Fiori DF70 Dumper: Why the REV Will Save the World
Fiori DF70, the dumper that comes in three variants — diesel, REV and BEV — has found in Bosch Rexroth the right partner for its drivetrain. And beyond
Perhaps the headline is hyperbolic — but the Fiori DF70 dumper is riding a wave that is visible to the naked eye: that of the range extender. At the recent IAA Media Summit, which we covered in depth, Roger Busch, Corporate Executive Vice President Sales and Engineering at Mahle International, noted that the range extender concept appears to be gaining growing momentum.
Rehlko DemoDays 2025: The DF70 in the Spotlight
Last year’s event was the first DemoDays held under the Rehlko signature. In Reggio Emilia, we had the chance to exchange a few thoughts with Mauro De Falco, Chief Technology Officer at Fiori, who reflected on this versatile machine and its powertrain architecture.
“This solution supports the transition because it relieves the operator of so-called range anxiety and the inconvenience of charging times. You can work electrically and recharge more easily. In some cases the market asks for full electric, in others for a diesel machine with hydrostatic transmission: the range extender allows us to ride the transition. Dealers have also been asking us for REV machines, both for unrestricted use and because the smaller engine requires no aftertreatment, reduces the sensor count, lowers maintenance demands and thus improves TCO.
At bauma Munich we presented the DF70 — a 7-tonne capacity Fiori dumper — as a REV featuring a two-cylinder air-cooled petrol engine running at fixed speed, coupled to an electric motor on the flywheel that acts as a generator. An inverter either recharges the battery or provides a boost to the electric traction motor, which is coupled to an axle. On steep gradients with a full load, the electric motor alone would draw too much current; the thermal engine makes up the difference. On 96-volt models, the batteries hold nearly 24 kWh. With one battery charge and a full tank of petrol, a full eight-hour working cycle is achievable.”
And Bosch Rexroth Had a Hand in It
It was Bosch Rexroth that brought the DF70 back to the attention of industry insiders. The synergy between Fiori Group and Bosch Rexroth is set to deepen further. New dumper models of greater capacity are currently under development and will continue to integrate Bosch Rexroth transmission solutions.
In particular, the next machines will retain — and in some cases evolve — the concept of electronic continuously variable transmission.
“With the DF70 dumper, Fiori Group and Bosch Rexroth are not simply launching a new product — they are redefining the operational standards of the sector, demonstrating how collaboration between complementary areas of expertise can generate concrete, efficient solutions ready for the job sites of the future,” say Nicola Di Salvo, R&D at Fiori Group, and Fabio Natalini, Technical Sales Manager at Bosch Rexroth, in unison.
It is Di Salvo who spells out the decisive contribution of Bosch Rexroth: “The central element of the DF70 dumper project is the fully electronic hydrostatic transmission developed with Bosch Rexroth. Through the use of advanced components — including variable-displacement motors and next-generation hydrostatic pumps — the system introduces a radical change: the elimination of the traditional mechanical gearbox.”
These are the four added values delivered by Rexroth
- Total operational continuity, with no interruptions between working phases;
- Smooth and progressive speed management, even on complex terrain;
- Reduced cycle times, particularly on gradients;
- Greater ease of use, even for less experienced operators.
“In the off-highway context,” Di Salvo points out, “where it was historically necessary to bring the machine to a stop in order to engage the appropriate gear, this solution represents a paradigm shift. The operator can now tackle inclines and load variations without stopping, with immediate benefits in terms of productivity and safety.”
From the OEM side, Natalini clarifies that “beyond the hardware components, Bosch Rexroth played a key role in developing the control architecture.“
The versatility of Bosch Rexroth — now far removed from its traditional role as a mere hydraulic systems supplier and firmly established as a genuine system integrator, encompassing electronic, electrical, software and cybersecurity solutions — came to the fore during the recent PowerOn event in Cernusco sul Naviglio, where Bosch Rexroth Italy is headquartered. A comprehensive account will appear shortly in the July–August issue of POWERTRAIN International.
Who is Fiori Group?
Founded in 1942, headquartered in Finale Emilia (Emilia-Romagna region), the company designs, develops and manufactures off-road Concrete Batching Vehicles and Dumpers for the construction industry.
What powertrains does the Fiori DF70 offer?
The DF70 dumper was designed as part of a new range built on a multi-energy platform, capable of adapting to the varied demands of modern job sites. Alongside the diesel version with Bosch Rexroth transmission, the line-up includes: a plug-in hybrid variant, in which the thermal engine acts as a generator to support electric traction; and a full-electric variant, with LFP battery chemistry.
What are the advantages of a dumper based on a multi-energy platform?
The DF70’s multi-energy platform allows OEMs to use the same base chassis and layout to accommodate different powertrains — diesel, hybrid or electric. For contractors and job sites, this translates into component standardization and production flexibility, enabling a rapid response to varying local emissions regulations.
And what benefits does the DF70 offer the operator?
- The fully glazed cab provides excellent visibility and control, while the digital interface allows intuitive management of the main functions.
- The steering systems — two-wheel, four-wheel and crab — are fully managed electronically.
- Simplified controls, thanks to the absence of a mechanical gearbox.
