Automated or manual shifting
The operating strategy can be matched to the machine, application and driver requirement.
ZF Construction Machinery
ZF ERGOPOWER – powershift transmissions for demanding off-highway work.
ZF ERGOPOWER is a modular powershift transmission family for demanding off-highway work. Depending on the application and model, it combines fully automated or manual powershift operation, shifting without traction interruption, high efficiency and reduced fuel consumption with robust, compact construction, lower operating costs and comfortable, ergonomic operation.
Deep-toothed helical gears help reduce noise, while application-specific integration can support differential-lock management, axle disconnect and PTO functions. Torque-converter, lock-up and direct-drive configurations are selected according to the machine and duty cycle.
Core product benefits
ERGOPOWER combines tractive performance, efficiency and operator control for demanding off-highway work. For owners and workshops, these characteristics translate into smoother operation, better driveline protection and a clearer service path when the exact unit is identified correctly.
No traction interruption
Powershift operation supports continuous tractive performance while gears are changed.
Efficiency and fuel economy
The transmission concept is designed for high efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
Robust modular construction
Compact, modular mechanical construction supports demanding off-highway duty cycles.
Lower operating costs
Application-specific configuration helps align the drivetrain with service and operating requirements.
Comfortable operation
Smooth shifting and ergonomic control reduce the effort required from the operator.
Reduced transmission noise
Deep-toothed helical gears help reduce operating noise in the transmission.
Application-specific integration
Differential-lock management, axle disconnect and PTO functions can be integrated where required.
ZF control and efficiency functions
The transmission family combines mechanical hardware, controls and driveline functions. Understanding these systems helps owners and workshops distinguish a mechanical symptom from a control, traction, lock-up or calibration issue before repair work begins.
ERGOCONTROL II
Transmission-control platform with OEM service-tool integration, CAN diagnostics, UDS support and reduced installation effort.
ERGOLOCKUP and Direct Drive
The lock-up clutch can create a loss-free direct torque path. In a five-speed Direct Drive configuration, 100% torque is available from second gear with lock-up engaged.
ERGOTRACTION
Automatic differential-lock control engages traction when required and disengages it when it is no longer needed.
Engine De-Rating
CAN-based active engine control helps prevent torque spikes and protects driveline components.
POWERINCH
Intelligent clutch cut-off and driveline management limit tractive effort during loading and tight-corner manoeuvring.
Operating Mode Selection
Application-specific shift-point curves can support different operating conditions and engine maps.
ERGOPOWER applications and typical ranges
ZF ERGOPOWER is used across several off-highway machine groups. The application and designation ranges below help owners and workshops narrow the identification route, but they do not replace the exact machine, serial number and ZF type-plate check.
| Application | ERGOPOWER designations | Indicative range |
|---|---|---|
| Backhoe loaders | WG 90, WG 94, WG 98 | Five-speed powershift with powershift activation of four-wheel drive; vehicle classes up to 11.5 t and engine power up to 90 kW. Match the identified WG 90/94/98 unit to the correct lubricant and filter procedure. |
| Telescopic handlers | WG 98 TSC, WG 98 TC, 3 WG 94 | Vehicle classes from 10.6 to 18.0 t, payloads from 3.2 to 5.5 t and maximum engine power from 90 to 105 kW. Confirm the exact unit before parts, oil or repair work is planned. |
| Graders | WG 115, WG 160, WG 190, WG 210 | WG 115–210 configurations provide up to six forward and four reverse gears; EP 520 configurations extend the range to eight forward and eight reverse gears, with referenced vehicle applications up to 77 t and speeds up to 50 km/h. |
| Articulated dump trucks | 6 WG 115, 6 WG 160, 6 WG 210 | Six-speed WG configurations cover payload classes up to 12, 18 and 25 t with maximum engine power from 90 to 230 kW. Confirm the transmission, axles, control system and exact vehicle release before quoting. |
| Industrial and rough-terrain cranes | WG 94, WG 115, WG 160, WG 190, WG 210, WG 260 | WG 94–260 torque-converter powershift configurations cover lift-capacity classes up to 150 t and engine power from 90 to 260 kW, with optional lock-up, axle disconnect, longitudinal differential and PTO functions. |
| Mobile cranes | WG 160, WG 190, WG 210 | Four to six forward and three to four reverse gears for rough-terrain and mobile-crane classes up to 63 t, with maximum engine power from 160 to 230 kW. Service planning must consider vehicle weight, duty cycle, control system and type plate. |
| Wheel loaders | WG 115, WG 130, WG 160, WG 190, WG 210, WG 260, WG 310 | A broad range of wheel-loader installations. Correct parts and service decisions depend on the exact WG label, vehicle model, serial number, axle and control configuration confirmed from the machine and type plate. |
Main OEM and vehicle installations
ZF ERGOPOWER/WG is installed across a wide range of construction vehicles. Use the pages below to find the closest vehicle, manufacturer and transmission designation, then confirm the exact unit from the type plate before ordering parts or planning repair work.
Showing all 102 installations
Swipe or use the arrows to browse the complete construction-vehicle installation list. A listed vehicle is an identification lead, not permission to assume interchangeability.
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Genuine ZF fluid and correct oil selection
TE-ML 03 class 03G includes two Genuine ZF service-fill products. The correct choice still depends on the exact transmission designation, application class, operating temperature and current ZF service information.
Do not select oil from the ERGOPOWER or WG family name alone. Where 03G is not the applicable class, follow the specified TE-ML class rather than substituting a product. Send the type plate, part list number and ZF unit serial number before supply or service whenever the identification is not complete.
ZF PowerFluid Plus
Genuine ZF service-fill fluid listed for TE-ML 03 class 03G and approved off-highway applications. Confirm the exact transmission, application class and temperature before filling.
ViewZF PowerFluid C-Plus (Gold 1)
Genuine ZF service-fill fluid listed for TE-ML 03 class 03G. Match the product to the exact WG designation, application class and current ZF service information.
ViewOil change and filter service
The table groups the principal ERGOPOWER, BASICPOWER and WG designations by TE-ML 03 application class. Exact identification is essential: WG 210 and 6 WG 210 can represent different application or gear-count contexts, with different filters and service intervals. Confirm the type plate, part list number, ZF unit serial number, application class and operating conditions before selecting parts or lubricant.
| Application group | Relevant designations | Initial service | Subsequent service |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERGOPOWER / BASICPOWER group | ERGOPOWER / BASICPOWER, including WG 115, WG 116, WG 130, WG 160, WG 190, WG 210, WG 230, WG 260, WG 310 and related variants; also 3 WG 94. | 100–500 h: oil and filter | 2,000 h for 03G and the applicable approved classes |
| WG and related powershift group | WG group, 4 WG 90/94, 5 WG 94, WG 92 S4 and Transfer Box. Confirm the exact type-plate designation. | 100–500 h: oil and filter | 1,500 h for 03G and the applicable approved classes |
For lubricant class 03G, the low-temperature limit is -20 °C for the WG / WG 92 S4 / Transfer Box group and -30 °C for ERGOPOWER / BASICPOWER / WG 90 / WG 94. Replace the oil filter at every oil change; only original ZF High Performance filters are permitted, and aftermarket additives must not be added.
ZF ERGOPOWER FAQ
Practical answers for vehicle owners, workshops and manufacturers planning diagnosis, maintenance, parts supply or delegated repair.
Which symptoms indicate that an ERGOPOWER transmission needs diagnosis?
A diagnosis is recommended when shifting becomes delayed, harsh or inconsistent, when drive is lost in forward or reverse, traction drops under load, lock-up or POWERINCH operation changes, oil temperature rises, abnormal noise or leakage appears, or warning messages and fault codes recur. It is also important to record whether the symptom occurs when cold or hot, in a specific gear, during direction changes or across the complete range. A proper assessment combines control-unit data with oil, temperature, pressure, converter, clutch and mechanical checks. Once these observations are available, contact ATS so the transmission can be assessed before parts are replaced.
Which lubricant should be used in an ERGOPOWER or WG transmission?
Many standard WG and ERGOPOWER/BASICPOWER groups listed in TE-ML 03 include the Genuine ZF products ZF PowerFluid Plus and ZF PowerFluid C-Plus (Gold 1) under lubricant class 03G. This includes the ERGOPOWER/BASICPOWER group containing WG 210 and WG 260. However, the selection is not universal: EP/L2 transmissions, generation-specific units, John Deere applications and special applications follow different provisions. The exact type plate, application class and operating temperature must be confirmed before filling. Contact ATS when the designation or application class is not completely clear.
Why can an ERGOPOWER fault code not identify the failed part by itself?
A fault code usually identifies an abnormal system condition, not automatically the defective component. The same symptom can involve the transmission controller, CAN/UDS data, sensors, solenoids, oil condition, hydraulic pressure, torque converter, clutch packs or mechanical components. For this reason, fault memory should be evaluated together with operating conditions and targeted hydraulic and mechanical checks. Contact ATS with the fault memory and operating conditions so the next checks are based on the complete symptom rather than the code alone.
What can cause a change in ERGOPOWER lock-up or POWERINCH behaviour?
A change in lock-up or POWERINCH behaviour can be related to control calibration, solenoid or clutch operation, hydraulic pressure, oil temperature and condition, CAN communication, torque-converter behaviour or a mechanical problem in the driveline. Compare the symptom with engine speed, gear, load, direction, temperature and fault memory before dismantling the transmission. Contact ATS with those observations so our team can separate a control or hydraulic issue from a converter, clutch or mechanical fault.
Need post-sale support for a ZF ERGOPOWER 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