Thrustmaster Z-Drives

Thrustmaster Z-Drives are azimuthing thrusters from 500 HP to 8,000 HP designed for inland towboats operating in brown water. A Z-drive replaces the propeller, shaft, stern tube, marine gear, rudder and steering gear with a single unit, giving full thrust in any direction independent of vessel speed.

Key features

• Eliminates rudders and rudder drag; easier stopping with a tow downstream, barge switching and parallel parking
• A study by The Shearer Group, Inc. showed an average 28% fuel saving and 11% trip time saving versus conventional shafts and rudders
• Drop-in installation from the top; no shaft alignment, smaller machinery space
• Stainless steel propeller in a nozzle with stainless steel internals
• Quick-release coupling at the input shaft acts as a resettable mechanical fuse if the propeller is blocked
• Routine maintenance limited to oil and steering hydraulic filter changes; unit can be lifted out with the vessel afloat
• Built in Houston, Texas

Technical data

| Model | Power | Motor rpm | Propeller | Weight |

|---|---|---|---|---|

| TH500MZN | 500 HP / 370 kW | 1800 | 51 in (1295 mm) | 5,896 kg |

| TH750MZN | 750 HP / 560 kW | 1800 | 57 in (1447 mm) | 7,711 kg |

| TH1000MZN | 1100 HP / 820 kW | 1800 | 57 in (1447 mm) | 9,525 kg |

| TH1500MZN | 1700 HP / 1270 kW | 1600/1800 | 78 in (1981 mm) | 15,875 kg |

| TH2000MZN | 2250 HP / 1680 kW | 1000/1600/1800 | 83 in (2108 mm) | 19,504 kg |

Hydraulic Z-drive for fleet boats

A diesel engine drives a hydrostatic pump at constant rpm, powering a variable-speed podded hydraulic motor directly coupled to a fixed-pitch propeller. There are no drive shafts or gears to fail, and the hydraulic system relieves overloads from ingested objects.

Support

Service centres along major US rivers offer installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairs, upgrades, field engineering and operator training, with a 24/7 service hotline.