New Holland introduces a patented Intelligent Trailer Brake System onto its T7 AutoCommand™ and T6 AutoCommand™ tractors. This innovation, winner of an Agritechnica Silver Medal, enhances stability under deceleration with a trailer, particularly on low friction surfaces, resulting in greater safety for transport and field work. The system ensures that the deceleration rate of the tractor and its trailer are aligned when the driver reduces the tractor's speed by using just the transmission, without applying the service brakes.

Typically when a tractor and trailer are slowed by just the transmission and engine braking alone the momentum of the trailer will push against the tractor. This pushing force can cause instability which may increase the potential risk of a jack knife situation, especially on steep gradients or low friction surfaces such as icy roads or grassland.

The Intelligent Trailer Braking System senses the reduction in the tractor's speed and calculates the deceleration force using a torque sensor within the transmission. An electronically controlled trailer brake valve then automatically applies the trailer brakes to reduce the trailer's speed at the same rate as the tractor. This automated braking prevents the tractor from being pushed by the trailer, greatly improving its stability and avoiding the risk of jack knifing. No modifications are required to the trailed equipment.

The controlled and harmonised braking force, between the tractor and the trailer,  delivered by the Intelligent Trailer Braking system also means that the stopping distance of the tractor and trailer is virtually the same as that of the tractor alone, even though the driver's only input has been to reduce the speed using the transmission.

This new option compliments the list of brake features already available on New Holland tractors, including the award winning enhanced exhaust brake and ABS system, to deliver the most comprehensive brake package available in the Agricultural business.