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Review of EU Regulation 2015/68
Summary
EU Regulation 2015/68 is an important piece of secondary legislation that sets out the technical requirements for the braking systems of agricultural and forestry machinery. This regulation was prepared within the scope of Framework Regulation No. 167/2013 and aims to increase braking safety in tractors, trailers, and interchangeable towed equipment. The regulation defines performance criteria and type approval processes for elements such as service brakes, parking brakes, emergency brakes, and pneumatic and hydraulic braking systems.
1. Introduction
The increase in the use of agricultural and forestry vehicles on roads has made it necessary to bring the safety standards of these vehicles into line with those of motor vehicles. To this end, the European Union has enacted Regulation No. 167/2013, which provides a comprehensive framework for the type approval of agricultural vehicles. Regulation 2015/68 is the technical implementing regulation of this framework, focusing on braking systems.
2. Scope and Basis of the Regulation
Regulation 2015/68 was adopted based on Regulation 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Scope:
• Wheeled agricultural tractors (Category T),
• Agricultural trailers (Category R),
• Removable towed equipment (Category S) equipped with braking systems.
The Regulation details the technical requirements that these vehicles must meet before being placed on the EU market.
3. Essential Requirements for Braking Systems
The regulation sets out separate performance criteria for different types of brakes:
3.1 Service Brake
The service brake must ensure that the vehicle can be slowed down and stopped safely during normal use. The regulation defines minimum deceleration values at specific speeds, under loaded and unloaded conditions.
3.2 Parking Brake
The parking brake must ensure that the vehicle remains stationary on sloping surfaces. The durability and effectiveness of mechanical or hydraulic systems are evaluated in this context.
3.3 Emergency Brake
It is mandatory to have a backup braking capability that will maintain control of the vehicle in the event of a failure in part of the braking system.
3.4 Air and Hydraulic Brake Systems
For air brake systems used especially in trailers and semi-trailers;
• Pressure levels,
• Air reservoirs,
• Connection hoses,
• Brake response times are regulated in detail. In this respect, Regulation 2015/68 has significantly increased the road safety of agricultural trailers.
4. Type Approval and Conformity Process
The Regulation defines the test procedures required for vehicle manufacturers to obtain type approval. Verification of brake performance through laboratory and field tests is mandatory. Furthermore, conformity checks are envisaged to ensure the continuity of conformity of series production with the approved type.
5. Impact of Implementation on the Sector
With the entry into force of Regulation 2015/68:
• Manufacturers have turned to more advanced braking technologies,
• The use of air braking systems has become widespread,
• The risk of agricultural vehicles being involved in road traffic accidents has decreased.
This regulation has created significant compliance requirements in the design and production processes, particularly for third-country manufacturers exporting to the EU.
6. Conclusion
Regulation 2015/68 aims to increase both user safety and the overall safety of road traffic by standardizing brake safety in agricultural and forestry vehicles. With its technical details and comprehensive testing requirements, it plays a critical role in the integration of agricultural vehicles into modern transportation systems.
References (Informative)
• Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council
• Commission Regulation (EU) No 2015/68[/woodmart_text_block][/vc_column][/vc_row]
