For commercial vehicles and commercial trailers, wheel chocks aren't just an important tool to keep the trailer from rolling away. For heavier vehicles, they are mandatory. For this, AL-KO Vehicle Technology combines aesthetics with practicality – useful and pleasing to the eye. This is because the new, innovative UK 36 KL wheel chock, for example, is more than just safety equipment. The ingenious, ergonomic design of the wheel chock fits snugly in your hand due to its integrated grip, making it easier and safer to use than regular wheel chocks. With a suitable holder, the wheel chock can be properly stowed away when not in use. Naturally, AL-KO also meets the requirement that the new UK 36 KL (K stands for plastic and L for light weight) can be stowed in the existing AL-KO HA 36 St holder. Switching from the old version to the new version is no problem at all – for the same load capacity of 1600 kilograms per chock, you could save approx. 25 per cent of weight.

AL-KO offers different solutions in its wheel chock product range – in two different categories. In the cost-effective BASIC version, designed for less demanding applications, the wheel chocks are made from sendzimir-galvanised sheet steel. In the PLUS version, the version for the highest demands, polypropylene plastic is the preferred material. Both product lines offers wheel chocks in different dimensions and models – with wheel loads from 800 to 6500 kilograms per chock. Thus the user can decide for himself which is the right version for him.

And according to the law, it's mandatory. The following generally apply:

One wheel chock is required for:

• Two-axle trailers with a permitted total weight of over 750 kilograms,
• Motor vehicles with a permitted total weight of over 4000 kilograms.

According to the same regulations, the following must be equipped with at least two wheel chocks:

• Three-axle and multi-axle vehicles,
• Semi-trailers,
• Rigid-axle trailers and centre-axle trailers with a permitted total weight of more than 750 kilograms

According to regulations, the wheel chocks must be safe to handle and adequately effective. They also must be attached in or on the vehicle using holders so they are easily accessible, and the holders must prevent them becoming lost or rattling. The vehicle manufacturer must test the effectiveness of the wheel chocks according to paragraph 41 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). On upward or downward slopes up to 18%, safety must be ensured for the vehicle's empty weight and permitted total weight. Incidentally, all AL-KO wheel chocks conform with DIN standard 76051, version 11/92, which is generally recognised in all European countries.

AL-KO Vehicle Technology can be found at Bauma in hall 4, stand 336.