Newage Launches Electronically-Controlled Marine Propulsion System At METS

The PRM Marine Propulsion Control (MPC) unit, an all-new system providing full electronic control over engine throttle and gear engagement, will be launched by Newage Transmissions as part of the company's presentation on stand 1.310 at the METS International Marine Equipment Trade Show (taking place in Amsterdam between 15th-17th November).

Providing soft gear engagement - for improved comfort, increased vessel control and reduced component wear - the MPC system also features a trolling capability (variable propeller speed at constant engine revs) and the automatic adjustment of engine power to match the demands of engine-driven ancillaries, such as power take off (PTO) units.

Designed specifically for PRM series marine transmissions, the new system is suitable for use with both mechanical and electronically controlled engines. The unit's fully interlocked, closed loop control provides stable gearbox output speeds under all engine load conditions. In addition, it allows the sizing of hydraulic pumps and accessories to be optimised enabling the use of more powerful ancillary equipment in many applications.

Further features of the new system include programmable software to enable the system to be tailored to individual application requirements, and the availability of single, twin or fly-bridge controls, whose operation is synchronised through the unit's electronic control system. For added safety, the new MPC unit also offers a full manual override in the event of an on-board electrical failure.

Other high efficiency PRM marine transmissions equipment to be displayed at METS will include lightweight, all mechanical units designed for the rapidly-expanding pleasure craft and light commercial market; heavy duty PRM 750 workboat transmissions; and the company's recently-introduced top-of-the range PRM 1750 gearboxes for use with engines rated at up to 457 kW (620 bhp). With a maximum torque capacity of 1750 Nm, this heavy duty unit is available in both shallow or deep gearcase configurations, with a range of standard ratios from 1.22:1 to 4.90:1.

Like other PRM gearboxes, the latest model features a dual countershaft design that enables full input power to be transmitted in both ahead or astern. As a result, units are equally suitable for left or right hand propeller rotations - as well as multiple engine installations. They also carry Lloyd's approved commercial ratings and are backed by a full two year warranty and the company's world-wide dealer and customer support network.

Newage Gearboxes Support Tsunami Relief Effort

PRM1000 Gearboxes Power Four New Relief Vessels Destined for Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Newage Transmissions Ltd is playing its part in supporting the Indian Ocean Tsunami relief effort by supplying eight of its PRM 1000 marine gearboxes for a series of relief boats being built by M/S Secon under contract to the Hindustan Shipyard at Visakhapatnam on India's eastern seaboard.

Construction of the boats has been sanctioned by the Indian Government as one of several schemes aiming to restore sea traffic as quickly as possible between the islands of Andaman and Nicobar - one of the worst affected regions hit by the disaster.

The high efficiency PRM gearboxes have been coupled to MWM V2 D6 engines rated at 117 hp to provide twin driveline installations in the relief vessels, which are due for delivery to the Andaman Nicobar Administration after completion of sea trials.

"PRM 1000 gearboxes utilise Newage's well-proven dual countershaft design; enabling full power to be transmitted in both ahead or astern," says Newage's Marine Sales Manager, Jamie Pratt. "As a result, they are particularly suitable for twin engine installations. Furthermore, their reliability, durability and in-service performance make them the ideal choice for this particular application, because the new boats are likely to be operated virtually round the clock during the coming months. We are therefore pleased to be able to play our part in helping to alleviate the devastating effects of the Tsunami."

Newage Presents Stepdrive to Competition Winner

Congratulations to Simon Alsop of York, winner of a brand new, 2-speed PRM StepDrive gearbox in a free-to-enter competition featured in Motor Boats Monthly earlier in the year.

Simon (right), pictured receiving his prize from Newage Transmissions' Marine Sales Manager, Jamie Pratt, had his name drawn first from more than 200 entries to the StepDrive promotion, which was run alongside the company's participation at the London International Boat Show in January.

Simon, a 26-year-old civil engineer, intends to install his prize - along with another StepDrive unit - to his twin engined Fairline Targa 29 within the next few weeks.

"StepDrives have been designed specifically for use with the Volvo diesel engines in my boat, so I am particularly pleased to have won this competition," says Simon. "A friend of mine has another Fairline Targa, which is powered by twin V6 petrol engines. This currently outperforms my boat by quite a margin, so I'm looking forward to being able to match his performance much more closely once my StepDrives are fitted."

The novel 2-speed automatic gearboxes significantly improve boat acceleration by providing a reduction ratio of around 25% in addition to their direct drive top gear. They are installed entirely within the centre section of Duoprop units and are ideal for use with turbocharged engines such as Volvo Penta AD31 and 41 series; as well as supercharged units up to the KAD44.

"From the computer simulations we've run, we expect Simon's Fairline to show at least a 30% improvement in acceleration, enabling it to get onto the plane far quicker than at present," says Mr Pratt.

"Simon's boat is berthed at Naburn Marina in York, and much of his cruising is done on inland waterways. As a result, Stepdrive's other advantages, such as better low speed manoeuvrability, reduced emissions and noise, will also be extremely beneficial to him," he adds.

"I was seriously considering buying a pair of StepDrives for my boat anyway," continues Mr Alsop: "Their whole concept is very impressive. What's more, Newage has ensured that they are extremely well designed - reflecting the company's pedigree of producing rugged and dependable gearboxes for boats with engines rated at up to 620 hp. I'm really looking forward to putting my StepDrives through their paces soon."

Scandinavian Launch For Stepdrive Marine Gearboxes

Newage Transmissions is aiming to build on the high levels of interest generated by its StepDrive marine transmission in the UK, by launching the novel 2-speed unit into the Scandinavian market at two International Boat Shows during March.

The new automatic gearbox, which dramatically improves the performance of boats equipped with Volvo Penta Duoprop 290 drive legs, will form the centrepiece of Newage distributors' presentations at the Stockholm and Oslo Boat Shows, which both take place between 4th and 14th March.

Installed entirely within the centre section of the Duoprop unit, StepDrive is ideal for use with turbocharged engines such as Volvo Penta AD31 and 41 series; as well as supercharged units up to the KAD44.

In sea trials using a Sunseeker Portofino 31, the automatic gearbox consistently exceeded the company's claimed 25% increase in boat acceleration and ability to get onto the plane 20% faster than before. Furthermore, by providing a reduction ratio of around 25% in addition to its direct drive top gear, StepDrive not only significantly improves boat performance, but also reduces creep speed, emissions and noise when manoeuvring in busy marinas or restricted waterways.

The change from low to high gear occurs automatically at a pre-determined engine speed, which is optimised to the individual boat and engine combination. During deceleration, low ratio is engaged again as the engine speed falls below 1500 rev/min.

When operating in top gear, StepDrive does not affect the leg's overall reduction ratio and the unit's ability to closely match engine torque and power curves frequently allows boats to be re-propped to achieve higher top speeds.

The gearbox provides extremely smooth changes between ratios, as well as noticeable improvements to both low and high speed running. It also substantially reduces the characteristic 'clunk' as drive is engaged at low speed, with a corresponding reduction in wear to the drive's cone clutch. As a result, the engine operates more smoothly, under less stress and will return improved fuel economy.

All StepDrive units carry a two-year warranty and can normally be installed in less than a day, with further in-water commissioning required to set the optimum gear change point.

Newage Previews PRM 120 Down Angle Marine Gearbox At London International Boat Show

Newage Transmissions will be previewing a down angle version of its highly successful PRM 120 pleasure craft gearbox on Stand: S2604 at the London International Boat show - to be held at the ExCel Centre between 6th- 16th January 2005.

Incorporating an eight degree down angle drive, the latest PRM 120 variant has been developed as a rugged, yet compact and lightweight unit for use with standard rotation engines. It is rated at a maximum input power of 50 kW (67 bhp), a maximum input speed of 5000 rev/min and is available with 2.04:1 and 2.50:1 forward reduction ratios, plus 2.50:1 reverse.

Mechanical drive for both ahead and astern is transmitted by a cone clutch, which requires no 
adjustment in service, and gear selection is by a lever with positive detent positions for ahead, neutral, and astern. The gearbox is also suitable for use with proprietary single lever, dual action control systems, such as MORSE MT3 or SL3, which operate the engine throttle in conjunction with the gear lever.

In use, the PRM 120’s output shaft can be rotated continuously with the gearbox in neutral, eliminating the need for a propshaft brake when running with the engine shut down. Alternatively, it can be locked in gear for sailing applications.

Weighing just 16 kg (35 lb), the transmission features a heavy duty aluminium gearcase for increased rigidity and heat dissipation. It can also be supplied with SAE 4, SAE 5 or Borg Warner ‘Velvet Drive’ gearbox / engine adapters. 

Commenting on the new development, Newage Transmissions Marine Sales Manager, Jamie Pratt, said: “This new development meets the needs of many pleasure craft owners. It is not only an extremely compact, reliable and efficient unit in its own right, but also provides a proven alternative to equivalent ZF or MS designs.”

Newage Launches Its Highest Capability Marine Gearbox To Date At The London International Boat Show

New PRM 1750 Extends Range to 620 hp Engine Applications

PRM 1750, Newage Transmissions’ highest capability marine gearbox to date, will be exhibited for the first time in the UK on Stand: S2604 at the London International Boat show - to be held at the ExCel Centre between 6th- 16th January 2005.

With a maximum torque capacity of 1750Nm, the PRM 1750 is suitable for engines rated at up to 457kW (620 bhp) and is available in both shallow or deep gearcase configurations, with standard ratios from 1.22:1 to 4.90:1. Units also have integral SAE housings and can be supplied with trolling valve and clutched Power Take-Off (PTO) options; enabling them to meet the widest variety of commercial and pleasure workboat applications.

The new transmission is derived from the successful PRM 1500 and has been developed as an affordable and reliable alternative to Twin Disc, Self Changing Gears, Capitol and other drop centre gearboxes.

PRM 1750 features a twin countershaft design that is compatible with both left or right hand propeller rotations, making the transmission equally suitable for single or twin engine installations. It utilises maintenance-free, self-adjusting, oil-operated multi-disc clutches for reliability and in-service performance, and allows maximum input torque to be transmitted continuously in either direction at speeds of up to 2500 rev/min.

The use of lubricating oil of the same viscosity as the engine eliminates the need for automatic transmission fluid and ensures rapid response to control movements. The gearcase is manufactured from high grade cast iron, which is internally ribbed for extra rigidity and strength, and the gearbox’s operating lever has a positive neutral detent for use with proprietary single lever remote control operating systems. In addition, the PRM 1750’s oil pump and hydraulic control valves are mounted externally for easy access and servicing.

In common with other Newage marine gearbox designs, the output shaft of the new PRM 1750 can be rotated continuously in neutral, eliminating the need for a propshaft brake when running with an engine shutdown. As an additional safeguard, the unit incorporates a mechanical lock-up device that will enable the vessel to be brought safely back to port in the unlikely event of hydraulic failure. 

Newage Appoints New Spare Parts Manager 

Coventry-based driveline equipment specialist, Newage Transmissions Ltd has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Andy Clarke as Spare Parts Manager.

In his new role, Mr Clarke will oversee all aspects of the company’s sales order processing procedures. In addition, he will be responsible for dealing with order queries, progress information and a range of other customer service functions.

“Andy’s appointment enables us to focus on our customer services capabilities,” says Newage’s Marine Sales Manager, Jamie Pratt. “By continuing to streamline our administrative and despatch systems, we shall be able to respond even more quickly to our customers’ needs.”

Mr Clarke takes up his appointment with more than 18 years service with the company. His in-depth knowledge of Newage marine gearboxes and off-highway driveline equipment reflects experience gained in production areas, as well as two years as a buyer in the company’s purchasing department.

Born and educated in Coventry, Andy Clarke lives with his wife and two children in the Allesley Park area of the city. He maintains a keen interest in darts and, having formerly competed at youth county and super league level, is currently an active member of the Coventry & District league’s CC housing club team. 

Newage StepDrive Units Trailed On Venice Water Taxi

Improved Manoeuvrability and Reduced Wash Provide Key Benefits

The ability to reduce boat creep speed and minimise damaging wash while manoeuvring in congested or restricted waterways have been key factors leading to the selection of Newage Transmissions’ StepDrive two-speed automatic marine gearboxes for pilot trials on a Venice Water Taxi.

The unit is installed in a 30 foot craft powered by a Volvo Penta AD 41 engine and will undergo extensive trials in the city’s canal network over coming months.

By providing an additional reduction ratio of around 25%, StepDrive significantly increases propeller efficiencies at low speed. As a result, fuel economy and boat handling characteristics are significantly improved while emissions and noise are reduced - making the gearboxes an ideal choice for the application. 

In parallel, StepDrive’s capability to boost boat performance by around 20% will minimise travelling times between stops, as well as significantly reduce journeys from the 
centre of Venice to the Lagoon or International Airport.

Developed by Newage as a retrofit product for the Volvo Penta Duoprop 290 drive leg, StepDrive is installed entirely within the centre section of the Volvo unit and, when operating in top gear, does not affect the leg's overall reduction ratio. 

The gearbox has been designed both for use with turbocharged engines such as Volvo Penta AD31 and 41 series - as well as supercharged units up to the KAD 44. During acceleration, it automatically changes from low to high gear at a pre-determined engine speed, which is optimised to the individual boat and engine combination. When the boat slows again, low gear is engaged as the engine speed falls below 1500 rev/min.

According to Newage's Marine Sales Manager, Jamie Pratt: “The fact that StepDrive provides extremely smooth engagement of drive, both from rest and between ratios, is a further factor in its selection for this demanding application. The gearbox minimises shock loading on the whole driveline and therefore, wear to the drive's cone clutch. As a result, the engine operates more smoothly, under less stress and will return improved fuel economy. 

“We are delighted to have been selected for these high profile trials and look forward to demonstrating the benefits of StepDrive to further users around the world during the coming months.” 

First Production StepDrive Installed in Brixham Boat

Newage Transmissions' first production StepDrive unit - an automatic two-speed marine gearbox that dramatically improves the performance of boats equipped with Volvo Penta diesel engines - has been installed in a 25ft Lema Clon motor boat based at Brixham.

The installation marks the new gearbox's successful completion of exhaustive rig testing and sea trials designed to simulate many years of normal pleasure craft operation.

StepDrive units are self-contained gearboxes that can be retrofitted to Volvo Duoprop 290 drive legs. They are installed entirely within the centre section of the Duoprop unit and are ideal for use with turbocharged engines such as Volvo Penta AD31 and 41 series; as well as supercharged units up to the KAD44.

In operation, StepDrive gearboxes automatically change from low to high ratio at a pre-determined engine speed. This is optimised during installation to the individual boat and engine combination. When the boat decelerates again, low gear is engaged as the engine speed falls below 1500 rev/min.

Installed on the Lema Clon with a 150 hp AD31 engine and DP-E driveleg, the Newage StepDrive unit has fully justified its makers claims that it typically increases boat performance by 25%.

"In timed test runs, some vessels have achieved massive 40% improvements in 0-20 knot times," reports Newage's Marine Sales Manager, Jamie Pratt. "However, by providing an additional reduction ratio of around 25%, StepDrive units not only boost overall performance, but provide the benefits of reduced creep speed, emissions and noise when manoeuvring in busy marinas or restricted waterways.

"In some cases, they will also enable the original propellers to be replaced; so that the vessel's improved handling and fuel economy characteristics can be combined with an even higher top speed."

StepDrive installations will normally be completed in a day, with further in-water commissioning required to set the optimum gear change point. All units carry a two-year warranty and are available nation-wide through the following six regional installations centres: D B Marine of Cookham, B A Peters in Chichester, Maldon-based Volspec, Marine Engineering Looe of East Looe, Southampton-based R K Marine, and Abersoch Land and Sea in Pwllheli.

Newage StepDrive Units Exceed Expectations

Pre-production testing of Newage Transmissions' recently-announced StepDrive marine gearboxes has not only confirmed the unit's reliability under the most arduous operating conditions, but revealed that it will offer Volvo Penta Duoprop owners even greater performance benefits than originally expected.

StepDrive is an automatic 2-speed transmission that can be retro-fitted to Volvo Penta Duoprop 290 drive legs. It has been designed specifically for use with naturally-aspirated engines such as Volvo Penta AD31 or 41 series - as well as supercharged units up to the KAD 44 - and is installed entirely within the centre section of the Duoprop unit.

As part of the rigorous test procedures, a Sunseeker Portofina 31 powered by twin Volvo Penta AD41 engines has been equipped with two StepDrive units and subjected to extensive sea-trials on the South Coast. Throughout the programme, the company's previously claimed 25% increase in acceleration and ability to get onto the plane 20% faster than before have been consistently exceeded.

"In a series of timed runs, the vessel's 0-20 knot time has been brought down from 24 to 14 seconds - a massive 40% improvement in acceleration," says Newage's Marine Sales Manager, Jamie Pratt. "By providing an additional reduction ratio of around 25%, StepDrive not only boosts performance, but also reduces creep speed, emissions and noise when manoeuvring in busy marinas or restricted waterways.

"It has enabled us to replace the Sunseeker's original A6 props with A7s. As a result, the benefits of improved boat handling and fuel economy are now combined with an even higher top speed."

"During the final stages of the product's development programme, we also intend to trial StepDrive units with a variety of other pleasure craft hulls and engine combinations, in order to asses the benefits across a wide range of applications," he adds.

Since the beginning of the year, exhaustive power rig testing has also been continuing at Newage's Coventry headquarters. According to Marine Project Manager, Paul Barton: "We have almost completed an exhaustive 1500 hour programme, which has been designed to simulate years of normal pleasure craft operation.

"To date, the testing has been remarkably trouble-free, with no mechanical failures in the driveline components at all. I am therefore confident that the StepDrive will more than uphold the reputation established by our PRM marine transmissions range for extreme in-service reliability and durability."

"We are not just targeting the pleasure craft market and indeed, I can confirm that we are already evaluating a number of commercial applications where StepDrive's benefits can be utilised to the full," he adds.

Prove out of StepDrive units will not be completed until September - with availability of production units through a network of Volvo Penta approved installation centres during the fourth quarter of the year. 

Visit the PRM Step Drive web site - www.stepdrive.co.uk

Newage Drives For Increased Sales at Seawork 2002

Four models from Newage Transmissions well-known PRM marine gearbox range will form the centrepiece of the company’s presentation on Stand 74 at the Seawork Marine Equipment Show in Southampton between 18^th-20^th June 2002.

Developed specifically to meet the needs of commercial fishing vessel and work boat users, the PRM 500, 750, 1000 and 1500 models on show provide the ideal choice for a wide variety of applications with engines rated at up to 500 hp.

All PRM gearboxes feature a dual countershaft design that enables full input power to be transmitted in both ahead or astern. As a result, units are equally suitable for left or right hand propeller rotations - as well as multiple engine installations. They also carry Lloyd’s approved commercial ratings and are backed by a full two year warranty and the company’s world-wide dealer and customer support network.

In addition, PRM marine gearboxes are offered with a comprehensive range of ancillary equipment, including trolling valves and clutched or direct-drive power take-offs.

"Our transmissions’ in-service reliability, durability and low maintenance have helped to establish them as the units of choice for the majority of Britain’s leisure boat owners," reports Newage’s Marine Sales Manager, Allan Bretherton. "They are currently specified on more than 80 per cent of all new inland waterway craft."

"Through our participation at Seawork - as well as other international marine equipment shows during the year - we aim to achieve this same level of success across the commercial and workboat sectors as well."

Commitment to future engineering talent has been recognised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Newage Transmissions is one of only 200 firms to win "accredited provider" status in the IMechE's professional development scheme. 

The program provides young graduates with a "preferred and quality assured route" to becoming a chartered engineer. 

"Achieving accredited provider status represents a major undertaking to the training and development of any company's engineering staff," said IMechE's regional manager Steve Gasser. 

Newage's technical director, Clive Rayner, said "the award reinforced the close relationship the company had developed with Coventry University.  We have provided year out placements for its engineering degree courses for several years now. While they are with us, students are given the opportunity to stretch their capabilities, by undertaking 'real' projects related to our product development and manufacturing programme."

"The fact that they can be involved from initial market research right through to product specification, production and testing is one of the reasons that our placement positions attract such a high caliber of candidate."

Newage Establishes Sales and Support Network to Target North American Specialist Vehicle Market

Newage Transmissions Ltd is launching a major export drive into North America with the appointment of two distributors and a nation-wide support organisation for its recently re-developed range of off-highway vehicle driveline equipment.

Newage axles, transmissions and transfer boxes will be sold and distributed throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, South Illinois, South East Indiana, West Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Florida by Darwin Industries Inc. from its facilities in Coffeyville, Kansas.

Customers in USA's Upper Mid-West - comprising Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, as well as Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada - will be supplied by Shank Power Products of West St Paul, Minnesota.

In addition, country-wide after sales and warranty support for Newage's advanced driveline solutions range will be provided by Fairfield Manufacturing of Lafayette, Indiana.

"The capabilities of our latest off-highway products have been extended to include vehicles with up to 10 tonne axle loading," says Newage's Sales and Marketing Director, Miles Johnson. "The range has been specifically developed with the American market in mind and will be the centrepiece of our presentation at the forthcoming Conexpo 2002 trade show in Las Vegas. We have already seen high levels of interest from several American original equipment manufacturers; underlining the potential of our products in the construction, materials handling and ground support equipment sectors."

"We are delighted to have found such a strong group of partners to represent us in the important United States market," he continues. "Shank and Darwin both have track records of supplying specialist vehicle components and sub assemblies stretching back almost 50 years. Likewise, Fairfield is renowned as having one of the world's largest independent manufacturing operations for gears and power transmission equipment - which it backs with a comprehensive after sales support infrastructure."

Alongside Fairfield's centralised facilities in Indiana, Darwin Industries will be stocking key components and finished units at its 30,000 ft² plant in Coffeyville, to ensure off-the-shelf availability of Newage products for customers throughout North America.

Commenting on the new agreement, John Trueman, President of Shank Power Products said: "Newage driveline equipment has an excellent reputation for durability, reliability and performance. It perfectly complements the other ranges of vehicle products we supply. My colleagues and I are excited to be part of this new initiative and are already following up a number of significant sales opportunities. We are therefore extremely confident of building sales quickly from a standing start."

Exhibitions

We will be at various shows during the year  for more information see the Exhibitions page.