The Addidrive system, the first of its kind in North America, is an innovative front drive system that provides over 12,000 pounds (5,443kg) of traction force to aunit’s tractor steer axles giving it an incredible 10×10 drive configuration. The system is featured on Putzmeister America, Inc.’s 70Z truck-mounted concrete boom pump.

“With the ability to be activated on the fly, this feature is especially helpful when the unit loses traction while driving up hills or through difficult terrain,” says Dave Wright, Putzmeister America’s manager of engineering. “The system allows you to drive off road on job sites with added assurance that you won’t get stuck in the mud.”

Addidrive was a collaboration between Monroe Trucks, Poclain Hydraulics and Putzmeister America.

“In addition, fuel consumption is lower because the inefficiencies of a mechanical system are removed,” Wright explains. “Because Addidrive can be activated on the fly, there is very little power consumption when it’s not activated.

“The system doesn’t use mechanically driven axles, drive lines or a transfer case, so it weighs about 900 pounds (408kg) less than a traditional front drive.”

The system also maintains the turn radius of a unit, provides optimal vehicle control and does not require a spacer frame, so the cab height is unchanged.

“We plan to expand Addidrive as an optional feature to the rest of our product line in the future,” notes Wright.

For more information on Addidrive, please contact Putzmeister America toll-free at (800) 884-7210, or visit their website at www.putzmeister.com.