Acquired by SAF-Holland in 2018, the V.Orlandi range covers a plethora of different models of trailer couplings. Yet, according to SAF-Holland, it is the E551BOM coupling which is among the strongest and lightest of its kind in the industry. This makes it a unique product for several reasons.
The E551BOM 50mm coupling, SAF-Holland claims, is a favourite among many major fleets in the field especially those pushing higher mass limits. In these instances, it has a proven track record in a variety of applications under harsh Australian conditions.
The product features a 50mm diameter pin with metal wear pad and mechanical lock, providing an impressive 330kN D-Value rating. Ensuring the pin cannot be inadvertently disengaged, there is a safety mechanism on the left of the unit that needs to be released before the handle can be moved.
The D-Value measures the overall capacity for the horizontal forces involved in a truck and trailer combination, taking into account the weight of the truck, trailer, the weight on board the trailer and the acceleration force due to gravity.
It has become a critical factor for V.Orlandi and SAF-Holland as it is the main towing indicator that shows how much weight a fleet operator can carry, factoring in the operational needs of the application.
Choosing the right component for an application and its working environment is vital for heavy vehicle fleets, and it’s why V.Orlandi can also assist its customers with an online calculator service that can acquire and analyse D-Value data.
SAF-Holland’s E551BOM tow coupling is promoted as the lightest of its kind at just 42kg. At the same time, it reportedly features the highest vertical or S-Load rating of 2,500kg.
With the ability to be mounted on a standard hole pattern on transom, the coupling uses an International Standard (ISO) bolt pattern of 160mmx100mm for mounting to the truck chassis. In short, it gives operators an optimised flexibility as it is interchangeable with other brands of tow couplings in the market.
V.Orlandi tow couplings incorporate several features designed to reduce the time taken to couple and uncouple, as well as that of replacing various components in the case of damage or wear over a long period of operation. This results in decreased downtimes, meaning the vehicle can spend more time on the road earning money.
One such feature included, particularly useful in tipper and dog applications, enables the trailer to be uncoupled at any drawbar angle up to the 105-degree ‘jack-knife’ position. The mechanism box is also fully sealed to minimise the potential of dust and moisture entering, which can cause the pin to bind, hindering pin release.
The pin itself undergoes full-length extended heat treatment during the manufacturing process to ensure ultimate strength and wear resistance. Plus, the fitness for duty of every pin is verified by a 100-per-cent quality control of pins consisting of dimensional, material and magnetic particle inspection.
According to SAF-Holland, the E551BOM’s encapsulated locking mechanism makes the replacement of the pin an easy ‘five-minute job’, as there are no loose components and disassembly of the entire unit is not required.
In addition, the opening handle is located in a safe position behind the bell-mouth in order to reduce injuries. The bell-mouth is a separate bolt-on casting and can be easily and quickly replaced in the event of damage.
A number of optional features can also be added to the tow coupling, including an externally mounted red and green indicator light display which confirms whether the pin is engaged or disengaged, and a jack-knife indicator with acoustic warning mounted in the prime mover’s cab.
There is also the option of an air-release for the pin to maximise operating times and minimise the risk of operator injury caused by manual pin release. This includes an on-box safety indicator that verifies correct pin engagement.
V.Orlandi’s product offering is very price competitive and is stocked at all major stock wholesalers Australia-wide, such as Truckline, MaxiPARTS, Multispares, PACCAR, Volvo and Daimler.
The SAF-Holland Group is one of the world’s leading international manufacturers of assemblies and components for prime movers and trailers. The OEM produces a whole series of market-leading products under several brands.
Under the wing of SAF-Holland, V.Orlandi remains a notable player in the local industry. With its market share on the rise as more customers are exposed to its inherent high qualities, the brand, exemplified firsthand in the E551BOM tow coupling, is proving a serious contender across a range of products suited for the most rugged of applications.
