Motors and Drives

For 2010 we introduced a new drive system for the Tomberlin EMERGE™ Series. The new system uses a Curtis 1268 500 amp controller. This controller offers up to 500 amps of armature current and up to 50 amps of field current. It is a robust and design tested controller that has proven reliability in many field applications. With the Curtis handheld programmer (available to order from our Client Care
Center) it is very easy to diagnose and troubleshoot the electrical systems on the vehicle. Just plug in the handheld programmer and scroll to the diagnostics and you can see what is going on right away. You can check the operation of the key switch, start switch, forward/reverse and accelerator inputs quickly. Many technicians already have a Curtis handheld programmer and we have made it easy to connect via a port on the wiring harness. It also makes it very easy to custom program the vehicle. Regenerative braking rates and acceleration rates are fully and easily adjustable depending on what feel your customer would like. Also, we added two selectable modes which allow the vehicle to have two distinct sets of programming parameters via the three position key switch. The two “ON” positions of the key switch are programmed at 19 mph and LSV compliance respectively. Both the speed and the regenerative braking rates can be programmed exactly to suit your customers’ requirements in just a few minutes. To learn more about the controller, both a complete specification list and manual are conveniently available on-line at http://www.curtisinstruments.com
      We have incorporated a new design DC motor into our EMERGE™ Series as well. The new motor has 30% larger brushes, a 30% larger commutator with improved slotting and a ventilated removable headband that allows the motor brushes to be easily inspected and serviced. 
The motor housing has also been specifically designed to provide flow thru ventilation. These changes have yielded a 50% increase in torque and 5.5 HP at the S2 60 minute test rating. This new motor combined with the Curtis 1268 controller provide a High Performance drive system package that is highly reliable.
      We are also developing Performance Orientated AC Drive systems for the EMERGE™ E-4. In addition, our two latest additions to the TOMBERLIN™ line, the ANVIL™ LSV and the VANISH™ EUTV/LSV, will also feature AC drive systems as standard equipment and it is already standard equipment on our Special Edition E-2 SHELBY™ model. To learn more about all of these exciting new models please visit our website at www.tomberlin.net.
      AC drive systems provide more consistent speed and power uphill than the traditional DC system while also being essentially maintenance free. There are no brushes in the motor to wear out or be replaced. 
Efficiency and range are also enhanced between 10-20% depending on the terrain and driving habits of the end user.
      The AC system developed specifically for the TOMBERLIN™ ANVIL™ has allowed us to develop and implement specific operating parameters for our OIC™ (Operator in Charge) Technology. This technology provides both enhanced safety and performance features unique to our products. 
Safety is always our first consideration and the OIC™ Technology has allowed us to add features such as requiring the vehicle to be placed in neutral upon initial key switch closure. This allows the driver to specifically understand which mode of operation the vehicle is in before pressing down on the accelerator. It has also allowed us to add selectable Performance and Economy modes with a boost switch. The economy mode will allow you to get the best driving range and the performance mode will get you there faster. The boost button will allow you to temporarily engage the performance mode for 30 seconds while still in the economy mode. This is especially helpful if you need to speed up while in traffic or while traversing up a steep grade.