Close co-operation with customers behind development of new generation of couplings

VBG has consistently assimilated feedback from haulage contractors, drivers and mechanics from throughout the whole world. Their requirements have now led to a new, modular designed generation of couplings which represents a major step forward in developments.

Close contacts with users
The new couplings are also very much a result of VBG’s close contact with the market throughout the years, explains Thomas Bergenklev, Marketing Manager at VBG Produkter AB.

“We make a point of listening because it’s our users who have the valuable opinions, after all they are the ones working with the products every day. With the new generation of couplings we have succeeded in satisfying even more of their requirements, and extensive tests in the field at haulage contractors all over the world have demonstrated that we have hit the mark. The response from test drivers has confi rmed the results of our own laboratory tests. More than 140 pilot couplings have been rolling on the roads in eight countries, and out in the field it is more or less unanimously agreed that the new generation means a major step forward in developments.”

Even better reliability and overall economy
The new generation of couplings is characterised by a series of improvements to components. These include improved position indicating with double sensors, a DIN connector that minimises problems with moisture and simplifi es installation, and a new, robust and well-protected signal and lock pin, as well as easier settings for the power actuator. The new couplings are also half a kilo lighter.

“In the last few years we have reduced the total weight by 3.5 kg, or 6 per cent, and this is yet another step in this direction,” adds Thomas Bergenklev.

Modular design enables upgrading
The new product generation is completely based on a modular design, which simplifies the stocking of spare parts and gives users more freedom of choice when a basic coupling can be upgraded to an air mechanism or complete power actuator at a later stage.

“We thought it was important that even our present users would be able to benefit from the advantages of the new products, so we put a lot of effort into making sure that the new mechanisms are fully compatible ‘back in time’. When it is time to change a mechanism you can therefore order a service kit which at a very reasonable price upgrades existing couplings with the RB mechanism to the new generation. An idea borrowed from the software industry, we call them version 3.0,” says Thomas Bergenklev.

The new couplings, which retain their present designations, will be on sale in the autumn of 2006 and prices will remain unchanged in relation to the previous generation.

For further information, please contact: Thomas Bergenklev, tel +46 521 277 700.