Jake Brakes for Super Sleepers
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• ERF is now fitting the Jacobs Engine Brake — known commonly as the Jake Brake — as standard on all 'E Series tractive units powered by 14 litre Cummins Super E engines and specified with ERF's optional Super Sleeper cab package.
Although the Jake Brake is used extensively by operators in the United States, ERF is the only European truck builder to fit as standard the hydraulic device, which operates on one valve of each cylinder, effectively turning the engine into a powerabsorbing air compressor.
According to Norde Retarding systems — the European agents for Jacobs retarders — the Jake Brake can give up to three times the retardation provided by a more conventional exhaust brake, and is sufficient to satisfy 65% of the vehicle's braking needs.
The engine brake can work on two-, fouror even six-cylinders, as selected by the driver.
ERF's decision to fit the Jake Brake as standard, within the Super Sleeper package, follows a shift in its customer buying patterns. Last year 27% of all Cummins ten and 14 litre-engined ERFs registered were ordered with the optional Jacobs retarder.
The Jake Brake weighs around 35kg and can be made to operate every time the driver lifts off both the clutch and throttle.
Other features within the ERF Super Sleeper option, which costs an extra £2,400 on top of the chassis list price, are an electrically-heated, airsuspended driver's seat, roof air deflector, radio and cab heater.
fl ERF has made a good start to 1987 with orders for 200 vehicles, worth over £6 mil
lion, already placed. The biggest order so far is from 1W Oil which is buying 61 new tractive units.
According to ERF chairman, Peter Foden: "The order intake is stronger now than for several years and I would describe those orders received in the early part of the New Year as a vote of confidence in ERE" The company expects demand to grow in 1987 as a result of a more bouyant economy, and a weaker pound "which will make us more ' competitive," says Foden.