specific (about brake systems).” Te reason for the exclusion of the brake interlock, confirmed
by Davis and Price, was because reference to the interlock require- ment was included under the section on transmissions and not the section on brakes. “All three of the major manufacturers missed it,” Davis said, adding that Henrico purchases buses from the three major man- ufacturers. He also indicated that 132 of the district’s 600 buses need to be retrofitted: 83 from Tomas; 38 from IC and 11 from Blue Bird. “We’re hoping everything will be retrofitted in August before school opens on Sept. 5,” he said.
BRAKE DANCING
When equipping school buses with brake systems, OEMs and dealers must dance to the tune of federal and state regulations and hope school districts follow their lead. Te Virginia incident is an anomaly in the industry, but it does suggest that school districts or their purchasing agents need to take a more active role in the purchasing process to see what optional equipment is available. Bruce Miles, Blue Bird’s director of government specifications
and product validation, said school districts should ask OEMs and dealers about their individual state requirements for brake systems according to the size and GVWR of a particular bus, including the size and type of brakes that are recommended for the intended
driving terrain and conditions. “Some states and school districts follow National School Trans-
portation Specifications and allow either hydraulic or air brakes in their specifications,” Miles explained. “Some states may also include hydraulic brakes as a minimum requirement in their spec- ifications but permit an upgrade to air brakes. Tere are also states that list air disc brakes as an approved option.” Te consensus among industry experts is that braking systems, while meeting state and federal requirements of either Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 105 or FMVSS 121, are manufac- tured to fit different size buses. For example, hydraulic brakes meet state and federal requirements for vehicles up to 29,800 pounds, but air drum brakes and air disc brakes are used for larger vehicles, said Bernie laBastide, chief technical engineer of air and hydraulic brakes for IC Bus parent company Navistar. He said the majority of school buses (from 60 to 70 percent, according to industry estimates), have air brakes. “Air brakes are rated higher and are considered a heavier duty,
more robust system,” he said. “Air disc brakes have more of a car-like feel. Drum brakes grab more at slower speeds. Air disc brakes are more maintenance-friendly and perform better, but they are not as cost effective, up front.” laBastide added that the cost of ownership may eventually lessen the additional purchase cost depending on how long the bus is kept.
Buck’s Since 1951
Buck’s Wheel & Equipment “We are the school bus parts specialists”
Buck’s Wheel & Equipment is your #1 source for School Bus Parts. Buck’s Wheel supplies all your major bus parts including Switches, Lights, Seats, Seat Covers, Bluebird, Tomas and also International parts. Please contact your sales representative for any further details and shipping.
Service Dept. • Collision Center • Parts Dept. • Spring Shop Serving the Industry for Over 65 Years.
5101 North Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76179
www.buckswheel.com
Phone: 817-332-1228 Toll Free: 800-792-1011
www.stnonline.com15
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