ForConstructionPros.com

If you operate any type of truck with a high center of gravity, you need to address the potential of a rollover accident. While operator training helps mitigate the chances of a rollover, even the best drivers are subject to unavoidable emergency maneuvers and momentary lapses in attention that can lead to major incidents. But new technology in the form of electronic stability systems is emerging that will minimize these risks.

Electronic stability systems integrated into the anti-lock brake systems (ABS) of on-highway tractor-trailer rigs have created quite a buzz. These systems will not prevent all accidents, but they do promise to significantly mitigate jackknifes and rollovers.

Until recently, only on-highway tractors and trailers could benefit from such systems. Unlike over-the-road tractors, vocational trucks feature wheelbases all over the map, as well as different axle configurations and spacings. This creates a unique challenge since the software that controls the stability management system must be customized for each variation.

"Engineering this technology for tractors is more straightforward," says Tom Kelly, vice president of marketing, Mack Trucks Inc. "But as a leader in the heavy-duty vocational market, we're committed to getting this technology in the hands of mixer and dump customers as soon as possible. We targeted mixers initially per customer demand."

Ready-mix fleets quickly see the value these systems promise. "Concrete customer demand for stability protection is strong because mixers, in general, are recognized to have a high center of gravity and carry dynamic loads," says Steve Ginter, vocational products marketing manager.