‘You can read about it, you can talk about it, but when it happens in front of you then you will never forget it’. This was the message that Knorr-Bremse intended to spread to major fleet operators and industry associations during the two day event that took place on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 May. According to Knorr-Bremse, the core aim in developing this event was to place the full range of advanced braking and stability systems on offer in Australia in front of key players within the industry.
Over 70 key representatives from Australia’s major fleet operators, Australia’s major industry associations targeting both truck operators and supplier groups, and a number of national government representatives were in attendance at the event that was staged at Mount Cotton Driver training centre in Brisbane – home to one of Australia’s best large vehicle manoeuvre areas and road circuit.
‘Safety through Stability’ not only presented Trailer Electronic Braking Systems (TEBS) which was first demonstrated by Knorr-Bremse five years ago, but practically and technically demonstrated the full range to braking stability systems across truck and trailer application including the most advanced Adaptive Cruise with Braking (ACB) technologies.
Through this, Knorr-Bremse was able to show how these systems can and should work together.
Knorr-Bremse Australia, through its European Knorr-Bremse brand, and its American brand Bendix, offers a full range of technologies and systems for the Australian market, with options to suit both European and American trucks.
Kenworth is a leader in the advancement of braking and stability systems in Australia through its EBSS program. The leading Australian truck manufacturer provided demonstration equipment over the course of the two days.
Bendix ABS-6 with ESP, along with other advanced braking system technologies, forms the basis of the Kenworth EBSS package that is available to fleet operators and was demonstrated on three new Kenworth models at ‘Safety through stability’.
Stability testing and validation of Kenworth truck models is conducted in Australia by Knorr-Bremse Australia. In fact, Knorr-Bremse Australia is the only location outside of the German head office in Munich or the American Bendix offices that tests and locally validates truck stability systems.
In order to undertake this test program across Kenworth models, Knorr-Bremse Australia has made a significant investment on infrastructure including test weight stabilising racks, dedicated testing trailers, and electronic data logging and software programs. It is this level of technical resource and guidance enabled Knorr-Bremse Australia to develop and present such a comprehensive and dynamic event for Australian fleet operators.
Amongst the models showcased was the new K200 with ESP and Adaptive Cruise with Braking (ACB). Fleet operators were able to take a ride around the Mt Cotton Road Circuit in the K200 to take in the advancements in cruise control technologies that not only control the speed of the truck relative to the vehicle in front, but when necessary also applies the truck brakes with the ability to bring the truck to a complete halt without any driver intervention.
A T609 was also used for demonstration purposes. To the excitement of the audience, this truck was able to demonstrate the truck stability system Bendix ESP on the skid pan. The system was turned on and off for both the truck and trailer to show fleet operators the improvement in safety and stability with the Truck ESP system engaged. Isolating the Trailer TEBS also proved the significant gains in performance and safety achieved through this system.
Ultimately, the demonstration showed that combining Truck ESP and Trailer TEBS, working together through electronic brake communication resulted in ultimate performance and safety. The trailer used in this demonstration, a Knorr TEBS branded fuel tanker, was specifically selected by the company and provided a key discussion point to those looking for improved safety within the dangerous goods industry segment.
The third truck, a T359 rigid 8×4, was put to the test utilising Bendix ESP. Commonly used in the concrete mixer and tipper market, this truck demonstrated how quickly and easily a roll instability event can occur on smaller trucks. Bendix ESP intervention to the engine management system and braking system showed precisely how current and available technologies can greatly improve stability.
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