March 5, 2002 (Holland, MI) For over 80 years, Holland has been responsible for the development and introduction of every major innovation of fifth wheel technology. This results from Holland’s belief that technological innovation evolves through a well-defined strategy of continuous improvement.
Holland now announces the next major innovation in fifth wheel technology:
The Holland NoLube™ Fifth Wheel.
Background
In 1999, Holland announced LowLube™ technology for 3500 Series fifth wheels. And, now, that technology is available for Holland FleetMaster™ fifth wheels.
Because of patented urethane inserts* in the top plate and ductile iron inserts between top plate and bracket, users no longer had to grease these areas. This results in reduced lubrication costs, extended maintenance intervals, shop cleanliness and elimination of used grease disposal.
“We have always viewed LowLube technology as the foundation for evolving toward a completely ‘maintenance-free’ fifth wheel,” says Jack Gisinger, Vice President Engineering. “NoLube technology is the next significant evolutionary step toward that goal,” adds Gisinger.
• Lube Plate Design Innovation
Holland’s lube plate design strategy differs from other commercially available “lube-free” fifth wheel products. Unlike others, Holland surrounds a metal plate with low friction material to add strength and durability that isn’t available in other products. Even further,Holland’s continuous improvement strategy has taken lube plate design to the next level - in two significant areas:
• UHMW “insert” compound.
Holland has replaced the top plate “inserts” of the LowLube fifth wheel with a new, stronger Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) insert compound.
“Because we continually look for better compounds, our testing process has demonstrated that the UHMW polyethylene compound has the ability to handle more compressive weights, forms a stronger bond with the structural steel plate and is more consistent at all temperature levels than other materials,” says Dave Pernesky, Project Manager.
• Unique, strong insert attachment design.
A strong, consistent bond between the lube plate and the internal structural plate is critical to the life and performance of low-friction surfaces. To insure this strong bond, Holland engineers developed a “system” using a compression-molding process to mechanically bond the UHMW material to a unique, “perforated” plate that strengthens the system.
“This design provides low friction performance regardless of ambient temperature changes. And, it resists the buckling, folding and tearing that is common to other approaches to creating a lube-free surface. Most importantly, it significantly extends the life of the lube plate material,” says Pernesky.
• Lubrication-Free Locking System
Holland has achieved a lubrication free locking system by utilizing two new, lubrication-free coating processes:
• The LISISM Process*
Holland has partnered with The University of Tennessee Research Corporation (Knoxville) and has licensed a patented Laser Induced Surface Improvement (LISISM) coating process.* Used for specialized high technology applications and by the Department of Defense, this is the first commercial application of this technology.
“The LISISM process is significantly more effective than standard hardening or heat-treating processes because it does not add a ‘layer’ of coating to the metal,” says Steve Dupay, Director of Research and Development.
“Essentially, we apply a ‘slurry’ of binding materials and various alloys to the lock area. We then expose it to a highly- focused laser that ‘micro-welds’ the slurry to the lock so it becomes an integral part of the metal. This provides a lubrication-free base, almost no wear nor corrosion over time and it won’t chip off like a standard coating will,” adds Dupay.
Holland uses the LISISM process for the lock jaws because this is the area where loads and high wear can cause problems—as well as the area that now requires frequent greasing.
“Our testing has shown that the NoLube fifth wheel locks do not have to be lubricated or greased,” adds Dupay.
* LISI is a Service Mark of The University of Tennessee Research Corporation.
• Non-LISISM Lock Component Coatings
While the LISISM process eliminates lock jaw greasing, other lock system components previously required greasing—such as the yoke, yoke shaft, cam plate, lock pins, anchor bolt washers, cam plate washers and cam roller.
To achieve a lubrication-free locking system, Holland coats these components with dry film compounds.
“The result is a lubrication-free system with exceptional wear resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, a low coefficient of friction when used against non-lubricated materials, and good impact resistance—across all temperature ranges,” says Dan Bennett, Project Manager.
The Elements of Holland NoLube Technology
According to Scott Fowler, Fifth Wheel Product Team Director, “Simply stated, this technology means that a customer no longer needs to grease the top plate, locks or brackets of a Holland 3500 Series No Lube fifth wheel.”
Product Availability and Pricing
Holland’s NoLube technology will be commercially available on its 3500 Series fifth wheels in the 3rd quarter of 2002 and is available for on-road applications only.
When the NoLube fifth wheel is available, Holland will eliminate the LowLube version of the 3500 Series fifth wheel. However, LowLube technology will continue to be available on the FleetMaster Series of fifth wheels.
“Holland NoLube fifth wheel pricing will be the same as current 3500 Series LowLube fifth wheels. And Holland will soon offer a lube plate insert and locking system replacement kit to upgrade a 3500 LowLube fifth wheel to the NoLube technology,” says Scott Fowler.
Warranty and Performance Guarantee
Holland will warrant the NoLube fifth wheel against defects in material and workmanship for 6 years/600,00 miles for on-highway application. In addition, Holland guarantees that the NoLube fifth wheel will retain its ability to be adjusted for 6 years/600,000 miles when maintained in accordance with Holland’s operating instructions.
In addition, UHMW lube plate inserts are warranted for 2 years/200,000 miles.
The Holland Advantage
“NoLube technology reflects the next evolutionary step toward a completely “no maintenance” fifth wheel”, says Sam Martin, Executive Vice President, The Holland Group, Inc. “Yet, in itself, it is a revolutionary technology that can immediately help today’s fleets operate more cost-efficiently, safely, productively and profitably. Most of all it demonstrates our commitment to continue to be, as we have always been, the world’s leader in fifth wheel technology,” adds Martin.