Fontaine
Bulktransporter 7610 Fontaine Fifth Wheel Brings Safer Coupling To Solutrans 2019 Caption Kingpin
Bulktransporter 7610 Fontaine Fifth Wheel Brings Safer Coupling To Solutrans 2019 Caption Kingpin
Bulktransporter 7610 Fontaine Fifth Wheel Brings Safer Coupling To Solutrans 2019 Caption Kingpin
Bulktransporter 7610 Fontaine Fifth Wheel Brings Safer Coupling To Solutrans 2019 Caption Kingpin
Bulktransporter 7610 Fontaine Fifth Wheel Brings Safer Coupling To Solutrans 2019 Caption Kingpin

Fontaine’s Green Eye indicator makes trailer coupling safer

Oct. 15, 2019
Fontaine Fifth Wheel recently introduced the TechLock locking system for problem-free, tractor/trailer coupling.

Fontaine Fifth Wheel recently added the Green Eye safety indicator to its TechLock locking system, which it says guarantees problem-free, tractor/trailer coupling for all users, and highlighted its new 3000 cast fifth wheel and 3000 LM low-maintenance fifth wheel.

“Since the introduction of pneumatic suspension systems, tractor units have encountered a universal problem—mis-couplings, wrong coupling manoeuvres (and) dropped trailers,” the company said. “The consequences are clear to everybody involved, but because there has been no clear solution, many operators have had no choice but to accept the risk.

“Now, however, Fontaine’s fifth wheel expertise has broken new ground in safety and security.”

Designed to reduce mis-coupling, Fontaine’s TechLock system’s jaw height sensor will not allow the fifth wheel to close if the kingpin enters at an incorrect height or position, Fontaine said.

The fifth wheel’s profiled protective forging helps safeguard the TechLock mechanism from damage due to high-coupling errors, and 360-degree kingpin surface contact extends the life of the kingpin and fifth wheel mechanism.

The 3000 cast fifth wheel features Fontaine’s single safety clip sensor and Green Eye indicator, along with an extended handle. The safety clip sensor helps ensure the safety clip is attached—a critical check for any driver. When the clip is attached, the sensor shows a green LED light, which is clearly visible from beside the trailer, Fontaine maintained.

If the green LED light is NOT on, the driver has not done a check and the safety clip has not been attached. The LED light is a second fail-safe and can be routinely checked by the driver and security before the vehicle departs.

Additionally, the extended handle, which houses the sensor and LED, makes it easier for the driver to reach and operate the fifth wheel.

Key features include:

  • Ideal for long-distance haulage with silo, tank and volume carriers using two and three-axle tractors
  • Medium Duty, 2-inch on-road and limited off-road
  • Features TechLock system with integral kingpin height sensor, which prevents false coupling
  • Rated at 150kN D-Value and 20T imposed load (U).
  • Designed with Finite Element Analysis for low weight and high strength (weight from 120 kilograms with DIN feet)
  • Available with a wide range of handle and mounting options to suit any application
  • Comprehensive three-year warranty (subject to terms and conditions)
  • Our lightweight fixed direct mount removes the need for OEM chassis angles and is suitable for use with standard and medium-duty Fontaine 2-inch fifth wheels

The 3000 LM coupler combines safety with low maintenance. Featuring an interlock handle, an alternative to Fontaine’s safety clip system, the 3000 LM removes the need for a clip by integrating the safety mechanism into the handle.

The 150SF slider has an optional air-operated mechanism that removes the need to manually operate the release handle, reducing physical demands on the driver. For use with Fontaine 2-inch fifth wheels, the standard and medium-duty slider is designed for easy positional adjustment, enabling permissible axle loads and vehicle lengths to be achieved, Fontaine said. It also is available in two positions for increased driver safety.

Key features include:

  • Ideal for long-distance haulage with silo, tank and volume carriers using both two and three-axle tractors
  • Medium Duty, 2-inch on-road and limited off-road
  • Features TechLock system with integral kingpin height sensor, which prevents false coupling
  • Rated at 152kN D-Value and 20T imposed load (U)
  • Low maintenance replaceable grease-free top plate bearing liners
  • Designed with Finite Element Analysis for low weight and high strength (combined weight of fifth wheel and slider, from 241 kilograms)
  • Available with a wide range of handle and mounting options to suit any application
  • Comprehensive three-year warranty (subject to terms and conditions)

For more information on Fontaine Fifth Wheel products, including mounting options, lubrication, air-operated and sensor systems, visit fifthwheel.com.

About the Author

Informa Commercial Vehicle Staff