TEC's Dockspotter coupler
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• TEC Transport Equipment and Components of Market Harborough has designed an elevating fifth-wheel coupler to help yard shunters handle the higher kingpin weights threeaxle tractive units create.
Designed to give 305mm lift with 16.260kg capacity, the Dockspotter 16/12 is ideal for off-road operations, like refuse tips, as well as yard shunting.
Double-acting hydraulic rams raise or lower the fifth wheel on a roller-mounted scissor-lift frame remotely-controlled from inside the cab. Shunting yard turnaround times are improved because trailer landing legs do not need to be raised or lowered, says TEC.
The unit's operating valves and piping are protected by a sturdy steel perimeter frame which can be linked to the tractor's Own pt-o/pump and pneumatic circuits.
The Dockspotter is operated by three cab controls: a jaw release button to engage or disengage the kingpin; a power take-off lever which controls the pt-o/pump and an air switch operates the hydraulic control valve for raising and lowering the fifth wheel_ The driver only needs to leave the cab to release the trailer brakes.
The hydraulic circuit is protected by a by-pass valve which automatically checks the coupler when the trailer landing legs reach ground level.