This comprehensive range from the SAF-Holland group, the world leaders in Fifth Wheel technology are manufactured with lightweight and durable cast steel/graphite or forged aluminium and provide exceptional performance, reliability and outstanding fatigue characteristics, all backed with a premium guarantee.

Arran Leatherland from IMS explained the benefits of the additional product range to their existing SAF-Holland range “We want to offer our customers the best possible solutions, these fifth wheels together with the other products from SAF-Holland, ensure all our customers receive leading quality products to help them reduce maintenance and unnecessary costs. IMS Limited is now the only company in the UK and Ireland to supply the complete range of SAF-Holland products of trailer axles and suspension systems, landing gear, kingpins, tire pilot, coupling products and now fifth wheels all backed by our outstanding added value service”.

GF Fifth Wheels were originally supplied in the UK by Tim Moody at GFGB. Tim will continue to be involved with the GF product by supporting IMS with his vast knowledge, experience and with technical and specification requirements.

The well-known GF SK-S 36.20 Standard fifth wheel is just one example of the many variations. Specifically weight optimised, this new 20-ton fifth wheel made of nodular cast iron is up to 33 kg lighter than comparable products.

According to SAF-HOLLAND, there are essentially two measures which have led to this weight reduction: Following an intensive finite element analysis of all components, these were specifically optimized with regard to weight and strength. On the other hand, a new light-weight single-tappet mechanism was developed for the application of the brake.

For a quick and easy disc change, the brake can be easily dismantled with its four fixing bolts. An equally useful feature is the completely encapsulated calliper guide of the SBS 2220 with its non-wearing plain bearings, stainless steel slide pins and rugged inverted bellows which protect the brake against the intrusion of dirt.

The SAF disc brake SBS 2220 can be used with either conventional or INTEGRAL discs which, over the years, have proved to be both very powerful and durable. The new brake weighs only 31 kg including brake pads and is, therefore, an attractive option to increase trailer efficiency. After its successful test bench and field trials, production start has been scheduled for the second quarter of 2011.

SAF Holland as world leaders in the manufacture of axles and suspension systems take safety very seriously. Investment in the design and development of their leading products all has safety as a number one priority. The SAF INTEGRAL DISC brake is just one of a range of recently launched safety critical products designed to stop cracks and wearing around critical areas and to reduce the life cost of the brake, it also offers an industry leading warranty and secured patent to prevent copying and to ensure safety for all on the road.

When it comes to replacing parts through wear and tear, it is essential genuine parts are used especially when it’s for critical areas such as brakes, even if it is tempting to save money by choosing the cheaper option. Both life and safety can be compromised when not using original replacement brake parts, the cheaper alternative can be more expensive in the long run.

A current example of a cheaper replacement product differing significantly from the original, is the SAF INTEGRAL DISC. Copy versions have become available in the market as a single piece Integral disc rather than the SAF Holland 2 piece disc. Independent tests have shown tension cracks on these single piece discs at the mounting holes (fixing) see examples shown. This could lead to complete failure of the part and therefore to brake failure.

With the support of this agreement, the workshops and dealers within Scania’s global service network will be fully authorised to carry out professional service on SAF-Holland trailer axle components. The agreement covers such aspects as logistics, warranty handling, workshop procedures, special tools, help desk and training of workshop technicians.

“I’m confident that this agreement with SAF-Holland will enable us to give an even better service to our customers. Uptime and peace of mind are the keystones for our customers. Our strategy is to focus on our customers productivity and what adds value for them; this agreement is another step in that direction,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President, Service Operations at Scania.