User guide

manual steering compact

(for HS,HF,HF-E steering systems)
- June 2014 - V1.1

www.tridec.com
Table of Contents

Contents
Preface.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Chapter 1: Safety & environmental consideration..................................................... 4

Symbols................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Safety regarding operation.................................................................................................................................... 4
Environmental considerations................................................................................................................................5

Chapter  2:  Discription.............................................................................................................................. 6

Acronyms............................................................................................................................................................... 6
Components of the manual steering compact...................................................................................................... 6
Principe operation..................................................................................................................................................8

Chapter  3:  Operation................................................................................................................................. 9

Couple and uncouple a steered semi-trailer......................................................................................................... 9
Couple:...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Uncouple:.................................................................................................................................................. 10
Driving with a steered semi-trailer...................................................................................................................... 11
Vulnerability of the steering system......................................................................................................... 11
Steering characteristics and swing out of a steered semi-trailer..............................................................12

Chapter 4: Operation of the manual steering compact........................................13

Warning light........................................................................................................................................................13
Align lamps.......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Remote control.................................................................................................................................................... 14
Manual steering control "ON" and "OFF"................................................................................................. 14
Buttons of the manual control.................................................................................................................. 15
Manual controlled steering........................................................................................................................16
Emergency override of the steering system....................................................................................................... 18

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 Preface
About this guide:
This guide is written for the driver or other user of the manual steering compact and contains the necessary
information about the use of the manual steering compact.
For the service technician we provide a separate maintenance and repair guide containing the necessary information
regarding the maintenance and repairs of the manual steering compact. This guide is available at our website.
(www.tridec.com) For the installation of the manual steering compact a separate installation guide has been provided
at first delivery.
Proper usage:
The manual steering compact is not designed for use on its own. It is designed for mounting on a semi-trailer as an
additional part of the TRIDEC HF, HS or HF-E steering system.
Modifications of any kind may affect the safety level of the device. In addition, the modifications render the warranty
void and will also void the homologation of the vehicle.
If the manual steering compact is not used correctly, all warranty claims against the manufacturer and supplier of the
manual steering compact will be rendered void.
The device must not be used until it has been established that the semi-trailer on which the system has been installed
complies with the national regulations for road traffic.
The system is only allowed to be taken into operation in conjunction with the owner's manual for the truck as well as
for the semi-trailer.
Danger: All safety information is compiled in chapter 1. The required safety information is repeated
and marked with symbols in the various chapters where the user is in danger.

Contact details:
TRIDEC Transport industry development centre bv
5692 GA Son, The Netherlands
Phone: +31(0) 499 491050
Fax: +31(0) 499 491060
www.tridec.com
info@tridec.com

Legal and copyright:

No part of this document may be reproduced and/or published by print,
photocopy, microfilm or by any other means without prior written permission
from TRIDEC. The figures and specifications used in this guide are compiled
with upmost care. However, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies
or omissions. TRIDEC reserves the right to change parts technically without
notifying in advance. For information about this subject please contact TRIDEC.
© Copyright TRIDEC, Son, The Netherlands
This version is a translation, the original version is written in Dutch (NL)
Date of issue: 02 June 2014 Version: 1.1

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User guide

Chapter

1
Safety & environmental consideration
The following sections contain information about the safety of the manual steering compact.
Sections:
Symbols
Safety regarding operation on page 4
Environmental considerations on page 5

Symbols
The following symbols are used in this guide:

Table 1: Used symbols

Description Description Description

Danger for injury or life
threatening situations!
Risks for electrical shocks and/or
damage to the electrical system!
Danger for injury or life Risks for crushing!
threatening situations by
breaking parts.
Risks for system damage! Risks for falling pieces!

Important restriction! Read this information first!

Safety regarding operation

Operation of a semi-trailer with manual steering compact contains risks. Apply the relevant regulations which are
applicable your country (for example: road traffic regulations, company procedures, occupational health and safety
regulations) when operating a semi-trailer with the manual steering compact installed.
General instructions when operating a semi-trailer include manual steering compact:
NEVER attempt to use or bring a semi-trailer with installed manual steering compact on public roads as long as it
has not been established that the complete semi-trailer complies with the national regulation for road traffic.
Read the operation instructions BEFORE coupling and starting to operating the semi-trailer with installed manual
steering compact.
Carry out the daily inspection BEFORE coupling the semi-trailer to the truck or start to drive.
The driver of the truck is ALWAYS responsible for operating the manual steering compact.
NEVER steer or operate the semi-trailer with manual steering compact when people are close to moving or
steering parts of the semi-trailer.
NEVER attempt to drive with a semi-trailer when the warning light is ON. See: Warning light on page 13
The main switch of the manual steering compact must be turned OFF when driving on public roads.
Search a dedicated test area for a test drive.

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 Safety & environmental consideration

Environmental considerations
Hydraulic fluids, oil, greases and batteries are pollutants that can seriously pollute the environment. Return these
substances to the designated authority or appropriate waste disposal company for recycling.

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User guide

Chapter

2
Description of the manual steering compact
The following sections contain general information about the manual steering compact:
Acronyms on page 6
Components of the manual steering compact on page 6

Acronyms
FWU: (Fifth wheel unit) This is the transfer mechanism for the steering system between the truck and semi-trailer.
FWU's must be installed in the trailer chassis. The main parts of the FWU are the fifth wheel housing, the turn table,
fifth wheel plate, the kingpin, steering wedge, and the transfer rod which is connected to the steering cylinders.
AMF: (Axle mounting frame) This is the transfer mechanism for the steering system between the trailer chassis and
the steered rear axle of the semi-trailer. The AMF must be installed in the trailer chassis. The main parts of the AMF
are the frame, the turntable, the steering beam, and the cross members.
AU: (Axle unit) This is the transfer mechanism for the steering system between the trailer chassis and the steered rear
axle of the semi-trailer. The AU must be installed in the trailer chassis or at the axle of the semi-trailer. The main parts
of the AU are the axle unit itself, the XU-bearing, steering wing, steering cylinders and the steering rods.

Components of the manual steering compact

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 Description of the manual steering compact

Control box: (left) (12) Hydraulic manifold block, (13) Electric box, (14) Connector trailer remote inner side control box, (15) Hand pump handle, (16)
Pressure warning light, (17) Connector trailer remote outside control box

Power box: (right) (1) Tank, (2) Oil filler cap, (3) Max oil level check glass, (4) Min oil level check glass, (5) Oil strainer, (6) Pump motor (7) Pump relay,
(8) Oil pump, (9) Connectors to control box, (10) Supply line, (11) Return line

Other components: (18) Trailer remote control, (19) Cabin remote control

Figure 1: Overview of components

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User guide

Principle operation of the manual steering compact

(1) FWU, (2) Command cylinders, (3) Steer cylinders, (4) Control box with warning light, (5) Power box, (6) Manual control trailer, (7) Manual control
cabine

Figure 2: Overview manual steering compact

The “manual steering compact" system is an upgrade to the TRIDEC HF, HS or HF-E hydraulic steering system. The
basic principle of the hydraulic steering system is described in the guide of the HF, HS or HF-E steering system. With
the manual steering compact the user can manual override the hydraulic steering system of the semi-trailer by two
manual controls using the manual steering compact. This contains:
Manual steering during shunting by manual control from truck cabin.
Manual steering during shunting by manual control at trailer side.
Re-alignment by use of position LED's.
A control box combined with a power pack is mounted on the chassis of the semi-trailer to operate the functions of the
manual steering compact. The control box, which includes also the warring light for low pressure is located so that it’s
visible for the driver. The system also includes two hand controls connected by cable for operation.
The manual steering compact enables manual steering and re-alignment of the axles. This is achieved by pumping
additional oil to the appropriate steering cylinders, this will overrule the normal behavior of the hydraulic steering
system and increases the steering and subsequent maneuverability of the trailer.

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 Chapter

3
Operation of a steered semi-trailer
The following sections contain the basic information regarding the operation and or use of the steered semi-trailer.
Important: Before starting to operate a trailer with the manual steering compact installed, FIRST read the
chapter Safety & environmental consideration on page 4

Sections in this topic:

Couple and uncouple a steered semi-trailer on page 9
Driving with a steered semi-trailer on page 11

Couple and uncouple a steered semi-trailer

Coupling and un-coupling a steered semi-trailer requires attention; please follow the instructions below.
Danger: SEMI-TRAILER CAN SLIDE SIDEWARDS WHEN INCORRECTLY COUPLING OR UNCOUPLING.

During coupling the semi-trailer is lifted by the fifth wheel, which raises the legs from the ground. This may allow the
semi-trailer to slide side wards.
Therefor it is of great importance that the truck's riding height is set correctly when coupling to a semi-trailer.

Figure 3: During coupling the semi-trailer can slide off!

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User guide

Couple:
Caution: An incorrect coupling height can lead to undesirable movement of the semi-trailer.

Caution: Coupling or uncoupling at an angle can cause misalignment and/or damage to the system.

Figure 4: Coupling a steered semi-trailer

1. Make sure that the fifth wheel unit of the truck is at the same coupling height as the turntable plate of the semi-
trailer.
2. Drive the truck under the semi-trailer in a straight line.
3. The semi-trailer must NOT be coupled at an angle.

Uncouple:
Caution: Coupling or uncoupling at an angle can cause misalignment and/or damage to the system.

Figure 5: Uncoupling a steered semi-trailer

1. Make sure that the truck trailer combination is on a flat horizontal surface.
2. Extend the trailer legs far enough that the trailer will remain at the same height during un-coupling.
3. Drive the semi-trailer in a straight line out from under the semi-trailer.
4. The semi-trailer must NOT be un-coupled at an angle.

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 Operation of a steered semi-trailer

Driving with a steered semi-trailer

Danger: Inattentive driving will cause accidents and/or damage to the TRIDEC steering system!

Driving with a steered semi-trailer requires attention, take care of the vulnerability and the behaviour of the steering
system.

Vulnerability of the steering system

Caution: Inattentive driving in to a road that makes a sharp angle or inclination causes damage to the
TRIDEC steering system!

When driving, always take care that neither the front nor the rear position of the trailer section above the fifth wheel
contact or strain any part of the steering system when entering a road that makes a sharp angle of inclination.
Examples are level crossings and loading docks or the embarkation/disembarkation ramps of a ferry boat.
Tip: When entering a road that makes a sharp inclination, stop to check (or let your relief driver check) the
space between truck and semi-trailer, and drive slowly. When there is minimal space left, don't go further but
stop and find an alternative route.

Figure 6: Vulnerability of the steering system!

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User guide

Steering characteristics and swing out of a steered semi-trailer

Danger: When turning, the semi-trailer can swing out of the drive line! Causing danger to other road
users!

The steering characteristics of a non-steered semi-trailer differ from those of a steered one. The centre of rotation of
the semi-trailer (point A) is closer to the truck for a steered semi-trailer than for a non/steered semi-trailer. This has
influences on the turning radius and the required road space of the semi-trailer and makes it possible to manoeuvre
more easily through narrow streets. Always remember when entering a bend/corner (point B) that the rear corner of a
steered semi-trailer will swing out further than a non-steered semi-trailer.
Note: Practice first and get used to the steering characteristics of a steered semi-trailer, before driving into
narrow streets and heavy traffic.

(1) Characteristics of a non-steered semi-trailer, (2) Characteristics of a semi-trailer that includes the manual steering compact,

(A) Centre of rotation of the semi-trailer, (B) Swing-out of the semi-trailer, (C) Turning radius of the semi-trailer, (D) Required road space

Figure 7: Characteristics of a non-steered semi-trailer compared with a steered semi-trailer

Danger zones of a semi-trailer include steering system are indicated in red.

Figure 8: Danger zones of a steered semi-trailer

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 Chapter

4
Operation of the manual steering compact
The following topics contains the basic information regarding the operation and or use of the manual steering compact.
For the complete information we refer to the operation guide of the manual steering compact.
Important: Before starting to operate a trailer with the manual steering compact installed, read FIRST the
chapter Safety & environmental consideration on page 4

Sections in this topic:

Warning light on page 13
Align lamps on page 13
Manual control on page 14
Emergency override of the steering system on page 18

Warning light
Danger: NEVER drive when the warning light is on, check the oil level and oil pressure of the system. Driving
when the warning light is on, causes great danger for all nearby traffic, because the semi-trailer can steer
unpredictably.
The warning light will illuminate when the oil pressure in the system is too low. Under normal circumstances the
warning light will be off.
To test the warning light, open the control box and press the button at the electric box as indicated in the figure.

(1) Warning light, (2) Warning light test button

Figure 9: Warning light

Align lamps
Two lamps can be placed on the front side of the semi-trailer, normally they are both "ON" when driving straight
ahead.
The lights have similar functions as the position LED's on the Manual control, see; Buttons of the manual control on
page 15.

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User guide

Manual control
Danger: For safety reasons the manual control should always be in the range of the driver.

Danger: For your own safety and the safety of others; do NOT operate the manual control when driving on
public roads.

Manual steering control "ON" and "OFF"

Press the “ON/OFF” button to switch the system ON or OFF.
Caution: When the system is "ON" all controls connected by cable will switch "ON". Also the manual control
located in the control box will be "ON". Disconnect the cable of the manual control which is located in the
control box when it is not in use.

Figure 10: Switching the system "ON" or "OFF"

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Buttons of the manual control
Figure 11: Buttons manual control
Table 2: Buttons of the manual control:
Nr: Button:
1 ON-OFF
2 FWU positioning LED
3 AMF/AU positioning LED
4 Override button: steer left
5 Override button: steer right
U-MSC8600EN
Operation of the manual steering compact
Description:
Switching the system ON or OFF.
ON: FWU is in straight forward position.
OFF: FWU is not in straight forward position.
ON: AMF/AU is in straight forward position.
OFF: AMF/AU is not in straight forward position.
Button to override the steering system, the trailer will move "left" when
driving in forward direction.
Button to override the steering system, the trailer will move "right"
when driving in forward direction.
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User guide

Manual controlled steering

Danger: Manual controlled steering is allowed to a maximum speed of 20km/h.

Danger: Manual controlled steering may NOT be operated on public roads.

Caution: Manual controlled steering may NOT be operated if the vehicle’s service or parking brake is applied.

During shunting & manoeuvring the wheels of the semi-trailer can be steered manually by remote control. Manual
controlled steering overrides the hydraulic steering system. Manual controlled steering is used for shunting to reach
difficult locations. Examples are loading docks and construction areas.

Figure 12: Manual controlled steering

By pressing the left or right button the trailer wheels will turn to the selected direction. If align lamps are installed, they
have a similar function as the position LED's at the manual control. After using the manual steering it is possible to
return the semi-trailer wheels to their original configuration by following the next steps:
Drive the truck trailer combination in straight forward position, the position led for the FWU will get "ON".
Press the steer buttons to steer in the steered axles in straight forward position, until the AMF/AU position led will
get "ON".
When both LED's are "ON" the trailer is returned into the original alignment.
Caution: When a manual controlled steering function is used, and the speed will reach above the 20km/h, the
steering function stops immediately.

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 Operation of the manual steering compact

(A) Truck and trailer are in straight forward position, FWU position LED is "ON", (B) Truck and trailer are not in straight forward position, FWU
position LED is "OFF"

Figure 13: Bring the combination in straight forward position

(C) Truck and trailer and axle are in straight forward position, both position LED's are "ON", (D) Steered axle is not in straight forward position, AMF/
AU position LED is "OFF"

Figure 14: Steer the axle in straight forward position

* (The straight forward position depends on a correct mechanical alignment of the semi-trailer)

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User guide

Emergency override of the steering system

Caution: The emergency steering may ONLY be operated if the semi-trailer is coupled to a truck. This to
avoid undesirable movements of the fifth wheel unit.

Caution: The emergency steering may NOT be operated if the vehicle’s service or parking brake is applied.

Danger: Driving when short circuit valves are mechanically activated creates: LIFE-THREATENING
SITUATIONS. NEVER drive when the short circuit valves are mechanically activated. Directly re-assemble the
electromagnetic coils of the short circuit valves again after using the emergency steering.
Danger: After using the emergency steering the steering wheels must be turned back into straight forward
position, in order to let the semi-trailer combination drive in a straight line.

1. Mechanical activation of the short circuit valves: To operate the emergency steering without remote control,
all short circuit valves must be activated mechanically by temporarily removing the electromagnetic coils. The
shortcut valves are located on the front of the hydraulic manifold.

(1) Hydraulic manifold block, (2) Short circuit valves

Figure 15: Location short circuit valves

Inside the cap of the short circuit valves a small pin is placed to activate the valve mechanically. By removing the
cap, taking the coil out and re-placing the cap, the valve is mechanically activated. Do not loose the O-rings and
place them also back.

A Remove cap and O-rings, B Remove coil, C Short circuit valve without coil and cap, D Valve mechanically activated by relocated caps

Figure 16: Mechanical activation of short circuit valves

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 Operation of the manual steering compact

2. Mechanically activate the steer valves: Create oil pressure by using the hand pump. Press at the same
moment the override button on the top of the steering valve (right or left). Don’t forget to re-assemble the coils of
the short circuit valves after steering.

(1) Mechanical activated short-circuit valves, (2) Override button right (3) Override button left (4) Activation by hand pump at the hydraulic
manifold block

Figure 17: Emergency override of the steering system

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U-MSC8600EN
© June 2014

TRIDEC,Transport industry development centre bv, Ekkersrijt 3060, 5692 GA Son - the Netherlands
Tel. +31 499 49 10 50, Fax +31 499 49 10 60, info@tridec.com, www.tridec.com .