Tidd Ross Todd has given its central tyre inflation system (CTI) an overhaul in technology and design.
The new multi-channel Traction Air system launched this month and will soon be available for Australian and New Zealand customers with a number of commercial installations in progress.
The Traction Air E Series CTI system is based on an extensive research and development project by TRT, based in Scandinavia.
Traction Air was developed more than 22 years ago by TRT, with the first installations on road trains in the Australian Outback. The system is installed on more than 4000 vehicles throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
However, TRT has not focussed on CTI solutions for other regions until now.
TRT national sales manager Gavin Halley says work started around four years ago, looking at CTI in Europe, and in particular Scandinavia.
“With some of the most extreme operating environments, we wanted to understand how, and if, Traction Air could be adapted for any condition.”
“With a bit of TRT blue sky thinking, an investment in research, development and product testing in NZ and Sweden over the past two-and-a-half years, we have created a brand new CTI system with greater capabilities, that integrates with the vehicle using a common BUS protocols.
“This new CTI system is designed for European conditions, which has a direct spinoff for our loyal local customers,” Halley says.
The new system offers multi-channel options from single axle to drive, steer and trailer axle solutions.
TRT have also had to develop a complete new CTI system from the ECU and software to the wheel ends and pressure cells.
For example, the pressure cell is now made of stainless steel to withstand salt roads of European winters, and thermal switches for operation in -40°, Halley says.
To celebrate the new Traction Air E Series and all of the new advances in technology, TRT have designed a new look.
The system is still autonomous, but allowances have been made in the design for it to be interfaced with the vehicle and other third party applications in the future.
“This new system does not replace the current system the G Series. This is a new option for our customers to consider. While some fleets may choose to migrate to the new E Series, we will be fully supporting both systems for the foreseeable future,” Halley says.
TRT distribute the Traction Air CTI E Series through axle manufacturer Bevola, in Scandinavia and works directly within the UK markets.
