The latest WABCO T-EBS vehicle control system is now available to the New Zealand transport industry.
Over the past decade WABCO EBS vehicle control systems have enhanced vehicle safety beyond simple braking to include features that enhance general truck-trailer combination stability and enhanced vehicle management says Transpecs OE braking product manager, John Hirst.
“The latest technology from WABCO’s intelligent trailer program provides a solution for further enhanced driver safety amd effectiveness” says Hirst.
“WABCO’s vision extends beyond brake control. The intelligent trailer program (ITP) and zero accident program aims to provide the fleet operator with reduced operating costs, increased driver comfort and improved safety in and around the logistics environment.
“Incorporating ELEX (electronic expansion module) and trailer remote control, the driver has in-cab information and control of trailer brake and suspension components. TailGUARD is a perfect example of WABCO’s ITP helping establish a zero accident working environment.”
Reversing a trailer is one of the most dangerous operating procedures, accounting for up to 35% of incidents involving trailer damage and up to 40% of all fatal accidents, says Hirst.
“The WABCO TailGUARD feature reduces risks during reversing by detecting small, large, static and moving objects in the blind spot behind the trailer and automatically stopping the vehicle at a safe distance. With overall combination lengths in NZ now exceeding 23 metres, TailGUARD provides invaluable assistance for drivers operating these longer rigs.”
Transpecs says the 4S/3M multi-volt system allows easy integration within mixed vehicle fleets operating 12V & 24V prime movers. There is also a back-up supply via the brake lamp circuit if there is a temporary loss of power at the dedicated seven-pin EBS/ABS electrical connection between the truck & trailer (i.e. ISO 7638)
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A trailer PREV (park release emergency valve) along with a SmartBOARD provides a secondary trailer interface as part of the WABCO T-EBS system. This allows the driver access to information regarding trailer operating weight, driver performance, a trip counter and diagnostics assistance.
“Standard features of previous WABCO T-EBS continue to be offered including ABS, dual load sensing, roll stability support and emergency braking. These are very much generic features that guarantee optimal braking performance at all times” says Hirst.
To date, over 2500 WABCO T-EBS systems have been installed to heavy trailers in the New Zealand market since the systems launch in 2003.
