Steering yourfleet’s profitability

IMS Limited

SAF-Holland Self-Steer Axles SEM Mechanical Steering VSE Intelligent Steering Systems VSE Reverse Assist

I M S L I M I T E D . L E A D I N G T H E T R A I L E R S T E E R I N G C O M M I T T E E .

IMS Limited. Leading the Trailer Steering Committee.

In the UK, IMS now distributes the broadest range of trailer steering solutions. The company has recently extended its product offering in response to calls from transport operators to provide expertise & assistance in optimising the effi ciency of their trailer fl eets.

IMS can now prove defi nitively that intelligently steered semi-trailers can be specifi ed to replace rigid prime movers in making urban deliveries, thereby increasing utilisation whilst reducing environmental impact by virtue of increased load volumes and fewer journeys.

And now, with the addition of SEM Transport Solutions, IMS is uniquely positioned to offer the market a complete portfolio of trailer steering solutions including:

• SAF-Holland self-steering axles

• SEM Mechanical steering systems

• VSE Intelligent electro-hydraulic steering systems

• VSE Reverse Assist for self-steering axles

The introduction of SEM marks a move for IMS and its parent organisation, Netherlands-based Pon, into the design and manufacture of specialised trailer componentry.

All of the steering solutions offered by IMS are supported by class-leading customer service and aftermarket back up. Our in-house technical experts are always on hand and more than happy to advise fl eet operators and trailer builders on the best steering solution for their particular needs.

So why all the interest in trailer steering? In short; Urbanisation.

The growing requirement to transport goods into urban areas where vehicles need to negotiate sharp corners and small roundabouts in often highly congested environments, are all factors driving the increased specifi cation of steered trailers.

Using a steered trailer means operators can deliver bigger loads, smoothly and safely into locations only previously accessible with shorter wheelbase rigids. Other advantages such as reduced tyre scrub, better fuel economy and less wear on suspension systems all contribute to make trailer steering a hot topic amongst trailer manufacturers and operators.

Trailer steering – the main benefi ts:

• Greater trailer utilisation

• Vastly improved manoeuvrability

• Reduced tyre wear

• Less fuel consumption

• Less road surface damage

• Reduced number of transport movements

• Reduced C02 emissions

SAF Self-Steering AxlesSAF Self-Steering axles have been developed for special transportation requirements in delivery services such as tight, winding roads and particularly for semi-trailers with a wheelbase so long that, without them, legislative requirements would not be met.

How they work:

A self-steering axle has the points of rotation located in front of the centreline of the axle. This type of axle must always be used in conjunction with a fi xed axle to ensure that a fi xed point of pivot exerts the necessary sideward force to create the self-steer effect. It’s a system that uses the caster principle found on virtually all shopping trolleys.

On a semi-trailer with a self-steering axle, the wheelbase will always pass through the centreline of the fi xed axles. Because of friction on the road surface, the wheels of a self-steering axle will always turn until they point in the direction of the turning point of the combination.

In SAF-Holland self-steering axles, the stabilisation of the self-tracking action and the subsequent

return to the straight-ahead position are all carried out by a unique system using a robust, internally sprung stabilising damper for self-centring and for preventing wheel fl utter.

Self-steering axles must have a fail-safe means of locking the wheels in a straight-ahead position whenever the vehicle is being reversed. The SAF system locks and unlocks the self-steer axle when reversing.

Before reversing, the driver moves the semi-trailer forwards to align the trailer wheels. Then, by selecting reverse, the solenoid-powered locking pin drops into place thereby preventing the self-steer axle from moving out of alignment with the foremost trailer axles. After completing the reversing manoeuvre and selecting a forward gear, the locking pin is withdrawn allowing the self-steer axle free movement.

SAF Self-Steer solutions are available in both disc and drum brake forms and can be specifi ed to suit any wheel/tyre combination.

The success of SAF’s tried and tested light, agile steering axle is attributed to:

• Less tyre wear

• Less fuel consumption

• Higher level of driver comfort

• Optimal manoeuvrability

• Higher resale value of the trailer

EXCLUSIVE PARTNER UK & IRELAND

SEM Mechanical Steering SystemsThe SEM single bar and double rod mechanical steering systems are designed and engineered to exacting quality standards in the Netherlands. A distinct advantage of in-house expertise and production being that the facility can satisfy trailer builders’ bespoke requirements, quickly, effi ciently and easily.

How it works:

With turntable steering the whole axle, including its suspension, is mounted to a turntable; when driving through a bend the whole axle rotates. The main advantages of this steering confi guration are that they are relatively easy to manufacture/install and that axles equipped with single & twin tyres can be easily accommodated. They are less expensive than intelligent trailer steering systems but more space is needed under the trailer to accommodate the turntables. Stability is reduced when compared to axial pivot steering systems.

SEM benefi ts from SAF Benelux’s and IMS Limited’s many years of experience and aligns itself with their existing network of partners to provide superlative support. SEM delivers throughout Europe and has a European service network. Personnel within these service points are fully trained for the maintenance of the SEM products. The parts facility also runs via the existing, established network.

SEM Single Bar system:

The primary component in the SEM SB system is a steering wedge. This is connected to the tractor fi fth wheel, this enables the direct transfer of the steering motion to the rear axle(s) which are mounted on an axle mounting frame.

When the trailer is coupled to the truck, the steering-wedge locks into the fi fth wheel of the truck. The trailer-mounted coupling plate and steering wedge rotate when the truck makes a turn, transferring the movement through the bar to the rear axle. The position of the bar on the fi fth wheel unit and the axle mounting frame defi ne the steering angle.

The key advantages are:

• Improves the manoeuvrability of the vehicle

• Saves tyre wear

• Reduces maintenance costs

• Improvement of fuel costs

• Reduction in damage costs

• Constant & consistent steering behaviour (full or empty)

• Reliable

• Low maintenance

• Bespoke requirements can be accommodated

of the bar on the fi fth wheel unit and the axle mounting frame

VSE Electro-Hydraulic Trailer Steering Systems

Get your trailers where they’ve never been before with VSE.

A VSE Electro-Hydraulic Trailer Steering-equipped 13.6 metre trailer, can reach delivery points only previously accessible with rigids or small urban trailers allowing operators to standardise their fl eets thereby maximising effi ciency through greater vehicle utilisation and signifi cantly increased load volumes.

VSE is the lightest system on the market and easily outperforms even the most agile mechanically actuated steered trailer axles. It’s fully confi gurable for one to three steered axles on a standard semi-trailer and additional axles on highly specialised haulage trailers. It requires no installation space within the body of trailer so doesn’t compromise load carrying capacity. Intelligent design also means that axles are placed for optimum load distribution/trailer handling.

These systems also possess the most accurate representation of the Ackermann principle; where all the wheels align to a common centre point resulting in reduced wear and ensuring optimal manoeuvrability.

How it works:

The axles’ steering input is determined by the trailer’s articulation angle with the tractor unit by means of a contactless magnetic angle sensor integrated within the trailer’s kingpin. Moving the sensor rotates a potentiometer, the output of which is read by an ECU and transmitted electronically rather than by means of a mechanical (rod or cable) or hydraulic linkage.

Unlike turntable systems, only the wheels rather than the complete axles are steered, so axle spacing and position are determined purely by steering geometry and load distribution rather than being compromised by the need to leave suffi cient space for axle articulation.

Each steering axle also has a ‘centring’ hydraulic cylinder, plumbed in a separate circuit, locking the wheels in the straight-ahead position. Both systems have a fail-safe mode that disables the steering so that the trailer behaves like a conventional one in the event of either hydraulic or electronic failure.

A hand-held wireless remote control can be used to change the steering angles without needing the semi-trailer to be in motion, like those used by abnormal load outfi ts having to be inched around street furniture or other obstacles.

VSE system benefi ts:

• Enhanced fl eet productivity

• Minimum installation space requirement doesn’t compromise load carrying capability

• Low maintenance costs - no lubrication points/maintenance on turntables

• Fuel savings - approx 500 kg lighter than other systems which can result in massive fuel savings

• Ease of build/commissioning - plug-and-play system custom-written software for multiple axle confi gurations

VSE Reverse Assist

VSE Reverse Assist is the way forward for reversing with self-steer axles!

Self-steering axles are an excellent way of improving trailer manoeuvrability whilst reducing fuel consumption and tyre wear. The downside is that when reversing, self-steering axles have to be locked in the centre position, totally negating these benefi ts. VSE Reverse Assist is a brand new auxiliary steering system that enables a self-steering axle to steer in reverse easily and effi ciently, making trailers suitable for a broader range of loading and unloading situations.

How it works:

VSE Reverse Assist is engaged when reversing, taking a signal from the reversing light.

When reversing, the sensor on the kingpin measures the angle between the truck and the trailer. The software in the system locker uses this data to calculate what the corresponding angle of the self-steering axle should be.

The cylinders on the axle then steer the self-steering axle until the desired angle is reached. The desired angle is measured by another sensor on the axle. When driving forwards, the system is not active and the self-steering axle functions in the usual way.

RA system advantages:

• Superior manoeuvrability: Manoeuvre full length trailers and LSTs far more easily

• Increased operational effi ciency: Signifi cantly improve trailer loading/unloading speed

• Simple to install: A compact, quick and easy-to-install low maintenance system

• Versatile: Suitable for any type of trailer with a self-steering axle

• Retrofi ttable: Easily added to existing trailers

IMS Limited Trans Tech House Shepshed Leics. LE12 9NHt: +44 (0)1509 600 185 w: www.imslimited.com

IMS Limited is a key

distributor for a range

of premium products

selected specifi cally for the

commercial vehicle market

including leading brands;

SAF-Holland, VSE,

SEM & Alex Rims.