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'DB FIFTH WHEELS
Page 41
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I The advent of 44-tonners means fewer operators are looking to we every last gram of weight so the UK preference for pressed'.eel fifth wheels over cast-steel models may gradually disappear. At 113k the Fontaine SPL2 pressed-steel coupling is claimed to be ie lightest model on the market, but in any case cast-steel wheels re no longer the heavy beasts they once were.
Holland Group Fleetmaster UK-manufactured fifth-wheels, for )(ample, weigh around 1204, while George Fischer's SK-S 36 castor fifth-wheel weighs 124kg and 127kg for 150mm and 1135mm couling heights respectively. The SK-S 36 coupler plate and brackets re made of a graphite-impregnated cast-iron with wearing parts, Icluding the wear plate, made from recyclable plastic.
New from Jost is the ,ISK40 cast-steel fifth-wheel which is 15% lhter than previous models. It is designed for one-handed operation id can be specified with a lightweight pedestal that fits directly on to ie subframe, eliminating the mounting plate. Mounting heights range om150-225mm.
pio
neered by lost ,ISX40 cast-steel fifth-wheel is 15% lighter than previous node's. it is designed for one-handed operation and can be fitted sr, s to eliminate the need for a mounting plate. Fontaine VBG. The coupling height of the Fontaine 150SP pressed-steel fifth-wheel, Re that of the company's cast models, can be adjusted from 148257mm simply by changing the mounting feet.
Both Holland Europe and Davies Magnet 1J4 fifth-wheels (made by Douglas Equipment) feature double-jaw locking mechanisms for extra security. The double-jaw means the locking mechanism surrounds the pin.
Big D is targeting the aftermarket with a range of replacement Holland Group's pressed-steel top plates to fit Jost and Fontaine VBG fifthfifth-wheels tend to wheels. They have a D-value of 152kN and weigh around weigh around 120kg.
94kg.
Roger Darling, MD for Fontaine
International, believes power-assisted coupling and uncoupling will be increasingly specified by UK operators f`given the measures being introduced by the Health and
Safety Executive to minimise the need for manual handling and physically demanding tasks in the workplace".
Fontaine's SPPA Power Handle Incorporates a cylinder under the fifth-wheel top plate which connects to the vehicle's airiine. To uncouple a trailer the driver simply pulls the trigger to energise the power assist system. The handle can then be pulled out with minimal effort until it locates an a safety latch that keeps the locking mechanism open.
Little effort is required to couple and uncouple, even on tractors fitted with side skirts and low-height fifth wheels.