Truck components master the cold test

On the COLMIS proving ground in northern Sweden, new and updated developments as well as the SAF TRAKr electric trailer axis, the HOLLAND Automated Coupling (SHAC), the automatic SAF TIRE PILOT I.Q. tire-inflating system, the HALDEX EB+ 4.0 electronic trailer braking system and other safety-related components were put through their paces in extreme conditions.

Snow, ice, dirt, moisture, slippery surfaces and low temperatures: Commercial vehicles are often exposed to a range of environmental influences during everyday use. Even in extreme conditions, drivers and fleet operators must be able to rely on their
vehicles being roadworthy and safe at all times. To test crucial components during operation, SAF-HOLLAND exposed a truck to extreme conditions. “The influence of challenging weather can have a massive influence on product robustness, functionality and the interaction of coordinated mechanical parts, electronic components and sensor systems,” explains Sebastian Quick, Vice President of Research and Development at SAF-HOLLAND. “Systems developed at the factory ‘under laboratory conditions’ often behave very differently in practical tests due to propulsive forces, roll movements, heavy loads and other influences. In winter conditions, correct functioning of axles and brakes is particularly crucial for avoiding failures and accidents.”

All tests were completed successfully with positive results. Sebastian Quick was also very pleased with the findings: “We are an international company. Our chassis-related modules and systems are used worldwide, in very different conditions. Safety and accident prevention are our top priority during product development. The findings from the cold test will directly influence the development and continuous improvement of our products.” Quick also highlighted the good cooperation within the group of companies:
“During projects like these, we benefit from the positive synergy effects in the group of companies. That drives joint research and results in optimally coordinated products.”

The cold test focused in particular on new and improved developments as well as on safety-related systems from SAF-HOLLAND. These include, among others:

The HOLLAND Automated Coupling System is based on a fully automatic, sensorbased process that brings the tractor unit and the trailer together. The fifth wheel coupling opens and closes automatically, the supply lines are connected independently
and the landing gear is extended and retracted fully automatically. Drivers and freight forwarders benefit from automated coupling in a number of ways:
the process is safer – the risk of injury to the driver is reduced and the risk of damage to the trailer is also lower.

The electronic trailer braking system has a modular design and can be individually configured. It serves as a platform for different product families:
EBS, ABS with roll-over control and as a conventional ABS for trailers.

The lift axle valves provide electrically controlled lifting and lowering of one or several lifting axles for air suspension systems.

The system automatically activates the parking brake to provide more safety during hitching and unhitching of trailers, preventing uncontrolled movements and minimizing vehicle damage and accidents.