on Ready Mix Concrete Trucks & Commercial Vehicles
Improves Brake Life | Safer Downhill Driving
What is an engine brake?
A compression release engine brake, compression brake, or decompression brake, (frequently called a “Jacobs brake” or “Jake Brake”), is an engine braking mechanism. When activated, it opens exhaust valves to the cylinders, releasing the compressed gas trapped in the cylinders, and slowing the vehicle.
Clessie Cummins, the founder of Cummins Engine Company, was granted a patent for the engine compression brake in 1965. The first company to manufacture them was Jacobs Vehicle Systems, thus the terms “Jacobs brake” and “Jake Brake.”
When used correctly, engine brakes dramatically improve brake life. They also provide safer downhill driving, because they disperse the forward momentum of the truck, rather than allow that momentum to force continued RPMs.
How do you use it?
The engine brake is activated by either a switch on the right steering stalk, or by a rocker switch on the dash.
The engine braking system has three positions: Low, Medium, and High. As you pull the stalk toward you, it will turn on the icon on the dash, indicating what level the brake is set for.
All the driver must do is turn this on, and then when you take your foot off the gas pedal, the truck will begin to slow down on its own. The different levels are the amount of braking that is applied.
So, when driving a concrete mixer truck that is empty, it should be in the Low or Medium position. When driving with a load, it should be in the High position.
When using this system, you will need to use the brake pedal very little to stop — if you are planning your stops far ahead. The brakes on these trucks are very expensive, and should last years if engine braking is used as well.
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