SAF-Holland is developing lightweight parts to reduce the weight of axles and trailers to allowing fleet operators to transport more goods. The SAF adaptive air damping system, which will be launched in 2018, combines the functions of an air suspension with that of a shock absorber in semi-trailers and can be integrated into the usual chassis systems in today’s vehicles. As a result, semi-trailers no longer need hydraulic shock absorbers. The system saves around 6kg per axle, which amounts to 18kg on a three-axle trailer, allowing more goods to be loaded. The damping system prevents oil leakage and adapts automatically to the load conditions to protect tyres and cargo.
The SAF adaptive air damping system won the gold award at the 2017 Solutrans Innovation Awards at the Solutrans international transportation trade show.
Detlef Borghardt, CEO, SAF-Holland, said:Â “The SAF adaptive air damping system highlights the SAF-Holland Group’s expertise in lightweight construction and weight optimization. The system makes a noticeable contribution to optimizing a trailer’s weight. Components and steering save around six kilograms of weight per axle, thereby facilitating a higher payload.”
