Gabriel Roberts, Director of Product Development at Jacobs Vehicle Systems, says use of engine brakes are just as valuable to the off-highway equipment market as the on-highway industry. Equipment operators also require retarding capabilities which provide safe downhill travel, and gain value from the engine brakes’ ability to help reduce wear on brake pads. As such, Roberts says the company has seen significant growth in the use of engine brakes in the off-highway equipment industry.
Additionally, he says the company has seen valvetrains become more complex—no matter what segment they are utilized—to help manufacturers meet evolving emissions regulations. Because of this, Jacobs Vehicle Systems is designing its valvetrains to be modular which enables them to perform several tasks including engine braking and cylinder deactivation, to meet OEMs’ many design requirements.
