Correct Usage; Application; Design - Fontaine 150SP Montage- Und Betriebsanleitung

2.1 Application

Fifth wheel couplings connect the tractor unit and the semi-trailer.
They are designed to be mounted on the tractor unit and should
be done so in a way that complies with Fontaine International's
mounting instructions.
The fifth wheel coupling and mounting plates are connecting
parts that must meet very high safety standards and design
approval tests.
Any kind of modification to either the fifth wheel or auxiliary
mounting equipment will void the warranty and design approval.

2.2 Design

All Fontaine International fifth wheel couplings are designed to
comply with Directive 94/20/EC Class G50 and are to be used
together with king pins of Class H50 and Class J mounting plates
or with comparable licensed equipment. This standard rates fifth
wheel coupling equipment based on the Maximum Imposed
(vertical) load and the Drawbar value, more commonly known as
the 'D' value. If any doubts exist as to which is the correct Fifth
wheel Equipment to use then the correct rating can be checked
by calculation using the formula in Figure 1.
0,6 x T x R
D = 9,81 x
T +R - U
Figure 1
Calculating D value where:-
g = 9.81 m/s 2
R = Maximum gross weight of the semi-trailer [kg]
T = Maximum gross weight [kg]
U = Maximum imposed load [kg]
150SP Fifth Wheel Instruction Manual
C O R R E C T
U (kg)
T (kg) R (kg)
U S A G E
The maximum load data can be found on the fifth wheel type
label (see figure 2) and on the Fontaine technical documents.
Also the Fontaine website has a D-value calculator under the
"selecting the right product" section.
The Fifth wheel Coupling chosen should be rated with loads equal
to or higher than the calculated values. Under no circumstances
should a coupling be fitted where the calculated rating is higher
than the values indicated on the equipment type plate.
Allowances to the D-value and Maximum imposed load should
be made if the coupling is subject to additional dynamic forces,
for example if they are used on uneven road surfaces or on
construction sites such as quarry or forestry work. For this type of
application a higher rated fifth wheel may be required. If in any
doubt contact Fontaine technical department.
Figure 2 - Fifth wheel Type Label
3
FIFTH WHEEL