New wheel end and trailer disc brake designs for the European market can save up to 176 lbs. per axle, while also simplifying maintenance and reducing parts inventories, according to SAF-Holland. The company also announced during the recent IAA Commercial Vehicle truck show the aftermarket availability of an SAF-Holland branded tire pressure inflation system.
The SAF 60 One wheel end splits the difference between Europe’s standard 120 mm and 0 mm wheel offsets, providing a 60 mm offset. The new compact design not only reduces weight by 68 kg (149.6 lbs.) per axle, but also accommodates either drum or disc brakes on both tractor and trailer applications, and can be used with either steel or aluminum wheels. Eventually the 60 mm offset wheel end could allow fleets to standardize on one wheel for all axle positions, the company said.
The SBS 2220 trailer disc brake, designed with brake manufacturer Haldex, is a light-weight unit for trailer axles rated up to 9 metric tons, according to SAF-Holland. Offering a weight savings of 12 kg (26.4 lbs.) per axle, it also features a new caliper design that provides uniform brake pad pressure, as well as encapsulated stainless steel caliper pins with non-wear plain bearings. The new trailer disc brake can be used with conventional or integral discs, the company said. Production is scheduled to begin in 2011.
The SAF Tire Pilot automated pressure monitoring and inflation system was also introduced at IAA as a retrofit kit for the European market. The kit was developed with Pressure System International (PSI), which markets a similar system in North America under its own name.
SAF-Holland’s North American operation is the manufacturer of fifth wheels, suspensions, landing gear, kingpins and other coupling products.
