automatic snow chains - function and areas of application

Function &
areas of application

The system can be installed on almost any light or heavy truck.

Function &
areas of application

The system can be installed on almost any light or heavy truck.

Function &
areas of application

The system can be installed on almost any light or heavy truck.

Why automatic snow chains?

Sudden weather changes, sometimes sleet, sometimes freezing rain, patches of icy road, uncleared yards; these are the typical cases for a Rotachain snow chain. Activated from the driver’s cab, Rotachain brings grip to the wheels in seconds. And even during braking, Rotachain significantly reduces the stopping distance, especially in ABS equipped vehicles. The cumbersome and sometimes dangerous fitting of traditional snow chains in oncoming traffic is often unnecessary.

All this increases the safety of the driver, vehicle, and cargo and ensures timely delivery.

How does this system work?

The operating principle of an automatic snow chain is as simple as it is ingenious.

A pneumatic cylinder, mounted on the drive axle (also known as the base unit), swings an arm with a chain wheel against the inner side of the tire. The chain wheel consists of an aluminum disc with a rubber edge, to which chain strands are attached. When the chain wheel comes into contact with the tire, it begins to rotate synchronously with the wheel’s speed due to the dynamo effect. The chain strands are then thrown between the tire and the snowy road, ensuring that at least two chain strands are always under the wheel.

How do I use automatic snow chains?

Rotachain is activated from the driver’s cab. This can be done both while driving at a maximum of 20 km/h and at a standstill. When the wheels spin, the chain strands are thrown under the drive wheels. From about 3 km/h, grip is achieved under the wheels. Depending on road conditions, Rotachain can be used at speeds of up to 50 km/h. With Rotachain, you achieve the necessary grip during both forward and reverse driving.

Advantages: Activation/Deactivation from the driver’s cab within 3 seconds, can be activated while driving or stationary, maximum permissible speed 50 km/h, works in both forward and reverse driving.