Jacobs Vehicle Systems Fulcrum Bridge Technology

Fulcrum Bridge technology for the off-highway market eliminates the need to periodically adjust an engine’s lash settings and makes conventional engine braking compatible with lashless technology, widely used by heavy-duty engines in off-highway applications.

The technology removes the traditional need to set and adjust the mechanical clearance in the valve train between valve and camshaft, known as lash, by employing Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA). Hydraulic cam design also allows for more consistent valve motions throughout all engine operating conditions, enhancing engine performance and economy, the company says.

HLA technology has advantages for engine manufacturers because setting lash on engine assembly lines can cause bottlenecks, and advantages for engine operators because the need to check and adjust lash results in increased vehicle downtime. This servicing requirement can be especially inconvenient where engines are in use in off-highway applications because the valve cover must be opened in a clean environment.