UK-based Erentek Ltd has launched a self-contained air brake kit suitable for use on any tractor. The air brake kit consists of a self-contained air compressor unit, which is mounted on the three-point linkage of an agricultural tractor and is designed to enable a tractor equipped with hydraulic brakes to tow a trailer with air brakes. Everything necessary to provide the driver with full control of the trailer’s air brakes is built into the unit, which is connected to the tractor by three hydraulic hoses and an electrical cable which provide all the power needed. No PTO connection is required.
The unit incorporates two self-sealing trailer air brake couplings, plus a quick-release airline coupling and a pressure gauge with low-pressure warning light.
Air for the trailer brakes is generated by the single-cylinder air compressor, which is driven by a hydraulic motor.
The motor is powered by the tractor’s hydraulic pump and is connected to the tractor by two of the hydraulic hoses.
Air-pressure regulation is achieved via an unloader valve or an optional air dryer/unloader, while a large air reservoir provides ample storage capacity for the trailer’s braking requirements. A safety valve is also fitted as standard.
Valve
The third hydraulic hose is connected to the tractor’s hydraulic trailer brake coupling, so that whenever the tractor’s service brakes are applied, a valve on the unit activates the trailer’s air brakes. The system has been designed to provide balanced braking on the trailer to match the effort being applied to the tractor brakes.
A specially designed detachable wiring loom connects the unit to the tractor. One end of the loom plugs into a three-pin electrical socket fitted to the unit, and the other end is fed into the tractor’s cab and plugged into the 12-volt auxiliary socket. The loom incorporates an emergency trailer brake button, which can be mounted in a convenient location for the driver to operate when necessary, or in the event of an emergency such as decoupling.
Erentek builds these units to order and they retail at €2,600 each, plus Vat and delivery. The kits are easily interchangeable between vehicles in minutes, allowing for one kit to possibly suit a customer with numerous tractors.
For more information, log on to www.erentek.co.uk or call 00441522720065.
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