Pro-Par sliding
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fifth
wheel
• A new Pro-Par sliding fifth-wheel coupling was announced recently by Crane Fruehauf Trailers Ltd. It is mounted on a sub-frame of two steel-channels fitted on runners, and can be locked in alternative positions over a range of 18in. When in the fully forward position the unit provides a height increase of 0.75in. to give more clearance for trailer cranks.
The whole unit is rigidly fixed to the tractor chassis, with lead-up ramps, which move with the fifth-wheel, fitted as standard. Spring-loaded locking pins secure the fifth-wheel in the required position by engaging in holes through the channels and runners. The pins can only be released by an easy-to-operate ratchet winch, ensuring maximum safety.
Position adjustment is quickly effected by applying the semi-trailer handbrake, withdrawing the locking pins and moving the tractor backward or forward as required.
Uncoupling and coupling is facilitated by a new automatic re-setting jaw mechanism. Once the safety pin has been pulled out and the locking plunger withdrawn, the fifth-wheel is ready for uncoupling and eventual recoupling without any further attention.