Fully power-split CVT
Hydrostatic and mechanical power paths work together across the complete forward and reverse range.
ZF Construction Machinery
ZF cPOWER continuously variable transmissions for precise off-highway control.
ZF cPOWER is a fully power-split continuously variable transmission for off-highway machinery. It combines hydrostatic and mechanical power paths to deliver stepless travel control, high tractive force at low speed and smooth changes in operating conditions.
Its power-split architecture combines hydrostatic and mechanical power paths with stepless forward and reverse control. Engine speed can be managed independently of travel speed, supporting high tractive force, smooth starting and precise operation in construction and forestry machinery.
Core product benefits
ZF cPOWER combines product characteristics that matter in demanding off-highway work. For owners and workshops, correct identification turns those characteristics into a reliable service and repair path.
Stepless travel control
Continuous ratio variation supports precise machine movement without conventional shift interruptions.
High low-speed tractive force
cPOWER is designed for heavy loads, low speeds and rapid changes in operating conditions.
Engine speed independence
Engine speed can be reduced independently of vehicle speed, supporting efficiency and comfort.
Smooth hydraulic starting
Hydraulic starting supports controlled take-off and operator-friendly machine response.
Lower noise and fuel use
ZF publications state application-dependent fuel, noise and efficiency benefits; actual results depend on duty cycle.
Forestry and construction range
The CP range covers wheel loaders, graders, forestry forwarders and other off-highway applications.
Serviceable system architecture
Correct diagnosis considers hydrostatic, mechanical, control, cooling, oil and filter conditions together.
ZF control and operating functions
ZF cPOWER combines transmission hardware, controls and application-specific functions. Understanding the operating concept helps owners and workshops describe symptoms accurately before diagnosis or repair.
Hydrostatic-mechanical power split
The transmission combines hydrostatic and mechanical paths in all driving ranges.
Forward and reverse control
Stepless ratio control supports precise movement in both directions without conventional gear changes.
Wide-angle hydrostatic units
The forestry/off-highway presentation specifies wide-angle bent-axis hydrostatic units in a dual-yoke housing.
Independent engine-speed management
Vehicle speed and engine speed can be managed separately to support the working cycle.
PTO integration
Two PTOs are available as standard in the referenced forestry/off-highway presentation.
Efficiency-package context
ZF comparison material presents cPOWER as an efficiency step beyond the four-speed ERGOPOWER reference; the figures are application-dependent.
ZF cPOWER applications and typical ranges
The application and designation ranges below help owners and workshops narrow the identification route. They do not replace the exact machine, serial number and ZF type-plate check.
| Application | ZF designations | Application range and service context |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel loaders | CP 190, CP 210, CP 230, CP 260, CP 290, CP 310, CP 330 | Portfolio application for wheel loaders; the installation list provides exact Liebherr evidence for CP 210, CP 290 and CP 310. |
| Forestry machinery | CP 210, CP 230, CP 260, CP 290 | The forestry range covers forwarder payloads from 14,000 to 20,000 kg in the stated configurations. |
| Graders | CP 190, CP 210, CP 230, CP 290, CP 330 | The grader chart covers vehicle classes up to 33 t and maximum engine power up to 290 kW in the stated configurations. |
| Material handling and off-highway equipment | cPOWER range | cPOWER is positioned for machines requiring high tractive force at low speed and precise, stepless travel control. |
Main OEM and vehicle installations
The installation records below show exact OEM and machine relationships where available. A listed vehicle is an identification lead, not permission to assume interchangeability.
| OEM / brand | Vehicle | Vehicle model | ZF label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liebherr | Wheel loader | L550 XPower | CP 210 |
| Liebherr | Wheel loader | L556 XPower | CP 210 |
| Liebherr | Wheel loader | L566 XPower | CP 290 |
| Liebherr | Wheel loader | L576 XPower | CP 290 |
| Liebherr | Wheel loader | L580 XPower | CP 290 |
| Liebherr | Wheel loader | L586 XPower | CP 310 |
Genuine ZF fluid and correct oil selection
The cPOWER group is listed in TE-ML 03 with Genuine ZF PowerFluid Plus and ZF PowerFluid C-Plus (Gold 1) under class 03G, together with cPOWER-specific class 03L provisions.
For temperatures below -20 °C, the TE-ML table points to class 03F for cPOWER. Do not select oil from the CP model number alone: confirm the exact unit, application, temperature range and current ZF service information before filling.
ZF PowerFluid Plus
Genuine ZF service-fill fluid listed for cPOWER under TE-ML 03 class 03G. Confirm the exact unit and current oil specification before filling.
ViewZF PowerFluid C-Plus (Gold 1)
Genuine ZF service-fill fluid listed for cPOWER under TE-ML 03 class 03G. Match the product to the identified transmission and operating conditions.
ViewOil change and filter service
cPOWER has two service items that must not be conflated: the transmission oil circuit and its full-flow filter are serviced at 2,000 operating hours, while the separate hydrostatic filter next to the hydrostatic hood has a 6,000-hour interval.
| Application group | Relevant models and classes | Initial service | Subsequent service |
|---|---|---|---|
| cPOWER transmission oil circuit | CP 190–CP 330; TE-ML 03 classes 03G and 03L | Oil and full-flow filter: 2,000 h | Oil and full-flow filter: 2,000 h |
| Hydrostatic filter circuit | Filter next to the hydrostatic hood | Separate from the transmission oil change | Hydrostatic filter: 6,000 h |
Replace the transmission oil filter at every oil change and use only original ZF High Performance filters. The separate hydrostatic filter interval does not replace the 2,000-hour transmission oil and full-flow filter service. Diagnosis should consider both circuits, their temperatures, pressure behaviour, control signals and the machine working cycle.
ZF cPOWER FAQ
Practical answers for vehicle owners, workshops and manufacturers planning diagnosis, maintenance or delegated repair.
What is the main difference between cPOWER and ERGOPOWER?
ERGOPOWER is a powershift transmission family, while cPOWER is a fully power-split continuously variable transmission. cPOWER combines hydrostatic and mechanical power paths to provide stepless forward and reverse control, so its fluid classes, filter arrangement and service logic must be handled separately.
What should be checked when a cPOWER transmission shows slow response or loss of tractive force?
The symptom should be assessed across the hydrostatic and mechanical paths rather than attributed to one component immediately. Record whether it occurs cold or hot and under which load or travel condition, then check oil level and condition, filter restriction, operating temperatures, cooling performance, control signals, stored fault information and the relevant hydrostatic and mechanical pressures. Contact ATS with these observations and measurements so our team can separate a hydrostatic, mechanical, control or cooling fault before components are replaced.
Why must the hydrostatic filter be treated separately from the transmission oil service?
The cPOWER service information identifies a full-flow filter next to the transmission control with a 2,000-hour interval and a separate hydrostatic filter next to the hydrostatic hood with a 6,000-hour interval. The second element belongs to a different circuit, so its interval must be tracked in addition to, not instead of, the transmission oil and full-flow filter service. Contact ATS if filter restriction, contamination or pressure changes suggest that the two circuits are being confused during diagnosis.
How do operating conditions affect cPOWER diagnosis and service planning?
A cPOWER transmission can show different behaviour depending on travel speed, tractive load, direction, engine speed, ambient temperature and the balance between hydrostatic and mechanical power paths. Comparing the symptom with oil temperature, cooling condition, filter history, machine duty cycle and control-unit information gives a more useful technical basis than a fault code or symptom description alone. Contact ATS with the operating profile and diagnostic data so the test plan reflects the actual machine duty cycle.
Need post-sale support for a ZF cPOWER transmission?
ATS supports identification, technical diagnosis, maintenance planning, parts and lubricant selection, repair or overhaul coordination, and manufacturer-delegated warranty work. For a focused assessment, send a clear photo of the ZF type plate, including the part list number and ZF unit serial number where visible, the machine OEM, model and machine serial number, operating hours, fault codes, symptoms, and the oil and filter history.
Contact ATS