VBG launches ball and clamp drawbar
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VBG HAS INTRODUCED a ball and clamp drawbar coupling that will replace eye and pin couplings traditionally used on ‘constantly coupled’ vehicles in the UK car transporter and forestry markets.
The 5085T ball-clamp system, built by VBG Group-owned subsidiary Ringfeder, removes the free play found in the traditional eye-pin couplings, explains VBG UK sales and marketing manager Howard Ostle. “Car transporters still use the eye and pin cou plings and that design has a small amount of free movement because of wear, which can lead to the trailer snaking. With a ball coupling there’s no free movement.
“The ball is under 625Nm torque of downward pressure through the clamp absorbing movement and shock, allowing the trailer to follow the prime mover in a truer fashion, which is more comfortable for the driver,” Ostle says.
The system is interchangeable with the eye and pin couplings. Two half-cups joined together convert the eye coupling to a ball and the clamp system on the prime mover can be attached to the cross-member using the same 100x160mm drill pattern as the pin coupling mechanism.
“Once it’s on, it doesn’t require additional lubrication or maintenance,” he says.
The first in the UK is on an off-road forestry vehicle hauling a Dennison-built drawbar trailer with 12-tonne axles and a GVW of 60 tonnes, used by Dumfries-based haulier John Miller.