Fluid Power Design Ltd

We solve engineering problems in many industries, with a particular focus on applications within the transport sector. We help our clients reduce costs and increase productivity through design and manufacturing optimisation, whether the requirement be for a completely new design or for an upgrade to an existing system. Our design team consists of engineering professionals with years of experience in automotive, rail, agricultural and heavy earth moving machinery. They use the latest CAD facilities to create innovative designs based on sound engineering principles and tailored to the client’s specific requirements. We offer a complete service, including product installation and comprehensive aftersales support. Our Nexus brand of automotive products include A Frame, Boom and Sliding Bridge systems for tractor trailer couplings. Additionally, we offer booms to ADR specification for the transfer of liquid petroleum from tanker trailers to storage tanks. We also produce systems and products for the railway industry. Examples include emergency track brake systems, cooling systems, gangway strut systems and a hot water dispensing system for in-car mobile catering trolleys. We have also produced test rigs that assist in equipment development and verify manufacturing processes. Examples of these include a carriage movement simulator, a suspension stiffness test rig, and a bogie ride height test rig.

Nexus A Frame

The Nexus A Frame system raises the current service connection points to a higher physical location at the rear of the cab, allowing easy and convenient access to the trailer couplings. We design the Nexus A Frame to meet vehicle manufacturer and customer specifications.

Nexus Sliding Bridge

The Nexus Sliding Bridge attaches to the tractor, and reduces the amount of stretch required of electrical and hydraulic leads during maximum articulation. It achieves this by using a free flowing Distribution Plate to allow the vehicle services to move freely across the rear of the cab. This helps prevent tangling or breaking of the leads. The services can also be moved to facilitate trailer connection and disconnection.

Nexus Boom System

The Nexus Boom System connects services between the tractor and trailer and helps achieve the maximum working life of the connecting Suzies by reducing dragging and stretching. The boom is mounted by a cross-channel in front of the fifth wheel plate, and protrudes under the trailer. The boom arm, which rotates on a bracket, articulates with the trailer.

We can customise the Nexus Boom to meet the specific vehicle and application requirements of each
combination of tractor and trailer. For example, to fit a Nexus Boom to a car transporter, we modified the standard configuration to accommodate the positioning and support of the additional hydraulic lines that operate the car decks.

Nexus Trailer Interface

The Nexus Trailer Interface allows the operator to couple and uncouple the trailer at ground level, using a single rail system with two channels. The design of the Nexus Trailer Interface enables 75% free movement of the trailer service distribution plate (SDP) across the trailer front headboard. The SDP can be pulled out beyond the side of the trailer in three easy steps for uncoupling and coupling of the trailer.