Jost
Page 10
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A LOW-PROFILE fine pitch sliding mounting for fifth-wheel couplings has been introduced by Heywood, Lancashire-based Jost (Great Britain).
Compared with the previous version, the latest Jost fifth wheel is one inch lower and 56Kg (1231b) lighter.
The position of the coupling can be altered over a 585mm (23in) range in increments of 38mm (11/2in).
The previous design had coarser indexing in steps of 100mm (4in).
Fore-and-aft location is provided by tapered teeth formed in the forged racks on either side; registering with these racks are spring-loaded triple-tooth wedges housed in the sliding mounting of the fifth wheel.
When adjusting the position of the fifth wheel, the wedges are thrust out of 'engagement by pulling a lever at the side.
The fifth wheel's trunnions are integral with the sliding baseplate which Jost claims cannot lift or rock because its edges slide in lips formed in the sides of the steel plate bed.
Complete with the latest Jost pressed steel fifth wheel, the assembly weighs 244Kg (5371b).
The fifth wheel itself is 914mm