Driveline Retarders offer a significant advantage in commercial vehicles by providing wear-free braking for up to 90% of braking actions. This translates to enhanced safety, reduced maintenance costs, and increased transport capabilities due to higher average speeds.
Traditional friction brakes in heavy trucks can reach extreme temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees under heavy braking conditions, such as prolonged downhill driving. This extreme heat significantly reduces braking efficiency. Driveline retarders offer a solution by providing a consistent, hydrodynamic braking system that minimizes wear and tear on the service brakes, ensuring they are always available in critical situations. This reliability is so crucial that retarders are legally mandated in buses and trucks across Europe.
Benefits of Integrating a Driveline Retarder:
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Enhanced Safety: Driveline retarders deliver powerful braking performance across all speed ranges, keeping service brakes cool and ready for emergency situations.
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Downhill Speed Control: The “v-constant” feature allows the retarder to maintain a consistent speed during downhill descents, improving driver control and safety.
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Reduced Operational Costs: By significantly reducing service brake usage, retarders minimize the frequency of brake repairs and maintenance, leading to lower overall costs.
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Optimized Payload: Voith retarders are designed to be lightweight, maximizing the vehicle’s payload capacity.
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Increased Transport Efficiency: Higher and more consistent average speeds contribute to improved transport capabilities and overall efficiency.
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Fuel Savings: Uniform speeds and proactive driving behavior facilitated by the retarder result in reduced fuel consumption.
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Environmental Benefits: Driveline retarders contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing brake dust emissions by up to 80%.
By minimizing wear on friction brakes, driveline retarders not only enhance safety but also contribute to lower operating costs and greater efficiency in commercial vehicle operations. Their ability to maintain consistent downhill speeds and reduce brake dust emissions further solidifies their value in the transportation industry.
