Steering from the rear
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• Dutch specialist vehicle manufacturer Ginaf has introduced a new variation on its theme of multi-axle chassis with a steering system for widespread dual-tyre rear-axle bogies. The new system, which is destined for the company's range of three, four and five-axle chassis, combines electronic vehicle steering (EVS) with Ginaf's existing hydro-pneumatic vehicle suspension.
EVS only works at low speeds and uses electronic control to ensure the steering angle of the rear axle co-ordinates with the vehicle's front axle. Hydraulic rams, which share their hydraulic circuit with the rear suspension, are used to steer the rear axle.
Ginaf claims that the EVS system improves manoeuvrability both on and off-road thanks to a tighter turning circle, as well as being kinder to tyres and to the road surface. At speed, it locks in the straight-ahead position.
The new range is known as the S-series: Ginaf hopes to have 6x4, 6x6, 8x4, 8x8, 10x4 and 10x8 chassis variants available by the autumn.