Disco stops trailers
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by Oliver Dixon II Mercedes-Benz and Hendrickson Europe have signed a partnership deal which could raise the profile of disc-braked trailer axles throughout Europe.
The two companies have signed a pan-European marketing deal which is designed to promote a new trailer bogie, called Discos.
The Discos system consists of a brake and hub module similar to that found on the front axle of the Mercedes-Benz Actros range, coupled to Hendrickson's 11T250 Quik-Align suspension unit. It is based on a ninetonne axle and incorporates dual-piston floating callipers which are said to produce optimum force dis tribution between the disc and brake pads while assisting even pad wear.
By using internally ventilated discs, the designers claim improved thermal characteristics and fadefree performance.
ABS is included as standard, as are integralmounted brake cylinders.
Hendrickson Europe's contribution to the assembly is the HT250 trailer suspension module. At 148kg it is among the lightest systems available and is designed for rapid alignment adjustments.
A recent CM test proved the value of properly aligned axles (CM 3-9 October 1996). In the test, 0.75° of misalignment resulted in a 10% increase in fuel costs while misalignment of just over 0.5° reduced tyre life by more than 50%.
"If the haulage industry wants to see 44-tonne operation it will have to demonstrate that heavier commercial vehicles can be inherently safer and less environmentally damaging in the face of what will become increased lobbying," says Hendrickson Europe managing director John Kelleher. "Both partners in this agreement see the introduction of trailer disc brakes, in conjunction with EBS and ECAS, as the logical way forward for future vehicle design."
Cost has been a major obstacle to the adoption of disc braked trailers: Discos will be produced in addition to high-volume Actros axle production to take advantage of economies of scale. Hendrickson Europe believes that Discos will cost about 20% more than traditional units.
Hendrickson Europe is to set up an assembly plant at Montpelier. It will be headed by former ROR (France) managing director Gerard Leroux.