Fastening & Assembly Solutions & Technology July 2012

FAST JULY 2012
HOW TO: SECURE
Demand grows for
secure off-road vehicles
A rotary latch system has been developed to offer the off-highway industry increased security and safety
The increasing importance of driver
safety and comfort and the overall
security of construction vehicles are the
most common areas of concern for offhighway
equipment operators and constant
areas for improvement for equipment
manufacturers. From a security perspective,
the theft of off-highway and
construction vehicles is rising constantly
and it is estimated that, in the UK alone, it
is costing the construction industry close
to £1 billion each year.
As a consequence, Southco works
closely with OEMs to develop sophisticated
components and systems that offer
greater protection for vehicles by integrating
access control and electromechanical
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locking devises at the point of entry. The
company has developed what it terms a
‘complete’ rotary latch system solution,
from actuation to latching, to meet this
growing demand from the off-highway
sector for increased security of machinery
and construction equipment, and
enhanced safety of operators.
The R4 rotary latch system is an access
solution which presents a flexible package
in each of its three constituents – the
rotary latch, cable and actuator. This system
is specifically designed for exterior
and interior off-highway applications
such as entry doors, engine covers, baggage
doors, access panels, tool boxes,
truck hoods and storage compartments. It
comprises a variety of actuators, together
with cables to connect latches to actuators
for remote latching, a wide array of latches
and trigger options to meet the requirements
and preferences of customers, and
a range of accessories to complete the
system.
Southco is a leading global provider of
engineered access solutions, including
latches, locks, captive fasteners, hinges,
handles, and other accessories for applications
in the marine, networking,
telecommunications, computer, automotive,
aerospace, mass transit, off-highway/construction,
RV/caravan, industrial
machinery and HVAC industries.
SOUTHCO EUROPE 01905 346500