Steering maintenance training aims to ensure safer roads

With steering systems being specified for many applications including the extra-long trailers being backed by the government for trial, the enhanced customer training helps to ensure that operators enjoy all of the performance potential of the TRIDEC systems.

The JOST Group is a leading global producer and supplier of safety-critical systems to the truck and trailer industry. It is a leader in developing and introducing rear wheel steering technology. Its TRIDEC system is being used by many operators in the UK as they take part in the government-backed trial of 14.6m and 15.65m trailers.

Longer vehicles can carry more freight, so reduce distribution costs through economies of scale: saving money, reducing traffic volumes and reducing CO2 emissions In order for TRIDEC to offer such benefits for the Longer Trailers the steering systems must meet strict turning circle legislation.

Paul Clayton, JOST’s UK & Regional Technical Sales & Support Manager takes up the story: “As well as supplying parts to truck builders and operators, we offer a multi-facetted support service, a critical plank of which is education and training. It’s important that our clients know how to maintain systems and equipment so that they are safe, legal and operating to maximum efficiency.”

Typically JOST provides extensive training when a customer first adopts rear wheel steering; it then remains in contact, helping with maintenance and spares, monitoring use and performance and discussing developments in the field.

JOST is happy to organise scheduled programmes of seminars and training events but is also keen to be customer-driven.

Clayton added: “Our view is that if a customer feels the need for training courses or refresher sessions, that is the best time to deliver them and we are geared up to respond quickly and thoroughly to meet their needs.”

JOST says that refresher courses make sure that younger members of the team are fully up to speed, while the experienced mechanics maintain, enhance and update their skills and knowledge.

Clayton continued: “We make sure the refresher courses are valuable in terms revision, but we also explain new developments and cover related topics, so that delegates really benefit from attending.”

A typical course will include a presentation on maintenance, plus a vehicle walk around it will cover subjects such as:

• Steering wedge – making sure this operates correctly
• Turntable ball bearings – ensuring the bearing on both the front and back turntable is suitably lubricated
• Wear on turntables – checking for warning signs on both front and back turntables
• General health check – ensuring the correct torque on all bolts, assessing for signs of damage etc.

“Obviously safety and reliability are the key drivers for maintenance engineers,” said Clayton. “They must be satisfied that every vehicle they service leaves the depot fit for purpose. That includes checking of security of the fixings, alignment, lubrication, etc. It is very important to ensure that wearing parts are still OK or, if necessary, replaced in a timely manner. For instance, wear on the turntables is inevitable, and a maximum of 3mm play is allowed before replacement is needed.”

As an overview JOST says that trailers with rear wheel steering systems offer a lot of benefits in terms of performance, driveability and safety – however regular maintenance is required due to the moving mechanical parts. JOST suggests maintenance checks on the TRIDEC system every 25,000km after an initial inspection at 10,000km.

JOST runs maintenance training for all of its products including Fifth Wheel Couplings, Landing Gear, Drawbar Couplings, Tipping Gear, Axles and of course Steering systems. This is part of its commitment to safety and reliable performance. These sessions are free-of-charge and available to customers of any size.

Clayton sums up: “Safety has to be paramount when you are dealing with Trucks & Trailers. That is a given and at JOST UK we take our responsibility very seriously. We offer seminars for all of our equipment and can pitch them to specific audience needs.”