NORTH MANKATO, Minn. — MICO, Incorporated offers a Full-Power Brake System with ABS and Traction Control to provide added control for multi-wheeled vehicles operated both on and off-highway. The system enhances vehicle stability while decreasing stopping distances and improving acceleration under low traction conditions. As many as eight wheels can be controlled independently of the others, which makes the system easily adaptable to four-wheeled, six-wheeled and eight-wheeled vehicles.
The electronic control unit (ECU) monitors wheel speed and brake line pressures with sensors added to the machine. When wheel lock-up or wheel slip conditions exist, the electronic control unit’s embedded software algorithms determine the current needed at the electrohydraulic control valves to improve the operator’s control of the vehicle. System status outputs are provided to light ABS and low traction lamps for operator warning and to meet on-highway regulations.
In addition to controlling outputs, the embedded program in the electronic control unit allows it to communicate via CAN (controller area network) with a laptop computer running Windows 2000 or XP. Communication between the electronic control unit and the laptop requires a USB-to-CAN dongle and Diagnostic Interface Software on the laptop. The Diagnostic Interface has various user levels that are password protected to allow access to viewing diagnostic information and modifying system parameters.
MICO works with manufacturers to custom design products to meet their specific needs. In addition to providing a Full-Power Brake System with ABS and Traction Control tailored to particular vehicle requirements, the company also can customize system options. A skid-steer option can be incorporated to shorten the turning distance on long, multi-wheeled vehicles by electronically applying brake pressure to the inside wheels. Downhill speed control can be incorporated, which, when activated, would prevent the vehicle from over-speeding on a decline by applying the brakes to maintain desired speed.
The system is available in whole or in part, based on a customer’s needs. ABS and traction control can be added to a vehicle that already has a full-power brake system installed. Furthermore, the brake system can be implemented with either ABS or traction control — or both — based on the operator’s needs.
MICO, Incorporated designs, manufactures and markets brake systems, hydraulic components and controls, primarily for off-road markets. For more information, contact MICO, Incorporated, 1911 Lee Boulevard, North Mankato, MN 56003, call 507-625-6426, fax 507-625-3212, send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit the company’s Web site at www.mico.com.
