Foden's air ride gets chip control
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• Foden has introduced a fully electronic air suspension for its long wheelbase (3.8m) 6x2 twinsteer 4000 Series tractive units. The first example has gone to Salford-based Austin Wilkinson & Sons and it will be on show at Tipcon.
The system, developed by Foden in conjunction with Wabco, gives automated control of the air suspension on both drive and second steer axles in all load conditions.
It is suitable for tractor units with 11.5 tonne drive axles and maximum design ratings of up to 48 tonnes GCW; the usual choice of Caterpillar, Cummins and Perkins engines is available.
Until now, air suspension was not available on the drive-axle of a twinsteer, with the standard configuration on the 6x2 being twin parabolic springs at the rear and a trailing-arm air set-up on the second steer axle (this remains the standard fitment).
On the Foden/Wabco system there is 75mm of raise or lower from the normal ride height and, in addition, a remote control facility provides easy external adjustment of frame and fifth wheel height.
For extra traction an in-cab switch allows weight to be transferred on to the drive axle by dumping air from the second steer axle air bags.
Static or dynamic height levels are reached quickly and the system, which also has a selfdiagnostic facility, returns to its normal ride height when the vehicle reaches 25km/h.
Foden's new optional system, which is ABS compatible, has an anti-roll bar as standard, adds 160kg to the kerb weight (compared with normal leaf springs) and an extra £.3,750 to the retail price.
All 2000/3000/4000 Series models will have new Swedish designed instrument panels. O Broughton Farm Caravans, which is based in Llangennith, West Glamorgan, has taken delivery of the first Foden 2000 Series rigid with a top sleeper cab unit.