Terex Construction has officially launched the "Slope-Assist" automatic braking system for its TA300 series 30-ton Articulated Dump Trucks (ADT). In quarry operations, hauling fully loaded trucks down steep 20% grade ramps is hazardous. Traditional hydraulic retarders require manual modulation, and if the operator applies the service brake too hard, the rear axles can lock up, causing the truck to "jackknife" or slide sideways.
The Slope-Assist system integrates a "Millimeter-Wave Radar Sensor" mounted in the front grille. This sensor scans the road surface up to 50 meters ahead, calculating the exact gradient profile. The engineering innovation is the "Predictive Speed Control Logic." The system uses the radar data and the machine's gross weight (calculated via suspension airbag pressure) to pre-calculate the required retarding torque before the truck even reaches the steepest section of the ramp.
When the operator releases the accelerator on a descent, the system automatically engages the hydraulic retarder, applying precise proportional pressure to maintain a pre-set descent speed (e.g., 12 km/h). Crucially, the system features "Pre-emptive Differential Locking." If the radar detects a transition from hard bedrock to loose gravel on the ramp, the system automatically engages the inter-axle and cross-axle differential locks *before* the wheels hit the loose surface. This prevents driveline wind-up and ensures traction is maintained during braking, eliminating the risk of sliding on steep grades.
