30 per cent of fifth wheel grease ‘wasted’
An industry supplier has warned of the impact of ‘millions of pounds’ of grease being washed off fifth wheels in the UK each year, both in terms of water pollution and the cost to haulage and logistics businesses.
Commercial vehicle equipment specialist aide automotive has said that a significant amount of grease either falls off the fifth wheel during application, or drops onto the tractor unit.
Greasy residue on surfaces and on the ground can prove hazardous during hitching and can cause individuals to slip on the ground and on the back of tractor units, the company claims, which may have considerable implications from a health and safety viewpoint, and in particular from an employer’s liability perspective.
On average 30 per cent of fifth wheel grease is wasted, aide says.
“It is critical to apply the correct amount of grease. Insufficient grease poses the risk of friction, welding the fifth wheel to the king pins and plate which will then need to be replaced,” the firm added.
“The over-application of grease results in significant wastage, as it is either pushed off by the trailer or washed off by rain/road spray.”
The company offers one solution in the form of an automatic lubricating Fifth Wheel Liner, which is said to remove the need to regularly lubricate the plate – thereby saving on maintenance time and reducing expenditure on oils and greases.
Made from high-density plastic for resistance and durability, the product is said to improve tractor/trailer coupling and handling, and could also reduce tyre wear and fuel consumption, aide claims.
