Optimal manoeuvring with Jost Command Steer Axle
Vehicle technology provider Jost has outlined the features and benefits of its Command Steer Axle (CSA), which is said to provide optimal manoeuvrability even in limited road conditions.
“Narrow depots, winding city streets and a 16.5m-long tractor-trailer that needs to be steered safely – this is where conventional axle systems reach their limits and the use of a Command Steer Axle is required,” said the company.
“The Jost Command Steer Axle is compatible with all conventional steering systems – be they mechanical, hydraulic or electronic – and impresses with outstanding performance characteristics such as its low steering radius. It, too, is equipped with the modular DLS suspension connection.”
Jost says its CSA is a technological leader due to its low rolling radius, which also has a positive effect on the actuator force; it is up to 70 per cent lower than that of comparable axles.
“Additional batteries become redundant and greater flexibility is gained in the design of the steering systems,” said the company.
“The low space requirement of the CSA enables smaller wing constructions and therefore completely new vehicle designs.
”A suitable interface ensures that the CSA from Jost can be used in the best possible way in combination with any common steering system.”
Tridec is a specialist in steering systems and axle suspensions and has also been part of the Jost World since 2008. Jost says the CSA is a perfect match for the steering systems of the Tridec brand: the TF mechanical system, the HF and HF-E hydraulic systems and the EF-S electronic steering system.
“In combination with one or two rigid axles, the Jost CSA complements the hydraulic Tridec HF system. Furthermore, the Jost CSA can be used with Tridec‘s hydraulic steering system, the HF-E, e.g. for extendable trailers with up to seven axles.
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With the HF-E, no mechanical connection is necessary between the semi-trailer turntable and the axles. The Tridec HF-E system is therefore used together with a Jost CSA for transports of unusual length or width, in order to comply with the legal regulations for extra-long vehicles.”
Jost CSA axles can also be controlled with the electronic Tridec EF-S system.
“Here, up to three Jost CSAs can be used. The steering angle can be easily adapted to the available space for installation and the required manoeuvrability.”
The Tridec EF-S system directly follows the truck’s movement even at the smallest steering motion without a delay in steering reaction, says Jost. The required steering energy is supplied directly from hydraulic accumulators.
“At high speeds and when driving straight, the wheels are locked in the straight-ahead position using a hydraulic centring circuit to ensure stability. With the Tridec hydraulic and electronic steering systems, subsequent re-steering is possible via the Tritronic remote control, which further increases manoeuvrability.”
The company added: “Jost‘s CSA improves the vehicle manoeuvrability, thereby saves time, fuel consumption and ensures less tyre wear. Destinations which could not be reached before can now be accessed – even with higher payload.”
Altogether, this can lead to cost savings of up to 30 per cent, says Jost, as well as increasing driving comfort.
