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
SecurityTech on the Rise: G+D Reports Strong Order Intake and High Resilience in 20252.4.2026 09:30:00 EEST | Press release
In fiscal year 2025, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) reaffirmed its position as global leader in SecurityTech for mission-critical infrastructure. In a market where security is becoming essential for technological and societal stability, G+D demonstrates strong growth prospects. In 2025, G+D achieved a record order intake of €3.6 billion (+8%). Revenue increased to €3.2 billion (+1%), although exchange rate effects dampened growth. The key figures underscore the company's strong operational performance and profitability: Adjusted EBIT reached a new high of €211 million. The substantial free cash flow of €119 million provides additional leeway for future investments. With its equally strong segments – Digital Security, Financial Platforms and Currency Technology – G+D boasts a resilient portfolio that effectively cushions market volatility. The company's success reflects this strategic strength, combining technological depth, a global presence and operational reliability. G+D is making targeted
Bona Releases 2025 Sustainability Report2.4.2026 09:05:00 EEST | Press release
Bona®, a global, family-owned company that supplies products for installing, renovating, maintaining, and restoring premium floors, has published its 2025 Sustainability Report. The report outlines progress across Bona’s three sustainability pillars – Respect our Planet, Care for People, and Trusted Business – and highlights the continued integration of sustainability into all aspects of its operations. “Our business is built on extending the life of existing flooring materials and reducing the need for replacement,” says Lidija Broström, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Bona. “At Bona, we are making steady progress in reducing our impact while building a stronger foundation for the future. By working closely with our partners, we aim to drive meaningful change across our value chain and contribute to a more sustainable future.” In 2025, Bona reduced total Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (market-based) by 46% compared to its 2022 baseline, reaching 1,338 tonnes of CO₂—surpassi
The Estée Lauder Companies Fully Establishes Its “One ELC” Operating Model and Reaches Milestone in Its Profit Recovery and Growth Plan2.4.2026 00:00:00 EEST | Press release
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) today announced WPP as its first-ever global media partner, marking a significant advancement of its One ELC operating model, a scalable system designed to operate faster, execute with greater discipline, and drive growth. In fully establishing One ELC, the Company also reached a significant milestone in its Profit Recovery and Growth Plan’s (PRGP) Restructuring Program — a key action plan priority of Beauty Reimagined. Stéphane de La Faverie, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies, said, “With the appointment of WPP as our first-ever global media partner, our One ELC operating model is now fully established. This more unified and scalable system will enable us to be faster, more agile and efficient, and support unlocking additional growth. Together with our execution progress, we are confident that we are on a trajectory to deliver sustainable, profitable long-term growth.” de La Faverie added, “Building on our stro
Visual Bank Expands “Qlean Dataset” to Support Large-Scale Japanese Speech Foundation Models1.4.2026 22:45:00 EEST | Press release
Visual Bank Inc. (CEO: Saneyuki Nagai), through its subsidiary amanaimages Inc., one of the largest digital asset providers for the marketing and advertising industry in Japan with over 40 years of history, today announced the expansion of its Qlean Dataset, a premium AI training data solution designed for developers building high-performance Japanese speech foundation models. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260401752248/en/ Visual Bank Group, leveraging over 40 years of expertise through amanaimages Inc., expands Qlean Dataset, delivering high quality, rights cleared Japanese language corpora, including 100,000+ hours of commercially usable audio. A new development within the Qlean Dataset division, which focuses on providing datasets for institutions engaged in research and development, with rights cleared for AI training and large-scale data applications, has positioned the company as a leading provider of
Manna Air Delivery Raises $50Million Series B as It Announces Plans to Expand in the United States1.4.2026 19:00:00 EEST | Press release
Manna Air Delivery, a global leader in consumer drone delivery, has announced a $50 million funding round to scale its proven operations further in the United States and Europe. The round brings Manna’s total funding to $110million. Manna now operates one of the most active consumer drone delivery networks in the world, with more than 250,000 regulated commercial UAV flights completed. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260310714366/en/ Manna Air Delivery raises $50m Series B Investors in the round include ARK Invest, known for backing companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Tesla and SpaceX, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and Schooner Capital, alongside existing investors Coca-Cola HBC and Molten Ventures. As an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery pioneer, Manna has operated in six locations across its native Ireland, as well as in Finland and Texas over the past seven years, delivering items inclu
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