Twin Disc product expansion benefits workboat sector

Twin Disc, the USA-based manufacturer of technologically advanced marine power transmission solutions, has launched a range of new products and enhancements that will benefit commercial mariners worldwide.

E-Steer is Twin Disc’s new approach to marine steering. Instead of hydraulic lines, which can be expensive, labour intensive, and susceptible to leaks, it connects the helm and hydraulic-powered rudder electronically. Speed sensing technology provides adaptive resistance. Twin Disc says that at full throttle, the helm is firm while at slow manoeuvring speeds, it is light and very responsive.

Twin Disc’s innovative EC300 Power Commander control system has been upgraded. A maintenance-free, contactless magnetic Hall effect sensor replaces the electro-mechanical unit. A back-up propulsion control system provides fully redundant command. It is supplied with a new graphic display panel with twin-engine readout for monitoring the most detailed data on the vessel’s propulsion system. Matched to a Twin Disc Quick Shift transmission, the EC300 offers exacting throttle control for close-quarter navigating, according to the company.

Twin Disc’s popular Express Joystick System has been enhanced. It is now offered with the option of interfacing with a broad range of CAN-based digital thruster systems. Workboat operators can now take full advantage of the precise manoeuvring capabilities the Express Joystick System provides and select the thruster that is most appropriate to the workboat application, says Twin Disc.

Twin Disc is the Veth Propulsion distributor for much of the USA and select Asian markets. A new Veth Propulsion product is its VZ-700 Z-drive azimuth thruster which delivers 631kW of maximum power to the 140cm single nozzled propeller. With few moving parts outside the gearbox, the simple yet robust design provides a long service life with little maintenance, says the manufacturer. Rated for 100 per cent continuous power, it is built with minimal piping thanks to its compact construction.