January 31, 2002 (Holland, MI) Since its introduction in 1993, the lightweight Holland FleetMaster fifth wheel has helped weight sensitive fleets improve fuel efficiency, increase freight capacity and increase uptime.
But as load and road conditions, trailer designs, fuel and operating costs and delivery demands continued to change, so did Holland’s fifth wheel design, engineering and testing strategies.
Holland’s “continuous improvement” process identified how changing conditions impacted fifth wheel performance and what would be needed to insure reliable, durable performance in an ever-widening range of applications and operating environments.
The improved Holland FleetMaster fifth wheel is the latest example of that process.
Improved lightweight design increases strength
“Our analysis of the impact of ongoing changes in the fifth wheel’s operating environment drove our efforts to improve the design for weight optimization. Additionally, the locking system was modified and top plate casting strengthened to accommodate heavier loads. Through Finite Element Analysis and extensive lab and field testing, we have done just that,” says Greg Thorwall, Product Engineering Manager, The Holland Group, Inc.
To reduce weight without sacrificing strength, Holland engineers reviewed potential applications and customer requirements. This led to the modification of the cast steel top plate so weight and strength are located only where they are needed. The top plate weighs only 222.6 lbs., the lightest available. The top plate is machined to precise flatness to provide greater load bearing area, reduce friction and prevent uneven wear. Additional improvements were made to the locking system to assure a durable, reliable connection.
The casting and locking system improvements allowed the vertical load rating of the FleetMaster 5th wheel to be safely increased from 45,000 lbs. to 50,000 lbs. with a maximum drawbar pull of 150,000 lbs. A modified European Community Confirmation Test was employed to establish this rating.
A new Performance Guarantee reflects Holland’s commitment to total performance accountability.
The changes to the locking system and top plate permit Holland to add the FleetMaster to a growing list of Holland products supported by a Performance Guarantee.
In addition to a 5 year, 500,000 mile warranty, Holland includes a 4 year, 400,000 mile Performance Guarantee—when the FleetMaster is used in standard, 5 axle on-highway applications. The Performance Guarantee assures that the FleetMaster will retain the ability to be adjusted to an acceptable wear limit between the locks and kingpin, or Holland will pay the repair expense.
New innovative options further improve driver productivity and lower costs.
Improved Holland FleetMaster includes:
Holland LowLube technology that significantly reduces the need for 5th wheel lubrication.
Patented, low-friction inserts—bonded to a steel backing plate—are securely fastened into recesses in the top plate. Austempered, ductile iron inserts fit between the top plate and 5th wheel brackets. These top surface and bracket inserts maintain constant lubrication between the top plate, upper coupler and brackets—without requiring added lubrication or grease. A grease fitting permits periodic greasing of the 5th wheel locks.
The result is significantly reduced maintenance, clean up and disposal costs, improved shop cleanliness and productivity, and improved driver productivity.
Holland’s in-cab Air Release System permits drivers to quickly and safely control the coupling and uncoupling process from inside the cab. This feature improves driver efficiency and comfort, especially in bad weather. And avoids the physical strain and greasy mess associated with manual coupling.
The lightweight Holland Fleet Master fifth wheel is engineered for durable, reliable performance for on-highway vans, reefers and flatbeds in fleets where even a pound of extra weight is too much.