Brake safety
Anniversary

EC proposals on trailer brakes: a manufacturers’ view“

We could meet these proposals today” says Michael Bailey “It’s all comes down to what the customer is prepared to pay.”

In fact all Bailey Trailers over 15 tonnes are already fitted with commercial axles which provide the 50% braking efficiency proposed by the EU and any smaller model can be so equipped… at a price.
Michael feels that unless the law states that only trailers with the 50% braking efficiency are allowed on the road, few farmers will be prepared to spend around £900 to upgrade to the alternative axles from their agricultural axles which already provide 25% efficiency as standard. There are also reports that some farmers have found commercial brakes over aggressive on smaller trailers.

Regarding a failsafe system that engages the brakes should trailer and tractor separate accidentally, again it’s a question of added cost, in the region of £350 on a Bailey trailer.

A parking brake system operated from the cab would need carefully design, first deciding whether it should be oil, air or electricity based.
Even with a trailer equipped to these proposed standards, there is the human factor to consider.

“We hear of some farmers that rarely if ever bother to connect their braking system to the tractor!” says Michael. “Then there’s the far more common practice of farmers who park their grain or beet trailers at the end of harvest of beet lifting and expect the brakes to function fully months later without any thought of a maintenance service. The brakes on our delivery lorry have to be checked every 6 to 8 weeks, there are trailers out there that haven’t been checked or serviced for years!”

Similarly, to be fully effective, a failsafe braking system needs to be connected by the tractor driver every time a trailer is hitched. This will only be guaranteed when the system is configured to prevent towing without it being connected.

“We are leaders in a very competitive market”, concludes Michael, “without the new proposals being made a legal requirement on all trailers, made in the UK or imported, I don’t see them as being viable . However we are ready in any case.”

Bailey Trailers mark 25th anniversary with major investment plan

Tom Bailey built his first trailer at Aunsby, Lincolnshire in 1982. Twenty five years and 7,300 trailers later, the company is drawing up plans for a purpose built factory at nearby Sleaford that will double their manufacturing capacity and see them well into the coming twenty five years.

In that time the company has remained a strong family business with Tom’s sons Michael (Sales Director), Richard (Head of design), Stephen (Factory Foreman) and daughter Michelle (Company Secretary). The other long time stalwart is Graham Wright, Sales Manager.

 

Initially Bailey were building just one trailer a week. Today, with a labour force of more than forty, they are producing between 12 and 14 units in the same time, employing the latest technology including laser cutters and CNC press breaks.

Bailey Trailers are built to high specifications to withstand the rigours of today’s modern farming practices. The company believes that every task has its specific requirements and meet these through intelligent design and advanced engineering as typified by their market leading TB Range.

Add  numerous root and beet trailers, flat loaders, bale, silage and grain models, tippers and dumpers and it makes an impressive catalogue.
Whatever your requirements there’s a Bailey Trailer that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. And with over 50 selected dealers across the UK you are never far away from advice and support.

Like Bailey Trailers it’s a tough act to follow!