JOST presented a wide range of new products and technologies at the IAA like SKS sensor coupling and LubeTronic, the automatic lubrication system for fifth wheel couplings, which reduces the need for maintenance to a minimum.
LubeTronic – Automatic lubrication for JOST fifth wheel couplings
Since the beginning of this year JOST is equipping all low-maintenance couplings in the JSK 37CW and JSK 42W series with LubeTronic as standard. And that means that JOST is the first and only manufacturer of fifth-wheel couplings for long-distance traffic applications which are equipped as standard with this fully automated lubrication system for the lock jaw. The JSK 37CW and JSK 42W couplings have top plate liners which allow greaseless operation of the coupling plate, in addition to a plastic seal and maintenance-free joints or sliding bearings. With the standard mini-lubrication system LubeTronic 1Point, the lock jaw no longer needs to be lubricated, as previously necessary.
The LubeTronic is mounted directly on the fifth-wheel coupling and has an integrated supply of lubricant as well as an electronic control which is supplied by a built-in battery. No other source of power is needed. It maintains the lock jaw for three years or 300,000 km fully automatically, supplying grease and thus constantly ensuring reliable and safe functioning. Because of this, the low-maintenance JSK 37CW and JSK 42W fifth-wheel couplings by JOST are well-suited for long distance traffic and tanker applications. In combination with the JSK 42 W the JOST LubeTronic is also authorised for use in hazardous cargo vehicles.
LubeTronic 5Point: Never lubricate manually again
As a further innovation, JOST will be presenting an integrated lubrication system for standard fifth wheel couplings from the JSK 37, 38 and 42 series that provides grease not only to the lock jaw but also to the fifth wheel coupling plate – the LubeTronic 5point. The electronic control precisely doses the distributed amount of grease at regular intervals. The dosing can be set for two types of use. For merely occasional coupling and in long-distance traffic, a lower dose of lubrication is sufficient. A higher dose of lubrication can be chosen for construction site use or for frequent coupling. If more lubrication is occasionally required, the driver or workshop worker can manually trigger a dose of lubrication.
The lubricant in the lubrication cartridge on the fifth wheel coupling will last for around 12 months. It can be easily refilled using a lubrication nipple. An easy-to-read LED display will show the level of the lubrication supply at all times. The electronically controlled dosing ensures that there is neither too little nor too much grease on the fifth wheel plate and lock jaw. This saves grease and protects the environment. The LubeTronic 5Point is another contribution from JOST towards increased safety and convenience for fifth wheel couplings.
Greater safety with JOST sensor couplings
Improving safety is central to product development at JOST. The SKS sensor coupling system and the fully automated KKS coupling system set the standard for exemplary and practical developments. The sensor coupling developed by JOST and proven in the field over many years provides a safe solution with a remote display in the driver cabin. It reliably ensures that the coupling process is properly and completely carried out, helping the driver to avoid false coupling. Three sensors monitor the coupling procedure. The first measures the correct trailer height and turns the system on during coupling. Two further sensors monitor the locking status and the position of the king pin.
The display in the driver’s cabin is both visual and audible. As a new solution, JOST is now offering this Sensor Coupling with the option of wirelessly transmitting its signal to the driver cabin. This means that lines no longer have to be installed between the fifth wheel coupling and the remote display. The wireless solution will simplify both factory installation and retrofitting of existing vehicles. The remote display is installed in the dashboard, thus fitting well into the design of the vehicle. The new Sensor Coupling’s wireless transmission provides electromagnetic compatibility of the highest standards.
The KKS Comfort Coupling System from JOST is a fully automatic driver assistance system that controls all functions of the coupling and decoupling process previously performed manually. The KKS eliminates not only the locking and unlocking the fifth wheel couplings, but also cranking the landing gears and connecting or separating the spiral cables. This also includes the first ever automated interface for pneumatic and electric connections. Operation and remote display are located in the driver cabin for all functions.
The JOST KKS consists of a sensor coupling with pneumatic unlocking, and automated plug connection between the trucks and the trailer, and electrically operated landing gears. The driver can easily operate the automatic coupling system error-free. All components can also be operated manually. It is possible to combine either KKS trucks and conventional trailers, or KKS trailers and conventional trucks. JOST’s new KKS coupling system has been distinguished by an international jury of experts with the Trailer Innovation Award 2009 in the “Safety” category.
New: Pneumatic operation for sliders
With sliders, fifth wheel couplings can be easily and quickly moved on the vehicle frame, thus allowing the position of the fifth wheel coupling to be adjusted for differing trailers. Sliders are especially used in Great Britain and markets outside of Europe. JOST will be presenting the new EV HD 800 – 2P slider for especially heavy applications for the first time at the IAA. It has pneumatic operation, which not only makes operation easier, but also improves safety when adjusting the position of the fifth wheel coupling. Pro Tech Slider, is designed for standard fifth wheel couplings. It offers an enormous weight advantage of up to 55 kilograms in comparison to the conventional sliders.
Furthermore, the Pro Tech Slider is especially safe thanks to its self-locking mechanism. It is impossible for the blocking pieces to come loose, no matter the circumstances, which reliably prevents inadvertent sliding. The profile of the slide frame is also surrounded on both sides, which significantly increases safety and stability. The Pro Tech Slider is available in both a Direct Mount version, where it is screwed directly on to the side of the frame, and a classical Outboard version, where it is screwed on vertically.
Light, sturdy and low maintenance – aluminium telescopic landing gears from JOST
Less dead weight, less wear, greater loads – more and more transport companies are using particularly light trailers in order to get the best use from their resources. JOST supports vehicle manufacturers with the telescopic landing gear technology they need. JOST aluminium telescopic landing gears possess internal MODUL gears, proven time and again, and offer significant weight advantages compared with steel supports. At the IAA, JOST will be presenting two studies on lightweight telescopic landing gears possible in the future.
Container technology from JOST – Quality for heavy-duty applications
While container locks are generally subjected to great stress, use on a pitched chassis is a more extreme application. JOST has developed a specially reinforced design of its container lock for this application. This lock also offers a clearly visible indicator for the position of the locking pin, providing even greater safety in daily use.
The multi-functional QT FB2004V bolster can be used anywhere and is suitable for use with 45’ and 40’ tunnel and 40’ and 20’ standard containers. The QT FB2004V bolster is not only particularly light; in contrast to a wing-lock carrier, it also offers the advantage that it combines all functions as standard. Additional components are not necessary, as all components are included on the carrier; JOST has intentionally chosen not to add loose removable parts in construction in order to avoid empty storage on the vehicle.
