Stepless speed control
Continuous ratio control helps match vehicle speed and tractive response to soil, implement and transport conditions without conventional gear-change interruptions.
ZF Agriculture
ZF TERRAMATIC – continuously variable transmissions for productive agricultural tractors.
ZF TERRAMATIC is a continuously variable tractor transmission family designed to deliver controlled speed, tractive performance and comfortable operation across demanding field and transport cycles. Its modular transaxle architecture supports different tractor concepts while keeping the driveline compact and serviceable.
The power-split CVT combines hydrostatic and mechanical power paths, automatically managed driving ranges and active standstill support, helping the tractor use available engine power precisely from low-speed work to road travel.
Core product benefits
The product benefits below describe the operating value of the family for agricultural vehicle owners and service specialists.
Productive power management
The power-split architecture supports efficient use of engine output while the operating strategy adapts to changing load and speed.
Controlled manoeuvring
Active standstill and precise low-speed behaviour support smooth starts, stops and work around implements, slopes and confined spaces.
Modular transaxle design
The family can be adapted to different tractor architectures, PTO arrangements and rear-lift configurations when the exact unit is specified.
Service-friendly construction
ZF describes a concept that simplifies maintenance and provides practical access for inspection and service operations.
TERRA+ integration potential
Compatible configurations can integrate a generator function for electrical auxiliaries or implements, subject to the vehicle architecture.
ZF TERRAMATIC operating functions
The functions below show how the product works in the vehicle and which systems must be considered when a symptom appears.
Automatically managed driving ranges
Four automatically shifted ranges cover a stepless speed envelope from 0 to 60 km/h where the specific transmission and vehicle configuration allow it.
Hydrostatic-mechanical power split
Hydrostatic and mechanical paths work together to provide smooth changes in the transmission ratio and efficient power transfer.
Active standstill
The control strategy can hold the tractor in a controlled condition on manoeuvring or slope situations without relying on repeated clutch operation.
PTO and rear-lift integration
The transaxle must be evaluated together with the PTO, rear lift, hydraulics and vehicle control system when symptoms occur.
TERRACOM context monitoring
Where supported, vehicle and transaxle sensor data can help analyse system behaviour, utilization and developing conditions.
TERRA+ generator configuration
The integrated generator concept can provide up to 80 kW continuous electric power in specified configurations; this is not a universal rating for every TERRAMATIC unit.
Understanding TERRAMATIC configurations
ZF TERRAMATIC is supplied in two main configuration formats. The distinction is important because TMT and TMG are not interchangeable descriptions of the same housing.
Why this matters: TMT and TMG describe different integration concepts, not interchangeable versions. Match the exact designation to the type plate, OEM installation and vehicle architecture before selecting parts, service procedure or diagnostic route.
ZF TERRAMATIC applications and typical ranges
The table summarizes the verified product designations and application boundaries. Exact compatibility remains dependent on the individual vehicle and unit.
| Application | Designations | Typical range and use |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural tractors | TMT 09, TMT 11, TMT 14, TMT 16, TMT 18, TMT 20, TMT 25, TMT 32, TMG 11, TMG 16, TMG 18, TMG 20, TMG 25, TMG 28, TMG 32, TMG 45 | The published family serves tractor concepts from compact and utility applications through high-power platforms; exact engine and axle limits are model-specific. |
| Field work and implement operation | TERRAMATIC CVT family | Precise low-speed control and continuous ratio management support planting, tillage, harvesting support and implement work. |
| Transport and road operation | TERRAMATIC CVT family | Automatic ratio management supports smooth acceleration and efficient engine use during transfer and road travel. |
| Electrified auxiliary functions | TERRA+ compatible configurations | Generator integration may support tractor or implement electrical loads where the exact transmission, voltage and control architecture is approved. |
Main OEM and vehicle installations
The table below lists documented OEM and vehicle installations for the ZF agricultural product family. Use it as an identification aid, then confirm the exact unit from the type plate before ordering parts or planning repair work.
Showing all 11 installations
Swipe or use the arrows to browse the complete agricultural-vehicle installation list. A listed vehicle is an identification lead, not permission to assume interchangeability.
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ZF TERRAMATIC variants by OEM and configuration
This identification reference groups the documented Agriculture OEM associations by ZF designation. Use it to narrow the search, then confirm the exact unit from the vehicle and type plate before selecting parts or planning service work.
| OEM / manufacturer | ZF TERRAMATIC variants |
|---|---|
| BASAK | TMT 11, TMT 16, TMT 18, TMT 20 |
| Case | TMG 11, TMG 16, TMG 25, TMG 28, TMG 45, TMT 09, TMT 11, TMT 16, TMT 18, TMT 20, TMT 25, TMT 32 |
| Claas | TMG 11, TMG 25, TMG 28, TMG 32, TMG 45, TMT 09, TMT 16, TMT 18, TMT 20, TMT 25, TMT 32 |
| Deutz | TMT 32 |
| Deutz-Fahr | TMG 11, TMG 16, TMG 18, TMG 25, TMG 28, TMG 32, TMG 45, TMT 09, TMT 11, TMT 16, TMT 18, TMT 20, TMT 25, TMT 32 |
| Dongfeng | TMT 16, TMT 18, TMT 20 |
A listed association is an identification lead, not permission to assume interchangeability. Confirm the exact type plate and vehicle installation before parts or service decisions.
Oil change and service identification
TERRAMATIC service information is not universal across the family. The exact designation, tractor manufacturer and current TE-ML 06 entry determine the approved service fluid, filter procedure and interval.
| Product group | Application | Class / boundary | Service guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMT 09 / TMT 11 | Lindner applications | TE-ML 06N | Confirm the current TE-ML entry, vehicle instruction and exact unit before service. |
| TMT 16 / TMT 18 / TMT 20 / TMT 25 / TMT 27 / TMT 32 | TERRAMATIC series | TE-ML 06N | Select the current approved service provision for the individual transmission. |
| TMG 11 / TMG 16 / TMG 18 / TMG 20 / TMG 25 / TMG 28 / TMG 32 / TMG 45 | Standalone TERRAMATIC gearbox configurations | Model-specific TE-ML 06 entry | Confirm the exact TMG designation, OEM application, approved service provision, oil quantity, filter procedure and interval. |
| Attached rear axle half-shafts | TERRAMATIC configurations with integrated axle | TE-ML 21 | The half-shafts use the relevant axle specification, not automatically the transmission provision. |
The exact unit, vehicle configuration and operating conditions must be confirmed from the type plate and service information before parts, oil or repair work is planned.
ZF TERRAMATIC FAQ
Technical answers for tractor owners, agricultural workshops and manufacturers.
What should be checked when a TERRAMATIC tractor hesitates, surges or does not hold on a slope?
Record when the symptom occurs, whether it changes with oil temperature or load, and whether it affects starting, stopping, field work or transport. A proper check combines fault memory, live data, oil and filter history, pressure behaviour, sensors, calibration and active-standstill operation. Do not assume an internal CVT failure from one symptom; send the identification and operating information to ATS for the correct diagnostic route.
How is the correct TERRAMATIC lubricant selected?
TERRAMATIC variants do not share one universal oil change. The exact type-plate designation, tractor application and current TE-ML 06 entry must be matched before the oil change. Some configurations also contain axle half-shafts governed by TE-ML 21. Do not transfer oil or intervals from a similar-looking TMT or TMG unit; ATS can verify the complete service context.
When does a TERRAMATIC symptom point to control or hydraulic checks rather than immediate removal?
Hesitation, poor response and abnormal standstill behaviour can involve electronic control, sensors, calibration, oil condition, hydraulic pressure or mechanical components. The sequence should separate external control and hydraulic causes from internal damage using diagnostic data, temperature, pressure and contamination checks before the transmission is dismantled. ATS can define the repair or overhaul decision from the evidence.
Can a TERRAMATIC transmission be assessed separately from the tractor hydraulics and PTO?
Not reliably. The CVT works as part of the transmission and vehicle systems, and symptoms can be influenced by PTO loading, rear-lift demand, hydraulic supply, control-unit communication or transmission calibration. The vehicle model, machine serial number and exact transmission identification are required before a component-level conclusion is made.
What is ZF TERRACOM and what does it monitor?
ZF TERRACOM is a condition-monitoring function, not a separate transmission or a mechanical TERRAMATIC variant. Where supported by the specific configuration, TERRACOM uses available vehicle and transmission sensor and actuator information to monitor system behaviour, load and operating conditions. This can support earlier identification of deviations, maintenance planning and reduced downtime, but it does not replace complete diagnosis or by itself prove an internal mechanical failure. Available data depends on the tractor manufacturer and exact configuration. If abnormal behaviour occurs, send ATS the identification data, fault codes and conditions in which the symptom appears so the correct diagnostic and service route can be defined.
Need post-sale support for a ZF TERRAMATIC transmission?
Send ATS the data from the transmission identification table, including the Part List Number and Serial Number, together with the tractor manufacturer and model, machine serial number, operating hours, fault codes, symptoms, operating temperature, oil and filter history and any available diagnostic information. We will help define the appropriate next step for parts, diagnosis, repair or remanufacturing.
Contact ATS