx range of cam lobe motors, featuring newly developed two-speed technology, which offers 70% shock reduction when shifting speeds compared to other cam lobe motors. The company says that the technology delivers smoother speed changeover with a consistent, quick response time, even at low temperatures, resulting in superior machine handling and better operator comfort. The motor also produces less noise when shifting, aimed at further improving comfort. 

The CLM 8 S motor is the first available product, with a compact design created by integrating the parking brake rather than bolting it to the rear, making the motor 33% shorter in length than similar products. The smaller size aims to facilitate easier integration and assembly while enabling the use of larger, longer-lasting chains.

The hard-wearing integral parking brake also offers a longer service life. The company explains that Thorx motors utilise a proven brake design that has been optimised to withstand 100 dynamic emergency stops throughout a machine’s lifetime, which it says is 20 to 25 times more than competitive cam lobe motors.

In addition, Danfoss says that the Thorx CLM 8 S motor offers 5% higher efficiency than other cam lobe motors, with better starting efficiency and performance at low rotations per minute, as well as improved mechanical efficiency at high speed. Operators can achieve faster travel speeds or use less power at the same speed while wasting less energy in the form of excess heat.