THE NEW Case IH advanced trailer brake system which will be an optional extra on all new Case IH Puma CVX tractors from 185-240hp is aimed at preventing trailers and other heavy, trailed equipment from ‘jack-knifing’.

This low-cost safety enhancement is seen as a major advance in tractor safety and can now be specified as an option on Puma 185, 200, 220 and 240 CVX models.

However, Case IH said its not just suited to haulage situations on roads when conditions provide very low grip, such as snow and ice, it is also has a significant advantage on wet roads and under field conditions when working on gradients, turning, or reducing speed.

This is especially true when towing heavy equipment, including large trailers, balers, slurry tankers or trailed sprayers, particularly on wet grassland or soil. It will also be beneficial when hauling trailers with a pivoting front axle, where stability is reduced if the tractor slows without the brakes being applied.

The system monitors and recognises driving conditions and, when engaged, automatically stabilises the tractor using the trailer brakes. Whenever the driver requests a speed decrease, either via the Multicontroller or by releasing the drive pedal, the system estimates the deceleration force required by comparing the target vehicle speed with the actual speed and then adjusts the braking force applied with a measurement of transmission input torque, based on the flywheel torque sensor and engine control unit data.

This calculates and applies the appropriate pressure needed to balance the deceleration force on the tractor with the momentum exerted by the trailer. Aligning the deceleration of the trailer with that of the tractor ensures that both remain stable, optimises braking performance and maximises safety.

A 35kph speed threshold allows the driver to make minor speed adjustments when travelling on the road without the trailer brakes being applied. If the system is activated excessively, they will be alerted by audible and visual warnings. To avoid overheating and fading of the brakes, the system applies pulsated braking power and adds a short break after five seconds.

Initially, this patented system will be a circa £350 option on new Puma CVX models equipped with pneumatic trailer brakes and can be retrofitted on most Puma 185-240 CVXs. The system will become available on other Case IH Puma, Maxxum and Optum tractors equipped with the CVXDrive transmission from the beginning of 2019.