Employing more than 33,000 people globally, Knorr-Bremse makes a significant contribution to greater safety and efficiency on roads by providing reliable and versatile braking systems – driving the shift to sustainable transportation and next-generation mobility.
For truck and trailer operators, one of the most common problems faced is braking system failure. Not only does this lead to unexpected downtime and maintenance costs, but it can also create serious safety issues.
Recognising this, Knorr-Bremse has designed a state-of-the-art Trailer Electronic Braking System which offers a range of key functionalities and solutions for its ever-growing clientele.
For Tuff Trailers founder and Director, Denis Di Pasquale, providing top of the line customer experience and quality trailers is a priority. It is also why Tuff Trailers has partnered with Knorr-Bremse for more than 10 years.
Supplying trailers with not only braking systems but also forward-thinking solutions, Denis highlights why he has remained a loyal customer.
“We started dealing with Knorr-Bremse in 2012 as a brake system supplier,” he says. “Originally dealing with their local rep, we wanted a braking system that was more advanced with EBS technology because we started using this in our trailers very early on. We could see technology was the future and our values and objectives aligned, so they seemed like the natural choice in terms of a braking provider.”
Standard braking systems in heavy vehicles can often be susceptible to fluid or air leaks due to strain with braking components also prone to wear and tear, contamination from dirt as well as corrosion.
Understanding the inconveniences and hazards this can pose, Knorr-Bremse’s TEBS integrates Anti-Lock Braking Systems, Roll Stability Program (RSP) and load proportioning. Being able to optimally distribute braking power, it’s the perfect solution for heavy loads and trailers.
“We push boundaries in our designs, and we are always looking at technology for the future,” Denis says. “Not all technologies are viable. When you have trailers like ours which have a lot of wheels and brakes, you really need it to work efficiently.”
The advantages of electronic control over conventional pneumatic control includes a shorter response time and braking distance which ultimately results in increased road safety.
Durability and capacity playing a major role, Denis emphasises the benefits of having TEBS by Knorr-Bremse in place and the advantages it has to his trailers.
“Braking capacity is important as well as tyre wear, so having the right braking control system in the trailer plays a big part in terms of making all those avenues as efficient as possible,” he says. “As part of our steerable platform series, we produce a trailer in rows of eight which means they carry a significant amount of weight. With the TEBS system in place we are able to make them as effective and dynamic as possible in all areas.”
Building custom trailers is no easy feat and fitting them with the right braking systems is essential for several reasons, especially when manoeuvring in challenging terrain.
“We continually build large trailers and they get used in mining, infrastructure and renewable energy projects,” Denis says. “They carry everything from transformers and excavation equipment to wind farm tower equipment.
“When you get out to a location, like the wind farms, your trailers need to be manoeuvrable. So, our trailers are designed and built to have the best in terms of steering, raising and lowering, and we use Knorr-Bremse braking systems to provide a superior braking performance.”
Working with Knorr-Bremse on the installation of smart braking systems goes hand in hand with Tuff Trailers’ mission to provide the most innovative trailers on the market.
“Every trailer that we build is fitted with Knorr-Bremse braking systems,” Denis says. “These systems are proven to be superior in design and application performance, and that’s one of the driving reasons as to why we have repeat orders.
“We work and design trailers to be the best that they can be and Knorr-Bremse also strives for this in terms of being a solution provider – our values really align here.”
A recent example of this collaboration was seen in the manufacturing of a Tuff Trailers removable gooseneck low loader extendable trailer with independent suspension.
The unit, being 45’ in length overall with a deck height of 520mm, could also extend in front of the suspension group to carry a 40’ flat rack.
“Mounting brake components was a challenge with limited space, but with Knorr-Bremse’s team, we were able to work it in and have everything fit correctly,” Denis says. “This allowed us to produce one of our best products.”
Response times, according to Denis, are also key especially when it comes to road safety.
“We build trailers in rows of four that are steerable, and they extend,” he says. “There are often difficulties as far as trailers go with response times. Knorr-Bremse have a great team and an electronic system that helps make things right.
“Braking is a safety factor in any trailer, and every trailer of ours since 2012 has had Knorr-Bremse braking systems. The particular braking system that they provide us with suits our trailer with rows of eight perfectly. Their engineer team is outstanding and have really helped in the fit out of this particular trailer design.”
Knorr-Bremse engineers and qualified service partners of the Knorr-Bremse Expert Network operate Australia-wide which is ideal for Tuff Trailers and the fleets it serves across the nation.
“Whenever we have had an issue or required some help, even if the trailer is in another state”, Denis says. “Knorr-Bremse has been able to assist in offering that service through either themselves or a partner, so it really has been excellent in terms of aftermarket support.”
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