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SAFE PAIR OF HANDS MAN is offering a combination of

24th June 2004, Page 48
24th June 2004
Page 48
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Page 48, 24th June 2004 — SAFE PAIR OF HANDS MAN is offering a combination of
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electronic stability control and roll-over prevention on all MAN and ERF 4x2 tractors. CM tried the

ESP system for the first time in the UK.

The MAN/ERF Group has joined the ranks of truck and trailer manufacturers offering ESP on their products.The Bosch-sourced system, which combines electronic stability control and roll-over prevention, is now available on all MAN and ERF 4x2 tractors, with 6x2s expected to join around the time of the IAA Show at Hanover in September.

The MAN/ERF Group has joined the ranks of truck and trailer manufacturers offering ESP on their products.The Bosch-sourced system, which combines electronic stability control and roll-over prevention, is now available on all MAN and ERF 4x2 tractors, with 6x2s expected to join around the time of the IAA Show at Hanover in September.

The MAN/ERF Group has joined the ranks of truck and trailer manufacturers offering ESP on their products.The Bosch-sourced system, which combines electronic stability control and roll-over prevention, is now available on all MAN and ERF 4x2 tractors, with 6x2s expected to join around the time of the IAA Show at Hanover in September.

To try it out for the first time on UK soil, CM took advantage of a gap in a three-day event to demonstrate the technology to MAN's customers and sales force at the Bruntingthorpe proving ground in Leicestershire. How it works We've described the operation of ESP before, but to recap, the vehicle is fitted with a variety of electronic sensors.These monitor steering input and lateral acceleration (or yaw), as well as the existing wheel speed sensors in the ABS/EBS system.When the controlling com the fine line etween puter notices a discrepancy between the sensor outputs, for example if yaw is greater than the steering input, it knows something abnor puter notices a discrepancy between the sensor outputs, for example if yaw is greater than the steering input, it knows something abnor puter notices a discrepancy between the sensor outputs, for example if yaw is greater than the steering input, it knows something abnor mal is happening. The computer then, by a combination of reducing engine power and braking individual wheels as by a combination of reducing engine power and braking individual wheels as

required, puts things back on line before you can say Robert Bosch is your uncle. Even if your trailer doesn't have EBS, the system can still apply the trailer brakes as a whole to hold back the tractor from behind.

The other scenario in which early detection is crucial is at the onset of a roll-over; here the system uses both the lateral acceleration sensor and the ABS sensors. When the inside drive wheel begins to lift off the ground, its speed begins to rise.This, together with an out-of-parameter lateral acceleration value, provokes the power reduction/braking trick into action again.

Although this isn't the first time we've sampled the technology, it was good to have a refresher. MAN's demonstration outfit, with switchable ESP on the tractor and outriggers on the trailer, was brought over from Germany to Bruntingthorpe's wide open spaces. While the benefits of ESP are valid for all artic operators, it is rollprone trailers such as liquid tankers and hanging meat reefers that will reap the greatest rewards. MAN's demo trailer is a tri-axle loaded with water, giving a gross weight during our test of some 37,000kg.An interesting aside is that the tractor was also fitted with Michelin's Zero-I mega-single drive axle tyre. While negotiations continue to make the minor changes to the wording of the relevant legislation to allow their use on British vehicles, Michelin's UK network now offers support for the tyres on visiting vehicles.

Although this isn't the first time we've sampled the technology, it was good to have a refresher. MAN's demonstration outfit, with switchable ESP on the tractor and outriggers on the trailer, was brought over from Germany to Bruntingthorpe's wide open spaces. While the benefits of ESP are valid for all artic operators, it is rollprone trailers such as liquid tankers and hanging meat reefers that will reap the greatest rewards. MAN's demo trailer is a tri-axle loaded with water, giving a gross weight during our test of some 37,000kg.An interesting aside is that the tractor was also fitted with Michelin's Zero-I mega-single drive axle tyre. While negotiations continue to make the minor changes to the wording of the relevant legislation to allow their use on British vehicles, Michelin's UK network now offers support for the tyres on visiting vehicles.

Although this isn't the first time we've sampled the technology, it was good to have a refresher. MAN's demonstration outfit, with switchable ESP on the tractor and outriggers on the trailer, was brought over from Germany to Bruntingthorpe's wide open spaces. While the benefits of ESP are valid for all artic operators, it is rollprone trailers such as liquid tankers and hanging meat reefers that will reap the greatest rewards. MAN's demo trailer is a tri-axle loaded with water, giving a gross weight during our test of some 37,000kg.An interesting aside is that the tractor was also fitted with Michelin's Zero-I mega-single drive axle tyre. While negotiations continue to make the minor changes to the wording of the relevant legislation to allow their use on British vehicles, Michelin's UK network now offers support for the tyres on visiting vehicles.

Although this isn't the first time we've sampled the technology, it was good to have a refresher. MAN's demonstration outfit, with switchable ESP on the tractor and outriggers on the trailer, was brought over from Germany to Bruntingthorpe's wide open spaces. While the benefits of ESP are valid for all artic operators, it is rollprone trailers such as liquid tankers and hanging meat reefers that will reap the greatest rewards. MAN's demo trailer is a tri-axle loaded with water, giving a gross weight during our test of some 37,000kg.An interesting aside is that the tractor was also fitted with Michelin's Zero-I mega-single drive axle tyre. While negotiations continue to make the minor changes to the wording of the relevant legislation to allow their use on British vehicles, Michelin's UK network now offers support for the tyres on visiting vehicles.

Although this isn't the first time we've sampled the technology, it was good to have a refresher. MAN's demonstration outfit, with switchable ESP on the tractor and outriggers on the trailer, was brought over from Germany to Bruntingthorpe's wide open spaces. While the benefits of ESP are valid for all artic operators, it is rollprone trailers such as liquid tankers and hanging meat reefers that will reap the greatest rewards. MAN's demo trailer is a tri-axle loaded with water, giving a gross weight during our test of some 37,000kg.An interesting aside is that the tractor was also fitted with Michelin's Zero-I mega-single drive axle tyre. While negotiations continue to make the minor changes to the wording of the relevant legislation to allow their use on British vehicles, Michelin's UK network now offers support for the tyres on visiting vehicles.

Although this isn't the first time we've sampled the technology, it was good to have a refresher. MAN's demonstration outfit, with switchable ESP on the tractor and outriggers on the trailer, was brought over from Germany to Bruntingthorpe's wide open spaces. While the benefits of ESP are valid for all artic operators, it is rollprone trailers such as liquid tankers and hanging meat reefers that will reap the greatest rewards. MAN's demo trailer is a tri-axle loaded with water, giving a gross weight during our test of some 37,000kg.An interesting aside is that the tractor was also fitted with Michelin's Zero-I mega-single drive axle tyre. While negotiations continue to make the minor changes to the wording of the relevant legislation to allow their use on British vehicles, Michelin's UK network now offers support for the tyres on visiting vehicles. Electronic control

But back to the demo. Firstly, with the ESP turned off, something not possible on customer vehicles, we drove at about 40km/h around a U-turn simulating a roundabout of approximately 12m diameter.There was no messing about— the trailer simply toppled over gently, only the stabilisers preventing a certain roll-over incident.Those drivers, even highly experienced ones, who claim they can "feel" the approach of a roll-over and prevent it developing, should try this demonstration. The transition beyond the fine line between stability and instability is imperceptible from the driving seat.You've more chance of spotting it in the mirrors! Once it starts going, there's very little that human intervention can do to stop it, certainly

not within the confines of a normal public road. With ESP turned on, things are very different. Before the roll-over has a chance to develop, the electronics apply the brakes and back the engine off.The driver only selects the appropriate gear to drive away— although as our truck was TipMatic-equipped, we didn't even have to do that.The most risky part of the whole process is of the vehicle behind rear-ending your trailer. Simulated manoeuvres With roundabouts sorted, we moved on to a simulated emergency lane-change manoeuvre. Driving at 50km/h to the left of a traffic cone marking an imaginary lane, we waited until we were within half a truck length before attempting to swerve to the right and miss the cone. Not only did we change lane quickly enough to miss the imaginary obstruction, but we maintained sufficient control to proceed along the second lane with With roundabouts sorted, we moved on to a simulated emergency lane-change manoeuvre. Driving at 50km/h to the left of a traffic cone marking an imaginary lane, we waited until we were within half a truck length before attempting to swerve to the right and miss the cone. Not only did we change lane quickly enough to miss the imaginary obstruction, but we maintained sufficient control to proceed along the second lane with total precision. The key

to successful use of ESP is keeping the steering wheel pointing in your intended direction of travel— the electronics will do the rest.

to successful use of ESP is keeping the steering wheel pointing in your intended direction of travel— the electronics will do the rest.

to successful use of ESP is keeping the steering wheel pointing in your intended direction of travel— the electronics will do the rest.

to successful use of ESP is keeping the steering wheel pointing in your intended direction of travel— the electronics will do the rest.

Having had a year of living with ESP on a passenger car, we have come to appreciate the benefits. Only recently, while negotiating one of the new roundabouts outside Cherwell Valley services alongside a 44-tonner, a patch of slipperiness caused the car's tail to slide. However, almost before the problem was apparent, the ESP had done its stuff and restored normal progress.

Having had a year of living with ESP on a passenger car, we have come to appreciate the benefits. Only recently, while negotiating one of the new roundabouts outside Cherwell Valley services alongside a 44-tonner, a patch of slipperiness caused the car's tail to slide. However, almost before the problem was apparent, the ESP had done its stuff and restored normal progress.

We've also become aware, though, of how easy it is for human nature to adapt and take the extra level of ability for granted.There's not such a problem on the truck application, as the system is sensibly programmed in such a way that it over-responds to an emergency situation.The result is that any driver tempted to use ESP as an aid to driving at or beyond the limit will soon be foiled as it its intervention means slower progress than driving sensibly. The ESP package will cost you £1,200 (exVAT) on your new TGA or ECT. Is it worth it? In our opinion, if you're operating in one of the high risk groups mentioned, there's absolutely no question.The next time a tanker falls over, try explaining to a court why you weren't using the technology to prevent it, now that around half of Europe's truck makers offer it for less than the cost of two tanks of diesel. •


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