SAFE AND SOUND IN THE LONG RUN?

This article discusses current concerns about the practicalities of operating and maintaining electronically controlled disc brakes for lorries. These brakes first appeared on European production lorries, when Scania began to operate them as a 4-series option in 1996. Soon afterwards, Mercedes-Benz announced its Actros truck range, with its Telligent electronic control of engine, gearshift, braking, suspension and other systems offered as standard. Both companies make similar claims for their latest braking systems, including faster and more precise braking response, shorter stopping distance, more even wear, and reduced service times. However, some operators are asking questions about the new systems' cost-effectiveness and apparent complexity. They are asking if the additional #3000 to #5000 cost of electronic braking systems is worth paying. Although disc brakes have become acceptable for vehicle fleet operators and have some clear advantages over drum brakes, questions are still being asked about braking control systems. It does not seem to be fully realised that the new systems still use air brakes, operated by conventional actuators, to give more immediate and precise brake control. The article includes two charts from Scania brake tests at 80kph, showing clearly that its new system is better.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00203122
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Road Transport Engineeers

  1 Cromwell Place
  London SW1 25F,   England 
• Authors:
  • KENNETT, P
• Publication Date: 1996-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 10-2
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORT ENGINEER
  • Publisher: Institute of Road Transport Engineeers
  • ISSN: 0020-3122

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brakes; Braking; Compressed air; Control; Costs; Economic efficiency; Electronics; Maintenance; Trucks; Wear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency
• ITRD Terms: 1361: Brake; 1874: Braking; 3814: Compressed air; 3874: Control; 224: Cost; 5911: Efficiency; 6965: Electronics; 1236: Lorry; 3847: Maintenance; 5293: Wear
• Subject Areas: Economics; Finance; Maintenance and Preservation; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00736360
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: May 30 1997 12:00AM