Pre-set speed limiter
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A NEW speed-control system for heavy commercial vehicles (including coaches) has been developed by Econocruise Ltd of 180 Wood Street, Rugby (CM, September 27) writes GRAHAM MONTGOIVIERIE.
Unlike the conventional speed limiters on the market, the Econocruise does not just restrict the top speed.
It can be preset to give four control speeds at the request of the operator with a typical selection being 30, 40, 50 and maximum.
The system is controlled by a bank of push-buttons so all the driver has to do is press the relevant one (for example, 40 for a dual-carriageway A-road) and keep his foot flat on the throttle.
The electro-pneumatic system then maintains the selected speed using minimum throttle openings with resulting benefits to fuel economy.
One particular 'interesting feature of the Econocruise is its ability to override itself for hill anticipation.
So when going downhill with a steep inclind up the other side, the system will override the set speed on a temporary basis allowing the driver to use the vehicle's accumulated downhill speed to get him up the hill with the minimum of downchanging.
The fitted cost of the Econocruise system is expected to be around £500 to £600 depending upon the particular vehicle.
I had the chance to try the Econocruise fitted to a Volvo F12, and found it to be very useful.
On the AS, I pressed the "40mph" button and floored the throttle. The system then took over and maintained the preset speed.
Test intrumentation in the cab included a pressure gauge which indicated the amount of throttle the engine was getting to maintain 40mph regardless of the fact that the pedal was completely depressed.
It was possible to drive along using the throttle as a foot rest with the Econocuise doing the engine controlling as required by road conditions.