LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jost fifth wheels are now available for heavy-duty Peterbilt tractors.

“Customers are always looking for new ways to reduce operating expenses and increase the overall lifetime value of their equipment,” said Bruce Ewald, Assistant General Manager, during the Peterbilt Motors Company press conference at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

“By reducing downtime through enhanced serviceability and increasing overall component life, Jost fifth wheels help them do both.”

Jost fifth wheels have a positive-locking mechanism in which, upon contact, the spring-loaded steel locking bar automatically slides into position to secure the kingpin.
This helps operators make a secure and safe coupling, Ewald said, adding the Jost design has high-hitch lock guards to help prevent high coupling.

The new optional fifth wheels have four moving parts. The design allows for infinite adjustments versus other models that use notched adjustments, company officials say. The fifth wheel’s cast ductile iron top plate features a cushion ring that helps protect the wheel’s throat during coupling and reduces friction between the top plate and the trailer’s kingpin.

The design also features remote grease fittings that allow for direct lubrication of the lock jaw and kingpin, even when coupled to a trailer. Additionally, a low-lube top plate is available that significantly reduces greasing requirements for the top plate.

When major servicing is required – typically at much longer intervals than competitive models, say company officials – the lock jaw can be replaced without removing the top plate and the wheel can be rebuilt in about 30 minutes.

Jost fifth wheels also have an operator-friendly release handle that only requires 60 lbs. of force to activate.
Jost fifth wheels are available for Peterbilt Models 387, 379, 379X, 385, 378 and 357.

For more information visit http://www.peterbilt.com/http://www.peterbilt.com/.