VARIABLE TRACTION SYSTEM FOR TELEHANDLERS
Telescopic handlers are usually seen on urbanized sites while they carry out multiple services around construction of buildings. There is also a demand for telehandlers on sites where the surrounding area of the building is undeveloped. Construction of buildings whose infrastructure has not been finished or it has not even been begun can be more usual than we guess because of different reasons. A typical situation would be also the construction of houses in the countryside. All these sites share the same typology: rough terrain and uneven ground. These characteristics call for a high performance traction system for crossing these terrains.
The VARIABLE TRACTION SYSTEM consists of four airless wheels adjustable to the terrain conditions. Every wheel is divided in three ring-shaped tread bands made of reinforced composite. Bumps and vibrations are minimized by means of flexible and deformable spokes.
Several manufacturers are developing non-pneumatic wheels because of maintenance-free, easy mounting and dismounting and puncture-proof.
This system would also improve the traction characteristics. While the main treads provide traction on any ground, the side treads (flanks of the system) would work under terrain demand. When sensors, placed between the wheel rims and the side treads, detect contact with the ground, these treads would be engaged by the main tread in order to increase traction on rough terrain.
Skid Steering offers excellent turning radius while resistance to steering would be minimized by this system and performance would be improved by the wedge-shaped side treads. Since the axles would not provide steering, there is room to improve traction and to reduce pressure on the ground by widening the treads. Thus the side treads would provide an increase of 75% on main tread surface.
Another advantage of the three-section system is the possibility to wear one side treads as a spare part at the back of the machine, due to its reduced width. While the machine keeps working, the damaged side ring could be retreaded.
Email: albsec@euskalnet.net
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