ZF Marine Transmissions are a Top Choice for Offshore Vessels

Since 1935, ZF Marine has offered some of the industry’s top performing marine transmissions. While the models have changed from the original lightweight versions to today’s full portfolio of transmissions, accessories and options – that include electric and mechanical shift, trolling valves, auto-troll, two-speed arrangements for both inboard and outboard propulsion, the 4600 POD Propulsion System for vessels up to 130 feet, coolers, torsional couplings, Power Take-Off (PTO) and Power Take-In (PTI) technology – the product quality and customer support remain unchanged. Today, operators in the offshore domain and elsewhere can turn to the transmission experts at ZF for newbuild projects, repowers, consultations and repairs of inboard commercial vessels.

“ZF has been manufacturing world-class marine transmissions for so long and has developed such a strong reputation for quality, that customers turn to us again and again for their vessel propulsion needs,” said George Lewis, head of product line commercial-fast craft, North/Central America and the Caribbean. “In my experience, I’ve seen vessels operate with ZF transmissions for more than 30,000 hours without issue.”

ZF products are highly rated and trusted. But in a saturated market featuring leading brands that offer products of similar price, form, fit and function, operators continue to choose ZF. Why?

“The products are trusted and proven, but our service and product portfolio are two other key factors that help us to stand out,” Lewis explained.

Two of those factors include the company’s global service network and +1-833-ZFWRENCH service hotline that allows customers to call anytime day or night with questions about their transmissions, repower projects, for consultations and troubleshooting, and to secure after-market parts. Another is the transmissions team.

“This team, along with sales and engineering, go above and beyond to understand and explore customers’ applications to ensure they’re getting the exact model they need and to solve any challenges. Our relationships with clients is a priority,” Lewis said.

Another way that ZF stands apart from the competition is by way of innovation. ZF recently partnered with Mercury Marine to develop the world’s first two-speed transmission with automatic shifting for the 600-horsepower Verado outboard. The technology is groundbreaking, and the market is advancing quickly as a result. Additionally, commercially available hybrid-capable transmission models are available, including the ZF 3000, 5000, 9000, 11,000, 24,000 and 40,000 series, with more to come. Among other benefits, installing hybrid transmissions enables vessels to operate with reduced emissions.

The company is also working on an advanced line of “smart” transmissions that will provide predictive maintenance features, as well as remote monitoring.

“If a customer has a SIREN Marine monitoring system onboard, he can actually interface with a ZF transmission today,” said Keith Stanley, Senior Manager, Pleasure Craft, for ZF’s Industrial Technology Division – North America & Central America. “The Siren system is straightforward to install and offers a specific ZF software tile that allows operators to perform remote monitoring immediately, assuming transmission pressures and temperatures are broadcast on the network. There is some other really cool stuff in the pipeline, and we can’t wait to share it with our customers.”

For all vessels, including commercial offshore boats, the ZF team is committed to ensuring the right transmission is purchased and that its installation or any future support needed is easy.

“We’ve been doing this for almost 90 years. We have an incredible amount of experience in boat design and manufacturing. Inherent in ZF’s DNA, we are incredibly process driven which is one of our core strengths, but we embrace innovative technologies, too,” Stanley said. “A vessel owner just can’t go wrong with a ZF transmission.”