The Next Evolution of the JOST KKS Automatic Coupling System: the KKS-U Connector
16.5.2023 11:00:00 EEST | Business Wire | Press release
In April 2021 JOST introduced the revolutionary KKS automatic coupling system. It enables the driver to couple and uncouple the semi-trailer via remote control – automatically, safely and quickly. Climbing out of the cabin, cranking down the landing gear and manually connecting the spiral cable, air and brake connections are all a thing of the past. Now JOST presents the latest development of the KKS: the KKS-U Connector which is retrofittable to existing trailers that already are on the roads of this world.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230516005001/en/
The KKS-U Connector is easily retrofittable to trailers that are already in use. (Photo: JOST)
Coupling and uncoupling a trailer is still a lengthy, expensive and hazardous procedure. The truck driver has to be aware of many different things, each of which are time-consuming and pose a hazard to health and safety. As the global market leader for fifth wheel couplings and landing gears, JOST is providing a smart solution for the future of coupling with its KKS automatic coupling system. The KKS 42 fifth wheel coupling, Modul E-Drive electric landing gear, sensor coupling system, 3-sensors, LubeTronic automatic lubrication system, KKS remote control and the ISO 13044-2-certified KKS connector all combine to form an innovative system for the coupling process.
KKS-U Connector retrofittable to existing trailers
Until now the KKS was a solution for mixed fleets and new trailers. JOST has now further developed the system and is introducing the new KKS-U Connector to the market. Fitted to the underside of the trailer, the KKS-U Connector is an alternative installation variant and enables fleet operators to equip existing trailers easily with the KKS. It connects all the mechanical, electric, and air connections between the truck and trailer, eliminating the need for the standard vulnerable air, electrics and ABS/EBS spiral lines.
The KKS-U basically consists of three parts: the reliable future-proof and ISO 13044-2 compliant standard wedge, the steel spring and the cable box. The newly designed wedge has the familiar KKS connector installed inside. It is attached to the high-quality JOST king pin and rotates around it when cornering. The steel spring encases the supply lines for air, brake and electric safely and reliably. The supply lines are safely stowed in the KKS cable box and are fed into the steel spring when cornering.
“The KKS-U Connector is a unique solution for all trailers that are already in operation. Due to a particularly straightforward installation, they can be effortlessly equipped with the KKS system. No modifications to the trailer chassis are necessary”, said Andreas Jakubin, Product Manager KKS. “Thus, the KKS-U contributes to further savings in time and expenses as well as avoidance of accidents.”
Advantages of the KKS: more efficiency and safety for truck drivers
Using the KKS automatic coupling system can cut the time required to change a trailer by up to 50 percent, as there is no need to manually crank the landing gear, connect the supply lines or open the fifth wheel coupling. The KKS significantly reduces the total costs for each circuit, with savings of up to 50 percent possible during the coupling and uncoupling process. It is particularly well suited for transport companies which perform coupling processes often and drive short distances, such as those in on-site transport, as the time saved here really pays off financially. Another application is the transport of goods where safety plays a key role, such as hazardous goods, as the sensor monitoring guarantees a high level of security against trailer losses and incorrect coupling. The KKS is also an ideal solution for transport between production sites and logistics facilities. Errors or damage caused during the coupling process are eliminated completely thanks to monitoring through the KKS remote control. For example, the Modul E-Drive landing gear is always fully retracted automatically. Moreover, the KKS reduces the probability of trailer losses due to erroneous operation, damage and occupational accidents to virtually zero.
Furthermore, the KKS makes all the physically demanding tasks of the coupling process a thing of the past, as well as ensuring that this process is no longer dependent on the weather or time of day and significantly reducing stress. A standard pneumatic cylinder opens the fifth wheel coupling effortlessly, even when the tractor-trailer is twisted. The automatic coupling process means that the driver does not have to climb in and out of the cab as often, nor climb onto the catwalk between truck and semi-trailer – two factors that significantly reduce the potential for injury. These benefits mean the KKS opens new possibilities for a more diverse driver pool; as such, JOST is providing an answer to demographic change and the lack of specialist workers.
More information on the KKS and KKS-U Connector online at: kks-futurenow.com
About JOST:
JOST is a world-leading producer and supplier of safety-critical systems for the commercial vehicle industry. Under the umbrella brand of JOST, the comprehensive range of products is broken down into systems for applications on the road and in agriculture:
The JOST brand includes fifth wheel couplings, landing gears, ball bearing turntables, king pins and container locks as well as components for alternating systems. Truck and trailer axles are also sold under the JOST brand. The tradition-steeped ROCKINGER brand comprises the core components of towing hitches, drawbar eyes and drawbars for transporters and trucks. TRIDEC offers steering systems and axle suspensions for trailers.
ROCKINGER products are also used in agricultural applications. Quicke has been part of the JOST family since February 2020 and specialises in agricultural front loaders and equipment.
JOST currently employs over 3,600 staff worldwide and has sales and production sites in over 20 countries and on all five continents. JOST has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Further information on JOST can be found here: www.jost-world.com
Press images can be found here: https://www.jost-world.com/en/corporate/mediacenter/press-releases.html
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230516005001/en/
Contact information
Christin Zindritsch
Manager Marketing Communications
christin.zindritsch@jost-world.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
TTNE Announces the World Sauna Award “SAUNA37 2026”10.3.2026 05:00:00 EET | Press release
TTNE Inc. today announced “SAUNA37 2026”, the world sauna award recognizing 37 sauna destinations worldwide This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260308149186/en/ SAUNA37 Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to the global growth of sauna culture and create a future where people around the world can lead happier and healthier lives through saunas. TTNE was founded by Totonoe Oyakata (Dai Matsuo) and Sauna Master (Daisuke Akiyama), who have personally experienced some of the world's finest saunas. Their desire to establish a similar deep-rooted sauna culture in Japan led to the creation of TTNE. As people once again have the opportunity to explore sauna experiences around the world, SAUNA37 aims to introduce the diverse and unique sauna facilities and cultures across the globe. Through this initiative, we seek to further evolve Japan’s sauna culture while also sharing it with the world. TTNE remains committed
Hexagon Semi’s HX77 AR Display Processor Achieves Ultra-Low Power Consumption with VeriSilicon’s Nano IP Portfolio10.3.2026 02:00:00 EET | Press release
VeriSilicon (688521.SH) today announced that Hefei Hexagon Semiconductor (Hexagon Semi), an image processing SoC provider, has adopted VeriSilicon’s proven IP portfolio in its high-performance HX77 series image processing SoC. The adopted IPs include the GCNanoUltraV 2.5D Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) IP, DW100 DeWarp Processing IP, and DC9200Nano Display Processing IP. The SoC has successfully taped out, achieving a first-pass silicon success. The HX77 series is a highly integrated, low-power image processing SoC based on RISC-V architecture, integrating comprehensive video input/output interfaces, image processing, and system control capabilities. By leveraging an innovative heterogeneous computing architecture and sophisticated power management technology, HX77 has successfully achieved a technological breakthrough that enables 2K@60fps output with mere milliwatt-level power consumption. HX77 has also realized the 3DoF hover feature on end devices through spatial computing. In addi
Operio Group Named Distributor for Schaefer Technologies in the United Kingdom and European Union9.3.2026 23:00:00 EET | Press release
Operio Group has signed a distribution agreement with Schaefer Technologies, a manufacturer of semi-automatic encapsulation equipment. Operio Group, a holding company building a global group of brands serving the solid dose manufacturing industry, will be the official distributor of Schaefer Technologies’ products in the United Kingdom and the European Union. Schaefer Technologies develops semi-automatic capsule filling systems, including equipment that produces banded capsules for liquid and pellet formulations used by nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Leadership from both companies worked together to establish the agreement, including Kevin Schaefer, CEO of Schaefer Technologies Inc., and Alastair Sanderson, Chief Business Development Officer at Operio Group. “Schaefer Technologies is looking forward to our new relationship with Operio Group,” said Schaefer. “Their understanding of the pharmaceutical equipment market makes them a strong partner as we combine our experti
Kinaxis Goes All-In on Innovation at Upcoming Kinexions in Las Vegas9.3.2026 20:00:00 EET | Press release
Registration is officially open for Kinexions North America, the premier global supply chain orchestration conference hosted by Kinaxis® Inc. (TSX: KXS). Taking place June 1–3 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the event brings together supply chain leaders, innovators and practitioners from around the world to explore how organizations can leverage AI-driven strategies and technologies to connect data, people and decisions. After a year defined by market volatility, geopolitical risk and disruption, this year’s conference will focus on how intelligent supply chain orchestration enables organizations to move beyond reactive planning to building true enterprise adaptability. The program promises to be the most immersive and future-forward Kinexions yet, with renowned author, entrepreneur and innovation expert, Peter Hinssen confirmed as a featured keynote address. “Kinexions has always been the place where the best in supply chain come together to calibrate and share ideas, rethink what’s possible a
Radial Selects Riskified to Power Payment Fraud and Refund/Return Protection for Merchant Client Portfolio9.3.2026 16:00:00 EET | Press release
Riskified (NYSE: RSKD), a leader in ecommerce fraud and risk intelligence, today announced a strategic partnership with Radial, a leading 3PL set to become Paxon later this year. Radial will integrate with Riskified’s AI-powered platform to help its merchants approve more legitimate orders and reduce losses from payment fraud, including many merchants that use Shopify as their ecommerce platform. Radial supports many of the world’s most recognized retail brands with a global ecommerce fulfillment network of more than 20 centers across North America, helping merchants deliver orders quickly and cost effectively. By bringing Riskified’s AI-powered fraud decisioning into its commerce ecosystem, Radial gives merchants the surgical ability to calibrate the checkout experience according to risk—without slowing fulfillment. This also supports brands seeking to expand into new markets. Riskified empowers Radial's customers with accurate, real-time fraud decisions at checkout, approving or decl
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom