Abstract
Because of the increased computing capacity, availability of appropriate commercial software and increased knowledge of modelling and simulation of coupled systems, virtual prototyping is becoming a powerful tool in the design of mechatronic machines. When carrying out the design by employing conventional engineering methods the physical couplings between the subsystems such as mechanics, hydraulics and control system are quite often excluded in the design process. 3-D dynamic simulation provides a powerful tool for the designers by means of which the product can be designed in system oriented basis from the early stage of the development. The present paper shows the potential of this approach in designing complete hydraulic driven machines such as log forwarders.
