Dutch coupling reduces UK gap
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• The Estepe close-coupled drawbar system, which achieves a 350mm truck/trailer gap, is being marketed in the UK by 1MS of Loughborough. The coupling system, which is made by Estepe Special Truck Products in the Netherlands, will help hauliers attain 15,65m of load bed within the 16m body limit.
It comprises a semi-circular rack-and-pinion drive, a slider cranked mechanism and rollerguided slide. As the towing vehicle turns from its straight ahead position the gear rotates the crank via the connecting rod.
This actuates the female sleeve attached to the trailer and increases the gap between the truck and the trailer.
Although intended for use on 18-tonne dog trailers, the Estepe system is rated at 24 tonnes. It weighs 485kg.
Companies using the system include Murfitts of Peterborough, on 12 drawbar rigs.