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Smart Steering for trailers

Smart Steering is an electro-hydraulic assisted steering system for trailers with a self-steering axle. The system actively steers the axle when driving forwards and reversing, making the trailer more deployable during loading, unloading and manoeuvring.

At tight loading and unloading locations, every metre counts. A standard self-steering axle must be locked when reversing, which takes time and limits operation. Smart Steering prevents this: the self-steering axle actively steers along, even in reverse. This results in more predictable manoeuvring, fewer corrections and faster positioning at the dock.

Smart Steering voor trailers
Less downtime, greater availability
Compact technology, lower fuel consumption
Proven technology with targeted customisation

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Faster manoeuvring

Sneller manoeuvreren

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Faster manoeuvring

With Smart Steering, the trailer remains steerable at low speed. The system calculates the required steering angle based on the angle between truck and trailer and actively controls the self-steering axle accordingly. This keeps the trailer manageable in corners, on company premises and when manoeuvring in confined locations.

For the driver, this means less shunting, less time loss and fewer corrective movements when coupling and uncoupling. For the operator, it delivers a trailer that can be used more broadly in daily operations, without additional actions when reversing.

Controle tijdens manoeuvreren
Controle tijdens manoeuvreren 2
Controle tijdens manoeuvreren 3

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Control during manoeuvring

Smart Steering operates up to 25 km/h. Within that range, active steering remains available for controlled manoeuvring and low-speed precision. This is particularly relevant in urban distribution, tank transport, livestock transport and other applications where precise steering is important.

Within the system specifications, the steering response remains the same regardless of the application. In practice, this results in stable trailer behaviour at low speeds.

Tot 340 kg gewichtsbesparing

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Up to 340 kg weight saving

Smart Steering is significantly lighter than a mechanical steering system with a turntable. The system weighs 60 kg without the axle, and 540 kg including the self-steering axle. A mechanical steering system with turntable and rigid axle weighs at least 880 kg.

That difference can deliver additional payload. As the heavy mechanical steering system is eliminated, the trailer structure becomes simpler and maintenance on pivot points is reduced.

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Compact and low-maintenance

Compact en onderhoudsarm

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Compact and low-maintenance

The system has a compact design and does not require a turntable. As a result, no extra installation height is needed and the available loading height remains optimally utilised. For trailer manufacturers, this is beneficial for tight vehicle packaging and standard chassis.

In addition, Smart Steering has no grease points. This reduces maintenance and makes the system suitable for operations where downtime must be kept to a minimum.

Inbouw en integratie
Inbouw en integratie 2
Inbouw en integratie 3

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Installation and integration

Smart Steering is intended for one self-steering axle and can be retrofitted. The installation is compact and can be carried out without a special axle arrangement. No chassis modifications are required compared with mechanical steering systems on a standard chassis.

The system is suitable for integration into various trailer bodies and fits applications where stability, manoeuvrability and limited installation space come together. This makes Smart Steering suitable for both new trailer designs and retrofit projects.

Specifications

Gewicht en vergelijking

Weight and comparison

  • System weight without axle: 60 kg.
  • System weight including self-steering axle: 540 kg.
  • Mechanical steering system with turntable, including rigid axle: from 880 kg.
Prestaties en inzet

Performance and use

  • Active steering up to 25 km/h.
  • Temperature range: -30 °C to +40 °C.
  • Configuration: 1 steered self-steering axle.
Techniek

Technology

  • Two cylinders, with integrated locking system.
  • No grease points.
  • No extra space required in the vertical direction.
Montage en onderhoud

Installation and maintenance

  • Compact system for trailer construction and retrofit.
  • No major maintenance work on a turntable.
  • Limited downtime thanks to the low-maintenance design.
Toepassingen

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Applications

Smart Steering is used in trailers where manoeuvrability, precise manoeuvring and high availability are important, including:

  • Heavy transport
  • Tank transport
  • Distribution
  • Livestock transport

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Does Smart Steering fit your trailer concept?

Past Smart Steering binnen uw trailerconcept?

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Does Smart Steering fit your trailer concept?

We would be pleased to discuss what active trailer steering means for manoeuvrability, system weight and integration within your vehicle configuration. Our engineers will assess together with you how the system can be applied in new trailer designs and retrofit projects.