Better braking – with Voith retarders for commercial vehicles
With Voith retarders, up to 90 percent of all braking actions can be performed without wear. This represents a significant increase in safety. Retarders protect the service brakes, thus reducing expenditures on spare parts and maintenance. At the same time, transport capabilities increase due to higher average speeds.
High brake performance is essential when it comes to stopping a truck that weighs several tons. Classic friction brakes can reach temperatures of up to 1000 degrees under demanding conditions such as adaptive braking on the highway or on long downslopes. This leads to a rapid reduction in braking efficiency. Voith retarders provide the solution: The permanent hydrodynamic endurance brake system ensures reliable, wear-free braking. This protects the service brakes and ensures they are always available. It is no surprise that endurance brakes in buses and trucks are a legal requirement throughout Europe.
Voith retarders – the advantages at a glance
- Greater safety throughout the entire speed range ensured by high retarder brake performance and cold service brakes
- Downhill cruise control – using the v-constant function, the retarder maintains constant driving speed on downward slopes
- Lower operating costs – considerably longer periods without the use of service brakes results in fewer visits to the repair shop and lower maintenance costs
- Low weight – Voith retarders are light, allowing optimal use of load limits
- Higher transport capabilities – due to higher and more uniform average speeds
- Lower consumption – more uniform speeds and proactive driving behavior saves fuel
- Non-polluting – up to 80% lower emissions of brake dust
Hydrodynamic braking – retarder design and operation
- Hydrodynamics makes wear-free braking possible.
- The magnitude of the braking torque depends on fill level and speed.
- The retarder is perfectly integrated into the vehicle braking management system.
- The braking energy is converted into heat and dissipated via the vehicle cooling system.
The Voith retarder portfolio – the right solution for every vehicle
Together with vehicle manufacturers we are developing customized retarder solutions.
Oil retarders
Using an oil supply that is independent of the transmission fluid, the oil in Voith’s oil retarders can tolerate the maximum permissible operating temperatures. The braking energy is transferred via the heat exchanger to the vehicle’s cooling circuit, where it is effectively dissipated.
Voith Retarder 3250
The VR 3250 is a powerful and energy effi cient step-up retarder with its own oil supply. It is used in the Volvo FH and FM trucks series and buses with Volvo transmissions. In combination with the Renault Optidriver transmission, the VR 3250 comes in Renault Trucks in the T-Range and C & K-Range. In addition, the VR 3250 is also available in UD Quon & Quester Trucks in combination with the Ascot transmission.
Technical data
Step-up ratio
i = 2.03
Max. rated braking torque
max. 3,250 Nm
Maximum speed at the propshaft
2,500 rpm
Operation standard
6-stage hand-brake switch
stage 1 = automatic mode (downhill cruise control)
Operation medium
oil (see fuel specification Renault)
Fill rate (oil change)*
5.4 l
Control medium
compressed air
Unit weight incl. flange, heat exchanger without operating medium
approx. 60 kg
Nominal voltage
24 V
* see service handbook
Technical data
| Step-up ratio | i = 2.03 |
|---|---|
| Max. rated braking torque | max. 3,250 Nm |
| Maximum speed at the propshaft | 2,500 rpm |
| Operation standard | 6-stage hand-brake switch stage 1 = automatic mode (downhill cruise control) |
| Operation medium | oil (see fuel specification Renault) |
| Fill rate (oil change)* | 5.4 l |
| Control medium | compressed air |
| Unit weight incl. flange, heat exchanger without operating medium | approx. 60 kg |
| Nominal voltage | 24 V |
* see service handbook
Voith Retarder 115 DT
The Voith Retarder 115 DT is a step-up retarder with a high braking torque. It has a self sufficient oil balance and is integrated into the braking management of the vehicle. It’s an all-in-one solution with the new Mechatronic Retarder Control Unit (MRCU). The valve technology and damping plate, the pressure sensor and the electronic control unit (ECU) are all housed in a compact unit connected directly to the retarder. In combination with the service brake, it ensures optimal braking performance. At the same time, the retarder increases ride comfort with its v-constant function, maintaining constant “downhill cruise control” without activation of the service brake.
Technical data
Step-up ratio
i = 2.138
Max. rated braking torque
max. 4,000 Nm
Maximum speed at the prop shaft
2,480 rpm
Operation standard
4-stage hand-brake switch
v-constant (downhill cruise control)
Operation medium
oil (see fuel specification)
Fill rate (oil change)
6.4 l
Control medium
compressed air
Weight
approx. 55 kg
(incl. heat exchanger without operating medium)
Nominal voltage
24 V
Electronic control
Mechatronic Retrader Control Unit (MRCU)
Technical data
| Step-up ratio | i = 2.138 |
|---|---|
| Max. rated braking torque | max. 4,000 Nm |
| Maximum speed at the prop shaft | 2,480 rpm |
| Operation standard | 4-stage hand-brake switch v-constant (downhill cruise control) |
| Operation medium | oil (see fuel specification) |
| Fill rate (oil change) | 6.4 l |
| Control medium | compressed air |
| Weight | approx. 55 kg (incl. heat exchanger without operating medium) |
| Nominal voltage | 24 V |
| Electronic control | Mechatronic Retrader Control Unit (MRCU) |
Voith Retarder 115 CT
The Voith Retarder 115 CT is a step-up retarder with a high braking torque. It has a self-suffi cient oil balance and is integrated into the braking management of the vehicle. In combination with the service brake, it ensures optimal braking performance. At the same time, the retarder increases ride comfort with its v-constant function, maintaining constant “downhill cruise control” without activation of the service brake.
Technical data
Step-up ratio
i = 2.138*
Max. rated braking torque
max. 3,500 Nm*
Maximum speed at the prop shaft
2,480 rpm*
Operation standard
5-stage hand-brake switch
stage 1 v-constant (downhill cruise control)
option: foot control
Operation medium
oil (see fuel specification)
Fill rate (oil change)
6.4 l
Control medium
compressed air
Unit weight
approx. 54 kg (incl. pinion, without operating medium)
Nominal voltage
24 V
Electronic control
VERA / next generation system MRCU
* different configurations possible (see Voith installation guidelines)
Technical data
| Step-up ratio | i = 2.138* |
|---|---|
| Max. rated braking torque | max. 3,500 Nm* |
| Maximum speed at the prop shaft | 2,480 rpm* |
| Operation standard | 5-stage hand-brake switch stage 1 v-constant (downhill cruise control) option: foot control |
| Operation medium | oil (see fuel specification) |
| Fill rate (oil change) | 6.4 l |
| Control medium | compressed air |
| Unit weight | approx. 54 kg (incl. pinion, without operating medium) |
| Nominal voltage | 24 V |
| Electronic control | VERA / next generation system MRCU |
* different configurations possible (see Voith installation guidelines)
Voith Retarder 115 HV
The Voith Retarder 115 HV is a powerful step-up retarder with its own transmission-independent oil supply. It is used in Mercedes-Benz commercial trucks Actros and Axor. It is integrated into the vehicle management system via the VERA retarder control and offers, among other things, the functions of driving speed limitation (limiter) and cruise control.
Technical data
Step-up ratio
i = 2.13
Max. rated brake torque
3,500 Nm
Maximum speed at the propshaft
2,480 rpm
Standard operation
multifunctional lever
Operation medium
oil (see fuel specification)
Fill rate (oil change)
approx. 5.6 l
Control medium
compressed air
Unit weight incl. flange, heat
exchanger without operating medium
approx. 62 kg
Nominal voltage
24 V
CAN-bus-specific electronic control system
VERA
Technical data
| Step-up ratio | i = 2.13 |
|---|---|
| Max. rated brake torque | 3,500 Nm |
| Maximum speed at the propshaft | 2,480 rpm |
| Standard operation | multifunctional lever |
| Operation medium | oil (see fuel specification) |
| Fill rate (oil change) | approx. 5.6 l |
| Control medium | compressed air |
| Unit weight incl. flange, heat exchanger without operating medium |
approx. 62 kg |
| Nominal voltage | 24 V |
| CAN-bus-specific electronic control system | VERA |
Water retarder
The Voith Aquatarder provides braking using the engine coolant. This means there is no additional operating medium, no additional oil change, and no adjustment work.
Voith Aquatarder SWR
Safe, cost-effective, and sustainable – the Voith Aquatarder SWR is the first secondary retarder that brakes with water. The SWR uses the engine coolant as its operating medium. This means no additional oil changes, and no adjustment work. With its compact design, it requires 50% less installation space and is 35 kg lighter than a comparable oil retarder. The Aquatarder SWR is used in Mercedes-Benz tour buses: Travego, Tourismo, Integro, as well as the Setra series TopClass, ComfortClass, and MultiClass.
Technical data
Step-up ratio
i = 1.68 / 1.97 / 2.13
Max. braking torque at the propshaft
3,500 Nm
Standard operation
Multifunction lever 5-stage
+ function v-const
option: foot control
Operation medium
Engine coolant in compliance with Mercedes-Benz operating instructions
Control medium
compressed air
Unit weight
approx. 42 kg
Nominal voltage
24 V
Technical data
| Step-up ratio | i = 1.68 / 1.97 / 2.13 |
|---|---|
| Max. braking torque at the propshaft | 3,500 Nm |
| Standard operation | Multifunction lever 5-stage + function v-const option: foot control |
| Operation medium | Engine coolant in compliance with Mercedes-Benz operating instructions |
| Control medium | compressed air |
| Unit weight | approx. 42 kg |
| Nominal voltage | 24 V |
The design of the MRCU convinces by great robustness. It easily withstands environmental influences in the powertrain and guarantees a high availability at all times. For a simpler handling, a greater functionality, an increased robustness, higher cyber security and improved efficiency.
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Transmitting power efficiently – with the Turbo Retarder Clutch VIAB
Wear-free start-up and braking
The heavier the truck and the rougher the terrain, the greater the load on the clutch and brakes. The solution: Using the VIAB wear-free integrated acceleration and braking system, even heavy-duty trucks can start up powerfully, maneuver accurately within millimeters, and brake safely – repeatedly and without wear. This results in considerably longer periods when the friction clutch and service brakes are not in use, ensuring greater safety and riding comfort. Wear-free start-up and braking - two in one.
The Turbo Retarder Clutch VIAB – the advantages at a glance
- A high level of comfort due to sensitive hydrodynamic start-up and maneuvering – even with a high total weight
- Maximum tractive power across the entire speed range
- Full engine torque at low speeds up to the traction limit
- Stable temperature even under high load conditions compared to conventional torque converters
- The integrated high-performance primary retarder allows maximum brake performance even at low driving speeds
- Retarder function even in reverse gear
VIAB
Max. starting torque: 3,000 Nm
Max. braking torque: 2,400 Nm
Input speed: 2,500 min -1
Weight (without operating medium): 130 kg
The stator transported for us on a heavy-duty truck across Germany from our plant in Heidenheim to the hydropower station in Töging am Inn was a gigantic 8.2 meters wide and weighed 105 metric tons. Thanks to the Turbo Retarder Clutch VIAB, the driver from haulage firm TSB was able to start up powerfully, maneuver with millimeter precision and brake safely at all times.
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Power, strength and durability are attributes that immediately spring to mind to describe trucks that have to carry heavy loads of sand, gravel or timber. But sometimes the big muscles among the commercial vehicles are about something entirely different – a sensitivity that makes every inch count. Maneuvering in sand pits or on slippery dirt roads often requires sheer strength, but also highest precision.
Read more Do you have any questions about Voith retarders or the Turbo Retarder Clutch VIAB?
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Further information about Voith retarders
The Voith retarder in a comparison test
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Judge us by our performance
- Onboard troubleshooting and upgrade
- Replacement and repair
- Repair of supplied retarders (all model series)
- Troubleshooting and functional testing of individual components
- Worldwide delivery of Voith original spare parts, as well as
- replacements and basic retarders
Retarder oil list
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