TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION
ACTIVE STEERING SYSTEM ADDS ELECTRIC MOTOR TO CUT DRIVER FATIGUE
M
ack Trucks is helping reduce the effects of the rigorous demands of the jobsite by bringing its highly advanced Mack Command Steer active steering system to Mack Granite axle back models. Mack Command Steer reduces driver fatigue and can help cut muscle strain up to 30 percent by combining an electric motor with the existing hydraulic steering. Mack Command Steer for Mack Granite axle back models will be available for order in the third quarter. “Driving a fully loaded, heavy-duty construction truck is a physically demanding task, especially when you add the uneven terrain common to most jobsites,” said Roy Horton, Mack Trucks director of product strategy. “With the added steering assist from Mack Command Steer, we are able to reduce driver effort by 85 percent and significantly improve driver productivity and jobsite safety.”
Mack Command Steer monitors terrain, driver inputs and environmental elements more than 2,000 times per second through sensors found throughout the truck. Based on that input, the system provides variable
steering effort through its electric motor, which applies additional torque as needed to the steering. In addition to significantly reduced steering effort at slow speeds, Mack Command Steer also helps filter out
Driver muscle strain can be reduced by up to 30 percent thanks to the new system.
uneven terrain such as the holes, dips and ruts common to most jobsites. When such an irregularity is detected, the system reacts to counter the steering force, smoothing steering feedback and reducing the possibility of steering wheel “kicks.” “While drivers will experience a significant reduction in steering effort, particularly on uneven jobsite surfaces, Mack Command Steer brings many benefits to on-road driving as well,” Horton said. “The system will also compensate for situations, like strong winds and crowned roads, helping drivers maintain greater control so they can focus on the task at hand.” Mack Command Steer also features a unique return-to-zero capability that automatically returns the steering wheel to the zero or centre position in forward and reverse. This helps simplify tight maneuvers, such as backing a trailer or positioning a dump or mixer to unload.
XL SPECIALIZED TRAILERS
NEW LOW-PROFILE HYDRAULIC DETACHABLE GOOSENECK TRAILER DESIGNED FOR PAVING EQUIPMENT The XL Low-Profile Hydraulic Detachable Gooseneck (HDG) trailer can transport a multitude of machines, but has been specifically designed to haul paving equipment. This trailer has tapered front beams, offering an extremely low load angle of only four degrees. Additionally, 42-inch flip ramps provide extra loading assistance. “Operators will be able to load paving machines, rollers and much more with ease,” said Tom Hiatt, director of sales at XL Specialized Trailers. “At XL, we pride ourselves on coming up with solutions for customers to help simplify the transportation process, and this is certainly a solution for anyone working with paving equipment, which can be challenging to load onto a trailer.” The 13-foot gooseneck has a swing clearance of 110 inches, and the relief cut out in the gooseneck provides additional space between the truck and trailer. The sloped nose of the gooseneck protects the air and electric connections from damage. 28
HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE
>> MAY 2020
The neck also offers a five-position ride height. Based on neck position and load, the deck can be levelled as needed with the adjustable wheel area ride height. With a capacity of 110,000 pounds in 12 feet, the trailer has an overall length of 53 feet and overall width of 8.5 feet. With Apitong decking for increased durability, the 26-foot-long main deck features a loaded deck height of 24 inches and an 8-inch ground clearance. The trailer also offers a 14-foot-long rear deck that has a 40-inch loaded deck height.
The Low-Profile HDG offers many features from tie-down points to lighting. For starters, the main deck offers seven pairs of bent d-rings along the outer beams, 13 chain drops per side on the outer rails, four chain drops around the toolbox and swing out outriggers on 24-inch centers. The toolbox, located at the front of the main deck, provides a storage area for chains and other items, while the deep bucket well in the rear provides an area for an excavator bucket to ride safely without detaching the lower boom section.
