Q: What are air brakes?
A: Air brakes are systems that use reservoirs of compressed air to apply, or remove hindrance from, the actuation of the mechanical brake operation. In some countries they are referred to as pneumatic brakes.
The braking action works on the trailer, but is activated by the control system housed on the tractor. The control system is carefully integrated with the tractor’s own, electronic, mechanical and hydraulic braking systems. Air brakes therefore require both tractor and trailer to have air brake capabilities.

Q: What legislation covers air brakes?
A: Every country has slightly different legislation governing braking requirements for agricultural vehicles.
In most parts of Europe, any agricultural tractor pulling a laden trailer on the highway must be equipped with air brakes, as is the case with all commercial trailers.
Standardised pan-European legislation will be introduced in 2009 requiring that all tractors pulling trailers of over 3 tonnes and capable of travelling at speeds of over 30kph, be equipped with pneumatic (air) brakes.
TractAir keeps a close eye on the legalislation governing air brake technology in different countries, in order to help customers and partners to be confident of compliance.

For further information on legislation visit:  http://www.opsi.gov.uk/sr/sr1999/19990454.htm

Q: Do you sell spare parts?
A: Yes. Every component sold in our air brake systems can be purchased from us if replacement parts are needed. (A full price list will be offered from this website shortly.)

Q: Can I or my dealer retrofit air brakes?
A: Any competent agricultural engineer can fit our air brakes to trailers. We have developed a retro-fit kit for most models with full fitting instructions and schematic diagrams to help you to do this.
When it comes to tractors, the situation is far more complex. The installation needs to take account of the space restrictions within any one model of tractor, as well as existing or likely future additional equipment such as front loaders, or rear-mounted hydraulic valves.
However, we have developed a series of retrofit systems that can be fitted by capable tractor dealers with some initial training from ourselves and with the acquisition of the necessary inexpensive test equipment.

Q: How much do trailer kits weigh?
A: 40/50kg. Box size 40x50x75cm

Q: Can you retrofit an air brake system to my tractor/trailer ?
A: Almost certainly yes. Please enter the details onto the enquiry form. If the vehicle or trailer is not mentioned please contact us by email to discuss the specification.

Q: How long does it take to fit air brakes?
A: It can take less than two hours on a new tractor production line. To retrofit a system in our workshop in Yorkshire takes less 1-2 days. If a main dealer is retrofitting the system you should speak to them directly, as it may take longer.

Q: What weight of load requires air brakes?
A: Air brakes are currently required for loads of over 14 tons travelling above 20mph on the highway, however, forthcoming legislation will require most tractor and trailer combinations to have air brakes fitted.