Evolution of our products

1945 – 1960

ADR setting the trends over the years!

During World War II, the axle played a pivotal role in agricultural transportation. Following the war, Europe witnessed significant agricultural advancements in response to the growing demand for food. Traditional animal-drawn agricultural wagons quickly gave way to tractor-pulled trailers, enabling the management of larger quantities of agricultural produce.

Initially, surplus war materials were repurposed for axle production, including axles, wheels, and engines. However, as the availability of such materials depleted, the production of axles from scratch became necessary. The initial axles were comprised of machined iron bars with forged steel hubs, tapered roller bearings, and a retention nut and iron washer for rear hold. These axles had a load capacity requirement of 2-6 tons. During this time, certification was not mandatory, and the axles were not equipped with dedicated brakes.

1960 – 1970

Axles evoltion

During the 1960s, the enhanced speed and power of tractors prompted the introduction of braking systems to enhance the safety of trailers. This led to the installation of drum brakes on the axles.

The braking mechanism was manually activated through a linkage system. The drum brakes had dimensions ranging from 200 to 300 mm in diameter and widths of 40 to 60 mm. Initially, they were constructed from sheet metal but later transitioned to forged steel for improved durability.

The hubs, made of forged steel, underwent notable improvements during this period. Rubber rear seals were introduced to enhance grease retention and extend the lifespan of the bearings. Additionally, the use of pins and nuts to secure the wheels was implemented, resulting in overall improvements in quality and performance.

1970 – 1980

Importance of braking

The population decline in rural areas and the need for labour reduction led to a demand for larger trailers and powerful, high-speed tractors. Simultaneously, the development of specialized agricultural machinery called for advanced solutions. As a result, there was a need for axles with increased load capacities, reaching up to 8-10 tons.

In response to the chaotic traffic conditions and the importance of road safety, there was a shift towards safer and more efficient braking systems. This transition involved replacing smaller brakes with steel drums with larger brakes, ranging from 350x60 to 400x80, which were equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic controls interconnected and operated by the tractor.

ADR extended its presence beyond Uboldo to various European countries, actively participating in the technical advancements of agricultural axles. Furthermore, the company expanded its product range to cater to the diverse needs of different markets. ADR stood out as one of the pioneering Italian factories to obtain certification for its brakes in collaboration with Tüv in Germany.

1980 – 1990

Innovation in agricultural mechanisation

During the transformative era of the 1980s, the agricultural mechanization landscape witnessed a dynamic surge in innovation and evolution, catalysing a profound shift within the axle manufacturing industry. To retain a competitive edge, it became imperative to establish a robust technical infrastructure, elevate product quality, make substantial investments in production facilities, and actively support customers in obtaining approvals for their machinery across diverse European nations. This metamorphosis led to the evolution of axle manufacturers from mere artisans into well-structured enterprises, equipped to swiftly adapt to the ever-changing demands of the market.

In this ever-evolving scenario, ADR emerged as a steadfast and unwavering beacon for trailer manufacturers and farmers, assuming a prominent role in propelling the technological advancements of agricultural axles. This has been possible thanks to a continuous journey of enhancements, encompassing the expansion of bearing dimensions, the refinement of brake systems, the strengthening of axle bodies, and the implementation of high-grade braking materials. The incorporation of variable thickness brake shoes not only bolstered durability but also significantly reduced maintenance requirements, cementing ADR's position as a driving force behind innovation in the realm of agricultural axles.

1990 – 2000

Suspensions

During this decade, ADR made significant advancements in the construction techniques of agricultural axles, distinguishing itself from competitors. Recognizing the market's evolving demands for increased capacities, improved braking capabilities, and higher speeds without compromising stability and safety, ADR's engineers realized that existing methodologies fell short.

To address these challenges, ADR strategically acquired COLAERT ESSIUEX, a specialized French company known for producing axles, leaf springs, and suspensions. This acquisition allowed ADR to expand its product range and effectively cater to emerging needs. Additionally, ADR became the pioneering manufacturer to introduce ductile iron hubs, a ground-breaking solution that overcame the construction limitations associated with steel forging. This bold decision involved substantial investments and rigorous testing. However, it propelled ADR to the forefront, establishing it as the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural axles.

This decade also witnessed the introduction of self-steering axles in the market. These axles were crucial for agricultural machinery equipped with two or more axles featuring wider and larger wheels. ADR played a pivotal role in this development by successfully designing and industrializing a comprehensive range of self-steering and steering-driven axles, with load capacities ranging from 7 to 22 tons. Leveraging the expertise of Colaert Essieux in suspension design and manufacturing (including bogie, tandem, tridem, and quadrem), the ADR Group was able to offer complete, ready-to-assemble solutions for agricultural trailers.

2000-2010

Evolution of ADR axles

ADR, a renowned global leader in agricultural axles, remains dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that align with evolving market demands. In the new millennium, ADR made significant technological advancements by introducing industrial brakes specifically tailored for the agricultural sector. These brakes featured steel brake supports, double-rib blocks, and "S" shaped control cams, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Furthermore, ADR unveiled the innovative "Blackbull" series of self-steering axles, characterized by a tubular axle body. This pioneering design allowed for the creation of axles that were lighter, stronger, and more cost-effective. The development of this series was made possible through ADR's exclusive construction technique, honed through years of experience in production departments and rigorous testing in state-of-the-art laboratories. As a result, ADR continues to deliver axles that meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and efficiency in the agricultural industry.

2010 – 2020

The new axle bodies

Throughout this decade, ADR Group continued to lead the way in the advancement of self-steering axles, introducing the dual-mode version that offered enhanced precision and flexibility in steering modes. This innovation allowed for improved control and manoeuvrability of agricultural machinery. Significant developments were also made in suspension systems, with hydraulic solutions gradually replacing mechanical systems. The adoption of hydraulic suspension brought numerous advantages in terms of safety and handling, enhancing the overall performance and behaviour of agricultural machinery.

ADR further distinguished itself through a revolutionary approach to axle construction by introducing the "TEKNOAX" series. This ground-breaking design featured a tubular structure that eliminated the need for welding in the construction of the axle body. This innovation resulted in increased strength, reduced weight, and decreased maintenance requirements. Additionally, the TEKNOAX axles exhibited exceptional durability, capable of withstanding sudden overloads during intense usage.

ADR's growth was not solely focused on product advancements but also on providing exceptional services to its customers. The implementation of the OriginalK ADR Spare Parts system simplified consultation and support, enabling customers to easily find and obtain the correct spare parts for their needs. Recognizing the importance of proper maintenance, ADR introduced the TEKNOAX 2.0 ADR RFID app, granting easy access to axle history and detailed component usage information. Overall, ADR Group demonstrated a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction by continually pushing boundaries in axle technology, suspension systems, and service offerings.

2020 – 2030

Future is now

What future developments does ADR Group have in store?

ADR Group is actively working on new advancements that involve the integration of electronics in axle and suspension management. These innovative solutions are set to be fully implemented in the coming decade. ADR has already conducted extensive internal testing in its laboratories, and ongoing field tests are being conducted in collaboration with customers and agro-mechanical entrepreneurs who have been long-standing partners of ADR. The valuable feedback and contributions from these users are greatly appreciated.

What is ADR Group requesting from these users?

ADR Group invites these users to utilize and thoroughly test the proposed solutions on their agricultural machinery, aiming to identify any areas for improvement in the new solutions. By actively engaging with these users, ADR Group seeks to gather valuable insights and feedback to enhance the performance and effectiveness of their products.

What areas is ADR Group testing for the coming years?

Within the ADR on-site forge, the focus is currently on testing new steering axles equipped with various systems and control devices. Additionally, hydraulic suspensions designed for high capacities are being explored, where the mechanical components interface with hydraulics and electronics. ADR Group is also exploring new concept solutions with the goal of significantly reducing maintenance requirements, ultimately striving to achieve "MAINTENANCE-FREE" products. These ongoing tests and innovations represent ADR Group's commitment to continuous improvement and pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology.