Overview
The ZF 0501.309.330 FRICTION PLATE is a critical wear component engineered for high-torque planetary gear sets within heavy-duty construction machinery transmissions. As an OEM genuine part, it ensures precise hydraulic clutch engagement and disengagement, directly influencing power transfer efficiency. This friction plate sits between steel separator plates inside the clutch pack, where its specialized friction material creates the necessary grip to lock planetary gears under load. The SKU 0501.309.330 is specifically designed to withstand extreme thermal cycling and high-pressure hydraulic environments found in earthmoving equipment. Without this component functioning correctly, the transmission cannot maintain consistent gear ratios during demanding operations like excavation or grading.
Symptoms of Failure
When the ZF 0501.309.330 friction plate deteriorates, operators will notice distinct performance degradation. Recognizing these failure indicators early prevents costly secondary damage to the transmission housing and hydraulic system.
- Transmission gear slippage under load: The most common symptom is a sudden loss of power transfer when the machine encounters resistance, such as climbing a grade or pushing heavy material. The engine RPM rises without corresponding vehicle speed increase.
- Delayed or harsh clutch engagement: Worn friction material causes erratic shift timing. Operators may experience a noticeable lag between moving the shift lever and actual gear engagement, followed by an abrupt jolt as the clutch finally catches.
- Darkened or burnt transmission fluid: Overheated friction plates shed carbon particles into the oil, turning the fluid a dark brown or black color. A distinct burnt odor will also be present during fluid checks.
- Intermittent loss of forward or reverse gears: As the friction material wears to the metal core, the clutch pack loses clamping force, causing complete gear dropout in specific ranges, particularly under sustained heavy use.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Part Number (SKU) | 0501.309.330 |
| Outer Diameter | 180 mm (7.09 in) |
| Inner Diameter | 120 mm (4.72 in) |
| Thickness (New) | 2.5 mm (0.098 in) |
| Friction Material | Paper-based composite with carbon additive |
| Core Material | High-carbon steel (AISI 1050 equivalent) |
| Weight | 0.18 kg (0.40 lbs) |
| OEM Reference | ZF Friedrichshafen AG genuine part |
Compatibility
This friction plate is dimensionally and materially matched for several ZF transmission families used in construction machinery. It is a direct fit for the following models:
- ZF WG180 series (all variants including WG180-1, WG180-2)
- ZF WG200 series (standard and heavy-duty configurations)
- ZF 4WG-200 powershift transmissions
- ZF 5WG-200 five-speed powershift units
- ZF 6WG-200 six-speed powershift transmissions
Always verify the clutch pack stack height and steel plate condition when replacing this friction plate. For applications in wheel loaders, dozers, and graders from manufacturers like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Volvo CE that utilize ZF drivelines, this part serves as the direct OEM replacement.
Authorized ZF Distributor
We are a certified supplier of genuine ZF components.
