Next-gen Jake Brake coming to market in 2019

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Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ)  /  September 27, 2017

The next generation of the so-called Jake Brake, built by Jacobs Manufacturers, will likely come to market in 2019, the company announced Wednesday at the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta.

The new High Power Density engine brake will offer twice the braking power as the current Jake Brake and will provide improved engine braking capabilities at a lower rpm range, says Jacobs’ VP of Engineer Steve Ernest. The system is designed to improve fuel economy when the engine brake is engaged and help keep foundation brakes cooler, Ernest says.

The company, which sells almost exclusively to original equipment manufacturers, says at least one truck maker is scheduled to begin adding the new Jake Brake to trucks built in 2019. Others will follow suit “into the 2020s,” says Ernest.  Current braking capacity at 2,100 rpms will be available at only 1,300 rpm with the HPD system, Ernest adds.

Jacobs also says it is developing and testing another technology, Active Decompression, to aid in start-stop applications. The system is designed to reduce engine — and, thus — truck vibrations associated with start-stop functionality. Start-stop capabilities is a growing trend in the industry. The systems cut engines off and on in high-idle situations such as congestion. Jacobs’ system intends to make start-stop more comfortable for drivers.

The company recently sold its 7 millionth Jake Brake, it also announced at the show.

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Jacobs announces new Jake Brake coming in 2019

Truck News  /  September 27, 2017

ATLANTA, Ga. – Jacobs Vehicle Systems is hoping to release its next generation of the Jake Brake in 2019, the company revealed at the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show today.

According to Jacobs, the new High-Power Density (HPD) engine brake  is the “next logical step in engine braking.”

Steve Ernest, the v.p. of engineering at Jacobs, said that the HPD has been proven to offer twice the braking power as its current Jake Brake, while working at a lower rpm range.

“It’s the next generation of engine braking, we believe,” Ernest said. “It will improve your foundation brake life, increase truck uptime and truck productivity, and increase your resale value.”

The new brake will also deliver the retarding power needed to compensate for decreased aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance of the latest trucks, compensate for the trend towards lower engine speed operation, and operate at the speed you use, and avoid downshifting during retarding, the company claims.

Because the company sells predominantly to OEMs, Ernest predicted that the new engine brake will be installed on trucks made in 2019-2020.

The company also took time at the NACV show to announce that it has sold its 7 millionth engine brake in its lifetime.

“We could not have reached this milestone without the success of our customers around the world,” Ernest said. “By developing the latest in engine braking and valve actuation technology for our customers, we provide fleets with the reliability, performance, and value that they come to expect from Jacobs.”