SAF-Holland introduced a new series of air disc brakes that directly attacks a key factor keeping disc brakes from being accepted in North America: They cost more than traditional drum brakes. Tank truck carriers are among the fleets targeted for the new air disc brake.
The company’s new P89 Series air brake costs approximately 40% less than comparable air disc brakes available on today’s market. This puts the new brakes at the price point where many fleets will consider using them, according to SAF-Holland research.
“SAF-Holland has leveraged our global supplier network to create economies of scale that drive down the cost of technology,” says Jeff Talaga, vice-president of sales and strategic development for the Americas. “We are able to pass this cost savings to our North American fleet customers and for the first time put air disc brake technology within reach of fleets large and small.”
The new P89 series is being offered in two models. The new P89 is the base model that touts the 40% cost reduction. The P89 Plus is a premium model that eliminates the need for wheel seals and carries a seven-year warranty.
The P89 Plus is a premium package that includes a seven-year maintenance-free bearing system and premium rotors to provide a significant reduction in the total cost of ownership. The maintenance-free bearing system uses 89-mm front and rear bearings, which are individually sealed and lubricated with high temperature grease. Traditional wheel seals are completely eliminated. Precision bearing spacers are installed between the inner and outer bearings to precisely control bearing pre-load. A bi-metallic design of the SAF Integral rotor allows the rotor to expand and contract a radial direction, which keeps the braking surface flat and eliminates the umbrella effect.