Improved safety, economy and journey times The Scania Retarder is the vital component at the heart of a remarkably effective driving aid: an integrated braking system. Fitted to the output end of the gearbox, the unique Scania Retarder provides the means for slowing road speed without constant use of the service brakes or exhaust brake. It is fully integrated with the service brakes and exhaust brake – and also, if fitted, cruise control and Opticruise. The driver can choose to have complete control over all braking functions without having to actuate each one individually. The Scania Retarder can be used manually by the driver to control the speed of the truck. It can also be set to operate automatically, according to the driver’s needs. For example, in the fully automatic mode, a quick dab on the brake pedal engages ‘downhill speed control’. This means that the exhaust brake is operated automatically whenever needed, in conjunction with the retarder, to control the vehicle’s speed. Use of the Scania Retarder in the fully automatic mode will reduce wear on tyres and will preserve the wheel brakes in a cool, fresh condition for when they are really needed.

The fully optimised braking system – what is it? The vehicle will be equipped with Opticruise, the Scania Retarder, disc brakes with EBS and an exhaust brake. This advanced high-spec vehicle will achieve the highest possible productivity with the best possible fuel consumption, the least amount of brake wear and the lowest overall cost of operation. Opticruise is not an essential pre-condition for the retarder to make a significant contribution in all respects. Nor are disc brakes essential – drum brakes are fully compatible.  However, disc brakes with EBS when working with the Scania Retarder offer an additional feature: brake blending. Brake blending occurs when a small momentary application and release of the service brakes takes place as torque builds up in the retarder. This has the benefit of feeding back to the driver an immediate feel of braking response even with the lightest touch of the brake pedal. Just how much benefit the retarder can give you in terms of higher productivity and lower operating costs will depend on the type of operation – particularly the terrain.