RETARDERS TO THE RESCUE • I read with interest of
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the problems encountered by the Special Type Heavy Haulage operators in Commercial Motor (22-28 February) regarding tyres.
One of the main problems seems to be associated with the dissipation of heat generated from the brake drums. The relatively slow road speeds reduce the cooling air around the drums and the small (15in) wheels and drums make it extremely difficult to dissipate the enormous amount of energy generated by slowing these heavy loads. The increases in permissible speeds will tend to exacerbate the problems.
The optimum solution is to remove the source of this problem — the heat generated by the foundation brakes. Not only tyres are saved, but the very considerable costs of linings and drums can be dramatically reduced. Hub seals, even clutch life can be further savings. If vehicle downtime is a further major consideration.
Telma retarders are in use with a number of operators who report excellent results — 165,000km with negligible wear on linings and drums on units hauling up to 100 tonnes Gross Train Weight, for example. The lack of brake wear and heat build-up extends tyre life considerably and contributes to overall profitability.
R F Gregg, General Manager, Telma Retarder, Bletchley, Milton Keynes.