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In addition to the benefits the IVT delivers for all off-highway vehicles (described here) the following additional features and benefits are made possible for construction vehicles by the use of a full toroidal IVT.
Geared neutral feature - no torque converter
The IVT has a feature termed 'geared neutral' where the engine can be connected to the road wheels whilst the vehicle is stationary. This eliminates the requirement for an inefficient torque converter. In comparison where there is a torque converter 90% of engine power is lost in the stall condition and only a small amount of power is provided to the wheels.
Hill hold
A vehicle fitted with an IVT can be held on hill without using the brakes and with torque at the wheels due to the geared neutral feature. During loader work this provides a powered stop position so that the vehicle can move off without rolling down the hill.
Accurate control of the vehicle at low speeds
The torque control nature of the IVT means it can provide continuous torque at the wheels, even when starting from rest.
Abuse protection
The electronic control of the IVT prevents operator abuse; maximum torque can be limited to prevent ground damage etc. In addition, there is no torque converter to overheat and no clutch wear.
