EC boosts Jake Brake
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• Growing interest is being shown in Jake Brakes as the Department of Transport awaits a European Commission proposal to clamp down on type approval brake tests on nonurban buses over 10 tonnes.
Later this month, the Dip expects Belgium to propose an amendment to the braking directive. This move could lead to more manufacturers having to fit retarders or engine brakes, but operators will not have to retrofit their vehicles.
In preparation for the next working party in Brussels on 19 March, DTp safety expert Pat Murphy has visited Jacobs Vehicle Equipment Company, to view a demonstration of the Jake Brake.
He was joined by coach manufacturer Plaxton which was "very impressed", because it estimates the system is around 150kg lighter than a standard retarder.
The Jake Brake is popular with American truck operators and Jacobs is keen to increase its penetration in the European market in both truck and bus. The Cummins L10 which powers Plaxton's 425 is suitable, but Plaxton says the integral coach is very light anyway and there is not enough room for a Jake Brake.
So far fewer than 10 Jake Brakes have been fitted to British PCVs since it arrived here 16 years ago. Van Hool is the only PCV manufacturer to use it, on the 1815. Next month Merlyn Coaches of Skewen will take delivery of a Jake Brakeequipped T815. The West Glamorgan-based operator, which always fits auxiliary brakes, was attracted by the £1,700 (exVAT) price tag and low level of maintenance.