Keith/U.S. Tsubaki: The overall costs of a locking device must be balanced against the requirements of the application. Keyless locking devices handle both high torque and thrust, while increasing shaft strength. They are not affected by torsional load reversal or impact, which can damage keys and keyway connections.Jeff/Tollok: One commonly mentioned advantage of keyless connections is that no secondary processes are necessary. The mechanical interference fit principle of a keyless locking assembly precludes having to cut keyways, tapers, splines, or threads. A straight cut hub with a good surface finish by a machine tool is sufficient. Assembly and disassembly is easy and quick, and angular adjustments can be carried out on the spot. And because the connections are backlash free, you don''t need to compensate for mechanical inefficiencies elsewhere in your machine or controls system. It was a quiet Tuesday morning, about IS minutes before opening the shop doors. All the techs were busy performing their morning rituals -- drinking coffee, reading trade publications and oiling their air tools. Without warning, our otherwise tranquil morning was interrupted by a horrendous screech of brakes as a late-model, metallic-blue BMW M3 slid into the service drive. Steam was billowing out from underneath the engine compartment. The driver, a moderately dressed, thirty-something suburbanite, jumped out and opened the hood. Instantly, a huge white cloud engulfed him and the entire front half of the car. I fully expected that when the fog cleared, at least one of them would have vanished -- like a magician''s disappearing act.

The drivetrains of the three machines feature ZF axles. The heavy-duty rear axle features self-adjusting, oil immersed hydraulic inboard brakes, differential lock and final drives. Optional all-wheel drive (AWD) is engaged by a front console panel switch. The system can be engaged on the go, under load in any gear in forward or reverse. The system features outboard planetary gear final drives. The service brakes work with a three-position brake mode switch. The operator can select two-wheel drive and braking, two-wheel drive and all-wheel braking, or all-wheel drive and braking. The AWD and 2WD front axles are pendulum mounted and permanently sealed and lubricated requiring no daily maintenance. The front axle features a double acting steering cylinder with 50[degrees] steering angle for increased maneuverability. Axle oscillation is 11[degrees] in each direction from centerline.

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