Enhancing Agricultural Trailer Performance with Air Bellows
Heavy agricultural trailers face significant challenges in rough terrains, uneven fields, and prolonged exposure to high loads. Proper suspension is crucial to protect both the transported goods and the vehicle itself. Air bellows provide an advanced suspension solution, offering durability, shock absorption, and adaptability to varying loads. Their ability to regulate height ensures that trailers maintain stability, even under variable weight distributions. This feature minimizes mechanical stress, thereby extending the lifespan of axles and suspension components. Air bellows are constructed with reinforced elastomers and high-strength metal components, providing enhanced resistance to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature fluctuations, and chemical exposure. These characteristics make them a reliable and cost-effective solution for agricultural transport applications, ensuring reduced downtime and improved efficiency for trailer operators.
How Air Bellows Improve Trailer Suspension
Agricultural trailers endure dynamic loads, vibrations, and sudden shocks from uneven terrain. Air bellows effectively absorb these impacts, ensuring improved ride quality, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced safety.
- Reduced vibration transmission, preventing structural damage and component fatigue.
- Enhanced ride comfort, reducing stress on mechanical components and improving operator experience.
- Extended tire lifespan, as uniform weight distribution minimizes uneven tire wear, enhancing road grip.
- Adjustable suspension height, optimizing clearance for different agricultural applications and improving field maneuverability.
- Improved braking stability, reducing load shifts that could compromise braking efficiency.
With precise air pressure adjustments, air bellows maintain a consistent trailer height regardless of payload fluctuations. This ensures that even fragile or unbalanced loads are transported with minimal disruption. Their high-stroke range allows for effective shock absorption, making them ideal for harsh off-road conditions. Trailer stability is enhanced by distributing weight evenly across all axles, preventing excessive wear on a single component and minimizing service interruptions.
Key Benefits of Air Bellows in Agricultural Suspension
Superior Load Adaptability
Unlike traditional leaf or coil springs, air bellows dynamically adjust to varying loads, maintaining an optimal ride height. This flexibility ensures improved performance across different agricultural transport scenarios.
- Reduced axle stress, minimizing component fatigue and ensuring longer operational lifespan.
- Enhanced stability, even with shifting cargo, reducing risk of tipping in uneven terrains.
- Protection of fragile loads, as sudden jolts are effectively dampened by controlled air compression.
- Optimized load distribution, reducing stress on chassis and preventing structural failures.
Technical Specifications:
- Load capacity: Up to 450 kN per bellow
- Stroke range: Up to 375 mm
- Operating pressure: Standard 8 bar, High-Pressure 12 bar
- Temperature range: -40°C to +115°C
- Natural frequency: 1.40 Hz – 4.60 Hz at 6 bar
Improved Vibration Isolation
Agricultural fields present unpredictable terrain, leading to continuous vibrations. Air bellows isolate these disturbances, offering unparalleled protection for trailer structures and cargo.
- Over 99% vibration reduction, preserving sensitive machinery and reducing driver fatigue.
- Minimized frame fatigue, preventing premature trailer wear and structural deformations.
- Consistent performance, unaffected by environmental conditions like temperature variations and moisture exposure.
Technical Specifications:
- Construction: Reinforced elastomer with fabric plies for increased strength
- Maximum height range: 498 mm
- Compliance with ISO 2230 standards for storage and durability
- High resistance to UV, ozone, and oil exposure
Extended Component Lifespan
By absorbing shocks efficiently, air bellows extend the service life of multiple components in agricultural trailers. They reduce operational costs by decreasing the frequency of replacements and repairs.
- Axles and bearings, reducing frictional wear and mechanical stress.
- Chassis and structural components, preventing fatigue cracks and frame distortions.
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems, stabilizing pressure fluctuations and ensuring efficient actuation.
Technical Specifications:
- End closures: Electro-galvanized or stainless steel (AISI-304/316L) for corrosion resistance
- Connection type: Bead plate, bead ring, or crimped design for secure fitting
- Mounting threads: M8, M10, G1/4, G3/4 variations, ensuring compatibility with various trailer models
Selecting the Right Air Bellows for Agricultural Trailers
Choosing the appropriate air bellows involves several factors to optimize trailer performance and longevity.
- Load capacity: Ensure compatibility with the maximum payload to prevent overloading.
- Stroke length: Choose a model offering sufficient vertical movement for impact absorption.
- Mounting options: Verify the compatibility of bead plate or bead ring designs for secure installation.
- Environmental resistance: Opt for corrosion-resistant coatings to withstand exposure to moisture, fertilizers, and chemicals.
Tevema’s Advanced Air Bellows Technology
Material Excellence
Tevema manufactures air bellows using premium materials that enhance durability and longevity:
- Reinforced elastomers, ensuring high tensile strength and extended operational lifespan.
- Electro-galvanized steel, providing superior corrosion resistance for demanding agricultural environments.
- Stainless steel variants, ideal for exposure to chemicals, fertilizers, and moisture-heavy conditions.
Customizable Solutions
With multiple configurations available, Tevema offers tailored air bellows solutions:
- Single-, double-, and triple-convoluted models, adaptable for varying load requirements.
- Crimped, dismountable, and bead ring designs, ensuring compatibility with different trailer types.
- High-pressure variants, supporting up to 12 bar for extreme agricultural applications.
Technical Specifications:
- External diameters: 80 mm to 950 mm
- Angular movement capacity: Up to 25° tilt for dynamic alignment
- Lateral misalignment absorption: Up to 30 mm for enhanced flexibility
Installation and Maintenance of Air Bellows
Proper installation and maintenance ensure longevity and optimal performance of air bellows in agricultural trailers.
- Ensure correct alignment to avoid lateral stress and prevent premature wear.
- Check for air leaks periodically to maintain efficiency and prevent performance degradation.
- Inspect mounting hardware, tightening loose connections to ensure secure positioning.
- Store unused air bellows in a cool, dry place to prevent material degradation over time.
Technical Maintenance Guidelines:
- Maximum storage duration: Up to 5 years in optimal conditions
- Environmental resistance: UV, ozone, and oil-resistant elastomers for extended durability
- Installation torque specifications: As per Tevema’s guidelines for secure fittings
Air bellows are a game-changer for agricultural trailer suspension, providing unmatched adaptability, vibration isolation, and extended equipment lifespan. With Tevema’s precision-engineered solutions, farmers and logistics operators can achieve optimal performance, reliability, and cost efficiency. Investing in the right air bellows ensures smooth operations, reducing downtime and maintenance expenses in the long run.