Veldhuizen develops Hydro-WSG

For years Veldhuizen has been building Wide Spread axle assemblies on construction vehicles. The advantage of this is a high payload and correct axle load distribution. Fellow builders make vehicles with hydraulic suspension and steering; Veldhuizen focuses on mechanical suspension and steering.

This is because mechanical springs are more responsive, have lower maintenance costs and are repairable in their own workshops. Mechanical steering always works and there is no failure of sensors or steering computers. In hookloaders that have long overhangs and little weight on the front axles, it is desirable that the axle does not steer at high speed. To get a reliable system that is also self-repairable, Veldhuizen developed the Hydro-WSG.

Operation Hydro-WSG

This involves connecting the steering rack with rod to the steering valve. A cable connects the rear axle to the same steering valve. As the rod between the steering box shortens, oil flows to a cylinder that controls the rear axle. This causes the cable to shorten; just until the steering valve is straight again. (At this time, the other side of the cylinder pushes oil into a nitrogen bulb). When turning the other way, the rod gets longer, the cylinder gets oil, the axle steers and the cable gets longer.

Disabling steering above 40 km/h

Above 40 km/h, the supply of oil to the valve is diverted to the storage tank. At that time, a nitrogen bulb ensures that the cylinder is positioned in the center position. The operation of the system is such that with no control, the axle is in neutral position.

Safety

The operation of the system is without sensors and computers. This gives a very reliable system. Should there be something wrong with the hydraulic pump, such as too little oil or a leaky hose, the axle will always come to neutral.

4 Brands

The Hydro-WSG is available on the DAF 6×4 8×4/10×4, Mercedes 6×6/8×4/8×8 10×4/10×8. Soon also available on IVECO 6×6/8×4 & SCANIA 6×6 8×4/8×6.

Residual value

Many of the used construction vehicles are sold in the former Eastern Bloc, Africa or Asia. Since there are no specialized companies there that can repair hydraulic suspension, these vehicles are rebuilt back to leaf suspension. The Hydro-WSG then has leaf suspension and a steering system that can be repaired anywhere. This results in a higher residual value at trade-in.