Massey Wilcox Transport is deploying the Fontaine fifth wheel with safety sensor on its tractor units, after finding it more dependable than others on the market.
"The first fifth wheel we tried from another manufacturer was not completely reliable, because the sensor device failed to deliver a signal or sent false alarms when it was obscured by grease or dirt," states Robert Wilcox, managing director of the Somerset-based operator.
Fontaine's system incorporates an LED sensor: when the safety clip is attached, a green light is displayed on the fifth wheel and in the cab.
"The mechanism relies on a combination of jaw sensor, handle sensor and a good old safety clip to get a green light and confirm that the tractor is fully coupled," explains Wilcox.
The company says it has not experienced any miscouplings since using this fifth wheel.
"The beauty of this system is its simplicity," he adds. "A system like this provides a fail-safe back-up for the driver, to ensure safe coupling every time."
