CAUTION ON COUPLING
Page 33
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Your recent product round-up feature on vehicle couplings {CA+113-19 January) contained a comment about dual-height fifth wheels which could be at best misleading and, at worst, dangerous.
Although the section didn't actually refer to the VBG R44DH, which was the first coupling of its kind introduced to enable mega-cube tractors to couple with conventional trailers, the statement that dual-height couplings can be used for yard shunting is not correct. VBG's air-operated dual height is designed to work either in the raised or the lowered position. It should not be raised or lowered while coupled to a trailer. Locking plungers must be engaged before raising and lowering to ensure that the coupling is safely located prior to coupling. Specialist heavy-duty couplings—generally with cast top plates—are required for yard shunting.
On the subject of cast fifth wheels, I would also point out that the reference to the soonto-be-launched VBG 150 Cl coupling as cast steel is not accurate. The product is nodular iron as favoured by many operators on the Continent which, it is envisaged, will be the main market (although VBG also has a cast steel model available).
Pressed-steel couplings are likely to continue to remain as popular as ever in the weight conscious UK market.
I would like to compliment Commercial Motor for dedicating space to vehicle couplings—important components that are, all too often, not given sufficient attention.
Roger Darling, General sales manager. Barry Hook Associates, .^tieshire.
• Your point is taken: we meant simply that a dualheight fifth wheel enables a tractor to be used with a variety of trailers, whether on the road or in the yard—Toby Clark, CM Technical Editor.