It steers more than it brakes: As with tracked vehicles, the steering brake manhandles a construction truck around even the tightest turns. Yet operating this manoeuvring aid is unbelievably simple: the touch of a button is all it takes.
07.02.2023
AREA OF APPLICATION & SPEED
A Steering brake can only be used on rear twin-axle construction vehicles that frequently drive on poor, loose or slippery surfaces like gravel or mud. It significantly increases the truck’s manoeuvrability on such terrain. The technology adds nothing on paved roads.
The system cannot be activated at just any speed. Drivers can only use the steering brake at speeds up to a maximum of 30 kilometres per hour. They simply press the special operating button on the dashboard, which they should only do on loose surfaces. An icon in the display confirms its activation.
Depending on the vehicle, its turning circle reduces by around two metres when this special brake is used (symbolised by the thick red arrow).
BENEFITS & MODE OF ACTION
Construction sites are usually narrow and restricted: a crane has been placed here, a container there and a pile of blocks opposite. Barely any space for heavy-duty trucks to manoeuvre. This is where the steering brake shows its full potential: the reduced turning circle means that construction trucks can take even the tightest of turns often at the first attempt.
The steering brake is also called the bulldozer brake for good reason, because it is based on the same principle used to turn tracked vehicles: the inside rear wheels are braked in a targeted manner when the function is activated. This substantially reduces the bend radius. In the case of tracked vehicles, one side of the vehicle is braked while the track on the other side continues to run and the vehicle is manhandled around the turn.
Agility on terrain An icon in the display confirms activation of the steering brake. Although this should only be deployed at low speed. The technology is used in our TGS and TGX with 6 x 4 wheel formula.
Video shows how a steering brake works: