Voith retarders – for greater safety, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability

Voith retarders – for greater safety, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability

Contact our experts The Voith retarder portfolio Turbo Retarder Clutch VIAB

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.

Contact our experts

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

Voith retarder operating principles

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.
VT DRIVE Truck

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.

Retarder VR 3250
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.
Learn more

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

Electric motors EVO 330 and EVO 390
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.
Learn more

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)

Retarder VR 115 CT
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.
Learn more

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
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.
Learn more

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. 

Electric motors EVO 330 and EVO 390
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.
Learn more

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
Improve your Retarder with the new Mechatronic Retarder Control Unit (MRCU)

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.

Download brochure
VT OnTrack Gravel Plant Mueller

Transmitting power efficiently – with the Turbo Retarder Clutch VIAB

VT OnTrack Gravel Plant Mueller
VT OnTrack Gravel Plant Mueller
VT OnTrack Gravel Plant Mueller
prev
next

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

Easy transportation of heavy loads
Easy transportation of heavy loads

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.

Read more
Pure power and highest precision
Pure power and highest precision

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?
We’re here to help!

Contact our retarder experts

t +49 7951 32-1555

Your message to us

Place your spare parts order

t +49 7321 37-4000

Your message to us

Further information about Voith retarders

  • Interactive flash animation for downloading

    ZIP, 0.30 MB
    German

The Voith retarder in a comparison test

Comparing the braking of a Renault Range T truck with and without retarder (English)

Our Service - Part of Your Business

Where your truck is in good hands
Why use Voith Service?
Why use Voith Service?

  • Everything from a single source: development, design, production – and service!
  • Decades of product experience as an original equipment manufacturer and service provider
  • Fast and smooth cooperation and best service thanks to a worldwide network of service locations
  • Long-term partnership and planning security are guaranteed due to longstanding corporate stability

To our entire service portfolio Voith Turbo Webshop

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

More products for the mobility of the future

Plug & Drive H2 Storage System

The Voith Plug & Drive H2 Storage System is making a major contribution to the decarbonization of heavy goods transport worldwide and delivers outstanding performance.

Read more