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Logan Hydraulic Clutches Provide Maximum Torque Transfer
2021 Year in Review
Jacob Loutch, Previous A Team Leader
This past year has been full of ups and down. After taking a year off because of COVID restrictions, the Power Pullers Club at Iowa State University has pushed the edge of innovation with their 2021 tractor, Cylencer. Our competition, the ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) International 1/4 Scale Tractor Student Design Competition held in Peoria, Illinois, provided the perfect environment to showcase our achievements.
Unveiling a competition first, our team integrated the CY-shift three speed powershift transmission into their sub-compact tractor line. CY-shift utilizes four independent, hydraulically-actuated clutches to engage and disengage constant mesh gear sets to offer seamless shifting without a loss of power. Other key features for CYlencer included a fully suspended front axle and the all-new CY-Stick for tractor control.
Diving into the fully suspended front axle, it is evident that Cylencer offers many benefits for the rider. Linear guides allow for three inches of vertical travel as well as axial pivot for side-to-side oscillation. This, along with adjustable coil-over shocks, allows the entire front axle assembly to move which reduces shock loading as well as stress on the frame.
Looking into the CY-Stick, the Power Pullers Club looked towards ergonomics to craft our design. Gears can be shifted up and down with ease using the toggle switch located close to the operator’s thumb.
