Tractor/Trailer Brake Testing

Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Linklater Engineering
Linklater Engineering have recently invested in BAGMA Brake Safe Tractor/Trailer Brake Testing Equipment which Neil Sabiston has been trained and approved to use. We can now offer a full Tractor/Trailer brake testing service so that the Tractor and Trailer brake efficiencies can be measured and recorded.

 

Under the current Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (1986) the braking requirements are split into two speed related catagories, up to 20mph / 32km/h and above 20mph / 32km/h.
 
 Up to 20 mph/32 km/h: C&U Regulation 16 applies.
 
• Trailer service brake must generate at least 25% braking efficiency when fully-laden.
• Service braking system must act on at least half the wheels/axles.
• Single-line hydraulic or pneumatic brake actuation is acceptable, but if trailer gross weight    exceeds 14230 kg, the service brakes must be operated directly from the tractor’s service   braking system. 
• Parking brake must act on at least half the wheels & stop them from rotating when applied.
 
Above 20 mph/32 km/h: C&U Regulation 15 applies as for commercial vehicles.
 
• Trailer service braking efficiency must be 45% minimum.
• Service braking system must be dual-line and failsafe, but not necessarily pneumatic. The driver must be able to apply the trailer brakes should any part of the towing vehicle’s braking system fail. The trailer brakes should also apply (automatically) if the tractor-trailer accidentally separates.
• ABS (antilock braking) has been required since 2002.
• Parking brake must hold the laden, uncoupled trailer stationary on a 16% slope.
 
So, if travelling faster than 20 mph, UK law requires nearly twice as much trailer braking
performance plus additional safety features to deal with the unexpected. In either case
there is a legal requirement to adjust and maintain braking systems in good and efficient
working order.
 

Please contact Kenny Spence or Neil Sabiston for more information.

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