The Netherlands – As trailer steering and suspension systems manufacturer TRIDEC based in Son (near Eindhoven), the Netherlands (a full subsidiary of German truck and trailer components company, JOST Werke SE ("JOST"), since 2008) gears up for the IAA Transportation event next month in Hanover, Germany, we took a closer look at the company’s product offering.

TRIDEC, as a part of JOST, is axle-agnostic, meaning it can service customers using all major axle brands (BPW, SAF-Holland etc) obviously including Jost Axles. 

T&BB interviewed Johan Nieuwenhuis, Sales Director at TRIDEC to get a better sense of the company’s product offerings and its international footprint.

Johan Nieuwenhuis, Sales Director at TRIDEC

Products

The company produces two types of special suspension systems, air and hydraulic. In terms of steering systems, TRIDEC offers three types of steering systems, mechanical (TD, TR and TF), hydraulic (HS and HF-E) and electronic (EF-S). These products service the heavy haulage, agricultural, construction, tank and distribution vehicle markets, in over 45 countries. Mechanical steering systems are still the most commonly sold type of system, according to Nieuwenhuis, because they are the most effective way to steer a normal trailer (e.g. distribution trailers). Every order, however, is bespoke, designed for the customer's specific needs, according to Nieuwenhuis; the benefits of this include designing a system that optimises manoeuvrability, improves safety, increases load capacity and reduces tyre wear and fuel consumption which ultimately saves costs, lowers TCO and drives profitability for the operators.

TRIDEC mechanical steering system

Steering systems

The company manufactures the TD, TR, and TF mechanical steering systems, which have been designed to improve manoeuvrability and ensure that the trailer follows the towing vehicle more accurately, particularly in tight turns.

These steering systems are commonly found in trailers used for distribution, road building and non-extendable semi- and low-loaders. They are essential for safely navigating complex roadways and delivering goods and loads in areas where precise control is required. The componentry involved consists of a fifth wheel unit, a steering bar and in the rear connected to the axles that can pivot allowing for steering.

This type of system improves the vehicle’s manoeuvrability, saving time and fuel. It also reduces tyre wear. Previously inaccessible destinations are now reached with larger loads. All this combined leads to a fuel saving of 30 % and greater driver comfort.

Another advantage of this system is that maintenance is kept to a bare minimum with low-maintenance ball joints and “sealed for life” bearing constructions. Maintenance involves periodical greasing of turntables and visual inspections.

Tuff Trailers 4x4 Low Loader Widener Extendable Steerable fitted with TRIDEC DL-S suspension and steering system

The EF-S electronic steering system uses a connection (electronic line) between the rear and the front of the trailer. In the front, the kingpin is connected with a sensor that goes into the kingpin unit to measure the angle and sends the signal to the rear of the trailer. The programme knows how much the steering cylinder needs to move at a certain angle. This software component is produced in-house in Son. This system uses hydraulic power to control the steering angle of the trailer's wheels, allowing for smoother and more precise turning. The hydraulic systems use pressurised fluids to perform tasks. The fluid is stored in a reservoir and then a pump pushes it through the system, converting mechanical energy into hydraulic power all electronically controlled. Valves control the flow of the liquid and can relieve pressure if needed. The pressurised fluid then acts on a piston, causing it to move up or down, which in turn moves the machinery.  The advantages of this system are its accuracy and therefore the ability to manoeuvre and deal with complex driving situations in tight urban environments. A major benefit is increased safety, the system reduces the risk of jack-knifing and improves stability, particularly during high-speed driving or sudden manoeuvres.

The HS and HF-E hydraulic steering systems are generally for trailers with multiple axles or heavy loads.  The HS system is especially beneficial for use with extendible trailers, ballast trailers and self-tracking dollies. The HF-E system is designed to control multiple steering axles. It is therefore incredibly well suited for extendable  (semi) low-loaders used for heavy loads of exceptional length and can steer up to seven steered axles. TRIDEC develops hydraulic steering systems that use cylinders to create a connection between the axles and the fifth wheel unit. The advantages of a hydraulic steering system include powerful steering assistance, durability and precision, making them effective for steering heavy trailers or those with multiple axles even under harsh conditions. According to Nieuwenhuis, the system is suitable for extendable trailers.

TRIDEC featuring at the Lastbil 2024 Elmia fair ground in August this year

Suspension systems

The company produces different air (LV-O and TF-VO) and hydraulic (HV, DL-S, TP-O and HD-O) independent axle suspension systems typically for abnormal heavy-duty loads, which is a crucial part of the overall suspension setup. It connects the trailer’s axles to its frame, allowing for movement and flexibility as the trailer encounters bumps, dips and uneven road surfaces. It ensures that the trailer’s wheels remain in contact with the ground, improving stability, comfort, and safety while distributing the weight of the load across the axles. The TRIDEC special axle suspensions are used in a variety of applications from high-volume trailers to abnormally heavy trailers.

LV-O Independent wheel suspension for extra load capacity

The TRIDEC independent air suspension systems (TF-VO and LV-O) combine independent suspension with air suspension, offering significant advantages in terms of load capacity, ride quality and stability. Maximum volume is ensured on the trailer as there is no axle body between the wheels. The space surrounding the wheels is put to good use, leading to a 60% greater load capacity in combination with a second cargo floor. The demand for more efficient transport solutions is greater than ever before. Increasing costs, stricter emissions requirements and higher demands on current infrastructure have resulted in a demand for higher-capacity transportation equipment. On the other hand, the available infrastructure and current legislation do not permit transport with longer vehicles (everywhere). The double-deck trailer offers an enormous increase in incapacity within the permitted standard dimensions. For that reason, the concept has already been successfully implemented in areas such as food distribution, post and package delivery, the transport of clothing and appliances, retail distribution and livestock transport.

The TRIDEC hydraulic axle suspension systems use hydraulic technology to provide enhanced control, stability, and performance, especially for heavy-duty and multi-axle trailers. Its combination of hydraulic control, independent axle movement and compensation capabilities makes it suitable for transporting heavy or sensitive loads over challenging terrains, ensuring safety, performance and durability. The system can be operated with the company’s trailer management system, Tritronic.

Tritronic

TRIDEC Tritronic is an advanced electronic steering control system developed by Tridec, designed to optimise and automate the steering of trailers, particularly those with multiple axles. The remote controls vital trailer functions such as ride-height control, automatic ride-height control, lift axle and traction assistance, manual steering, automatic alignment, ramps, adjustable gooseneck, landing legs and warning lights. It therefore enhances the precision, manoeuvrability, and safety of trailers by providing electronic control over the steering system. The Tritronic system is typically integrated into Tridec’s hydraulic steering and suspension systems to provide real-time adjustments and improved trailer handling. This innovative electronic steering control system enhances the performance of trailers by offering precise, real-time steering adjustments. It provides significant benefits in terms of manoeuvrability, safety and control, making it useful for multi-axle trailers, heavy-haulage applications and specialised transport tasks. Its integration with existing steering systems and use of advanced technology ensures more efficient and reliable trailer operations.

TRIDEC Tritronic

Production facilities

The company was founded in 1990, taken over by JOST in 2008 and continued to expand into 45 countries. The main office is in Son near Eindhoven, whilst manufacturing takes place 20 km north of Coimbra, Portugal. Since 2022, production and assembly have been centralised at this plant, making it more efficient and environmentally sustainable. This of course meant a sizeable investment to expand the site, building a new warehouse and assembly area. The decision to expand was based on an increased demand for TRIDEC’s steering systems which has increased significantly over time.

TRIDEC factory in Portugal

Aftermarket, training and servicing

TRIDEC offers a comprehensive range of aftermarket services designed to support its steering and suspension systems throughout their lifecycle. These services aim to ensure the longevity, performance, and reliability of its products. The company assists the JOST global network with maintenance, repair, spare parts and technical support. In some cases, particularly for electronic systems like Tritronic, remote diagnostics and troubleshooting can be offered by TRIDEC staff, reducing the need for in-person service.

Inside the TRIDEC factory in Portugal 

The company also offers tailor-made training programs for technicians and service providers to ensure they understand how to maintain, repair, and optimise TRIDEC systems. This training covers the mechanical, hydraulic and electronic aspects of their steering and suspension products. Furthermore, driver training for systems like Tritronic, which requires operational knowledge on how to use the systems effectively is also available.