MIXER STABILITY

The Volvo VHD vocational truck now has Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST) as standard equipment on all concrete mixers. It’s been standard equipment on the company’s entire range of VN and VT highway tractors for some time.

VEST is a full electronic stability program, specifically engineered for Volvo trucks by Bendix, that brings a higher level of protection from truck rollover and jackknife, using a standard pneumatic foundation brake system. The VHD also sports standard ABS, as well as ABS-based traction control.

In addition to mixers, this stability and anti-rollover protection is being implemented on other VHD models as each configuration and application is validated by Volvo’s engineering department. The VHD platform is frequently highly customized for specific applications, with a wide variety of work bodies installed by aftermarket suppliers. Each application must be individually validated, since the vehicle design, work bodies and other equipment, plus cargo, all affect important vehicle dynamics.

VEST uses a steering-angle sensor, a lateral-acceleration sensor, and pressure sensors in the rear-suspension air bags to determine driver input and vehicle response in rapidly changing situations. A modified ABS electronic control unit uses an advanced software algorithm to determine from sensors and other inputs when the vehicle is approaching a critical safety threshold. This algorithm is developed through extensive testing for each vehicle configuration. As the truck approaches critical safety limits, VEST begins to reduce engine power while immediately applying braking pressure as needed to individual wheel ends. This reduces speed and avoids the imminent risk of rollover or jackknife.


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