After beginning a major transport infrastructure project for WA operators, Mageba is looking to continue spreading its services in Australia.+MORE

Volvo says their successful history in the competitive Australian truck market has come down to its good relationships with customers. +MORE

A slowing of demand for shipping containers is driving a reduction in prices for the boxes around the world +MORE

Every now and then a new truck comes along with the ability to surprise and impress in equal measure, and we’ve found just such a truck in Hino’s revitalised range of...+MORE

Browse: Select from the list of popular categories below.

Search: Find exactly what you want using the search function on the left sidebar.

Save: Save your favourite search parameters so that you can quickly revisit them later.

Scania says its new ‘freewheeling’ retarder cuts fuel consumption and reduces wear and tear

Australian customers will benefit from an upgraded hydraulic transmission retarder by the middle of next year, Scania says.

The truck giant’s new R4100D retarder now automatically disengages and "freewheels" when not in use to save on fuel.

"This reduces drag losses because both vaned wheels that provide braking power when rotating in oil are disengaged," the company says.

"Actual fuel savings will vary depending on road conditions, but an average of a half per cent reduction is taken as the rule of thumb.

"The driver doesn’t have to do anything. When braking power is needed, the free-wheeling stops and the engagement takes place smoothly and immediately using a type of synchronisation that is similar to that in Scania gearboxes.

"Besides comfort and a relaxing drive, it also provides savings by extending the working life of brake linings and braking components."

Scania says the freewheeling retarder also provides higher braking power: 4,100Nm instead of 3,500Nm.

There is also an increased braking effect at lower engine revs with the help of higher gear ratios.

"Reducing fuel consumption is Scania’s main priority," says Örjan Åslund, responsible for Product Affairs at Scania Trucks.

"The activation of the retarder itself is either initiated by the driver – via a lever on the steering column or with a light touch of the brake pedal – or when the cruise control requests braking," Åslund says.

"As soon as the retarder is not in use, it freewheels again on its own. But it remains ready to smoothly and firmly change from free-wheeling to full braking power in no time."

Sign up to receive the ATN e-newsletter, digital magazine and other offers we choose to share with you straight to your inbox

You can also follow our updates by joining our LinkedIn group or liking us on Facebook. 

Trucks For Hire | Forklifts For Hire | Cranes For Hire | Generators For Hire | Transportable Buildings For Hire

The landmark move will mean manufacturers have to adhere to stricter emissions standards within t...

After beginning a major transport infrastructure project for WA operators, Mageba is looking to c...

The TWU says Toll Group contracted operators are getting nowhere with cost recovery negotiations

The item you are attempting to add to compare is a different subtype to the items(s) in your list.

Only items of the same subtype may be compared.