Optimised payload for more efficiency

If the truck and trailer combination weighs less, the possible payload and the economic efficiency of fleets increases. To make semi-trailer trucks lightweight, economical and efficient, SAF-Holland has reduced the weight of crucial components: The improved premium trailer axle, a drum-brake axle for 19.5” mega tyres, the convenient tyre pressure monitoring system and extra-light fifth wheels optimise the payload of articulated lorries.

Because every kilogram counts in the delivery and distribution business, equipping vehicles with weight-reduced components pays off. The reason: lightweight components which are adapted to the requirements at hand save fuel and allow for a higher payload. In addition to this, fleets can become particularly efficient and economical if the vehicles are on the move without failures and downtime.

“SAF-Holland provides fleet managers with individually tailored support for payload optimisation, with high-quality components such as fifth wheels or axles plus accessories,” said SAF-Holland Product Manager OE Europe, Elmar Weber. “This applies to the configuration and original equipment for trucks and trailers as well as to retrofitting.”

Extra-light premium axle SAF INTRADISC plus INTEGRAL With the new ten-spoke wheel end design, SAF-Holland optimises the weight of its SAF INTRADISC plus INTEGRAL premium axle.

Combined with the SBS 2220 H01 brake caliper, the trailer axle reduces the weight by eight kilograms. “We are continuously working on reducing the weight of our products and systems,” said Weber. “On a three-axle semi-trailer, our improved premium axle reduces the weight by a total of 24 kilos ex works. Fleet operators do not need to invest any extra money for this, in contrast to aluminium rims, for example.”

In order to reduce the weight of the disc brake, the suspension specialist adapted the topology of the cast parts while maintaining the same high-performance level and long service life. The 22.5″ brake SBS 2220 H01, developed jointly with HALDEX, is designed for axle loads of up to nine tons. 70 kilos saved with drum-brake axle Commercial vehicles with 19.5″ mega tyres and the SAF INTRADRUM drum-brake axle save 70 kilograms per axle compared to previous conventional suspensions.

“Previously, 19.5″ mega tyres could only be combined with a SAF MODUL air suspension,” said Weber. “But the new combination of the SAF INTRA suspension with a 367×180 drum brake reduces the weight substantially to create clear advantages.”

The proven SAF INTRA axle with drum brake and INTRADRUM technology ensures economical and safe operation. The drum brake links precisely coordinated, powerful components into a successful system – reliable and profitable, efficient and almost maintenance-free. Safe journeys without a spare wheel: SAF TIRE PILOT Leaving the spare tyre at home also saves weight and therefore costs for semi-trailer trucks. The trailer tire, steel rim and bracket weigh around 160 kilograms. Without these, the unladen weight of the tractor/trailer combination is reduced and the payload is increased – tangible added value. The good news for cost-conscious fleet managers – Trailers do not have to be entirely dependent on having a spare wheel. The automatic tyre-inflating system SAF TIRE PILOT can prevent complete failure of the tyres.

In the event of puncture damage, the control system reliably maintains the tyre pressure at the preset level, allowing the articulated lorry to safely reach the nearest workshop or home. Once there, the wheel can be changed. This prevents vehicles from being left stranded and minimises downtimes due to puncture damage. Safely connected with best-in-class solutions The truck and the trailer should always be securely connected. This is guaranteed by the robust, weight-optimised fifth wheels from SAF-Holland.

“Our best-in-class solutions, consisting of fifth wheels and kingpins, can cope with any connection task, whether for lightweight 7.5-tonne lorries or special loads of up to 75 tonnes,” said Alan Feltham Director R&D – Fifth Wheel, Kingpin & Coupler Products Europe, Middle East & Africa at SAF-Holland. “Our products for all weight categories are under continuous further development, and we adapt them to the tractor units and their applications.”

To reduce the weight of its fifth wheels, the supplier for commercial vehicle parts optimised the topology of the mounting brackets and the top plate, among other things. Direct mounting, which eliminates the traditional mounting plate, also saves time and costs. Chassis-integrated fifth wheel reduces the dead weight SAF-Holland developed the FW 3214-W – the first chassis-integrated fifth wheel with an imposed load of up to 14 tons – specifically for the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Antos tractor units. “Because it is installed directly in the vehicle frame and specially adapted to the tractor unit, it significantly lowers its dead weight and therefore increases the payload potential,” said Feltham. The FW 3214­W with load-optimised and wear-optimised coupling plates made of spheroidal graphite cast iron, is low-maintenance. The standard single-handed operation is particularly convenient: A safety latch enables coupling and uncoupling with one hand.

Brake Caliper
In combination with the SBS 2220 H01 brake caliper, the optimised SAF INTRA-DISC plus INTEGRAL trailer axle from SAF-Holland reduces the weight by eight kilogrammes per axle.

Drum Brake Suspension
The SAF INTRA suspension from SAF­-Holland in combination with a 367×180 drum brake for 19.5″ mega tyres saves 70 kilograms per axle. The image shows the SAF INTRA-DRUM 19.5″ in comparison to the 22.5″ version.

SAF Tire Pilot
In the event of a puncture, the SAF TIRE PILOT automatic tyre-inflating system from SAF-Holland reliably maintains the tyre pressure at the preset level, avoiding complete failure of the tyre. The semi-trailer truck can remain safely on the road.

FW3214-W Fifth Wheel
The SAF-Holland FW3214-W fifth wheel is installed directly in the vehicle frame and perfectly adapted to the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Antos tractor units – a great advantage in terms of both weight and payload.

FW3214-W Chassis-Integrated Fifth Wheel
Mercedes-Benz Actros and Antos tractor units equipped with the SAF-Holland FW3214-W chassis-integrated fifth wheel have a significantly lower dead weight and therefore an increased payload potential.

New SAF INTRADISC Plus Integral Design
With the new ten-spoke design, SAF­-Holland optimises the weight of its premium axle SAF INTRADISC plus INTEGRAL.

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