UK steering system manufacturer, Pailton Engineering, will be exhibiting at Busworld in Brussels, from October 7th to 12th 2023. The company will be showing two of its newest steering columns, the electric column and the tilting head column, which both offer the latest in ergonomic design. Visitors will be able to see some of the latest engineering products in action at hall 9, booth 936.
The fourth prototype of Pailton’s electric steering column is being readied for action and will be shown in a demonstration bus. This pioneering technology, the first of its kind in the bus and coach sector, is designed to improve ergonomics and working conditions for bus drivers. It has been developed in partnership with Continental and Isri.
Pailton will also show its tilting head steering column, which was designed for the current range of VDL Citea buses. Much like the electric column, the titling head column has been designed with ergonomic considerations at the forefront.
The unique tilting head mechanism allows the column to conform with the industry standard in all of the European Union’s member states, making it the only product of its kind to offer this level of adjustability.
The Pailton team at Busworld in 2019
The Pailton team will be available to talk to visitors about the full range of steering products they offer. As well as steering columns, the Midlands manufacturer produces a range of steering parts and can design complete steering systems. As a mid-volume manufacturer, the company has grown its reputation through custom-engineering and design flexibility.
“It feels a long time since the last Busworld, in 2019,” said Roger Brereton, Head of Sales at Pailton Engineering. “The show has always been a major highlight in our calendar and missing out during the pandemic was frustrating. As you can imagine, we are really looking forward to coming back after four years away.’’
The unveiling of the latest electric column will be a major attraction at the exhibition. ‘‘Electric columns are common in the automotive sector, but our focus is on using this technology for the benefit of the driver, reducing musculoskeletal injuries and improving conditions so that driver retention can be increased and costs associated with absence and injury can be reduced,’’ Roger added. ‘‘It’s about raising awareness of the issues and changing mindsets.’’
The latest version will build upon the industry feedback Pailton received at Busworld in 2019. ‘‘We’ve reduced the packaging size of the column since last time,’’ explained Suraj Jandu, Lead Project Engineer. ‘‘But the biggest challenge has been ensuring the motors were able to operate with the column and the additional weight of the dashboard.’’
To see the next version of the electric column and the tilting head column, please visit Booth 936 in Hall 9.
