Confidence in every brake application
Founded in 2005, TLM Auto Braking Systems (Shanghai) specialises in eddy current retarders. Stator and rotor never touch: the vehicle’s kinetic energy is turned into heat without friction — dependable auxiliary braking for buses, trucks and mining dump trucks.
Braking force without contact or friction
An eddy current retarder consists of two main parts — a stator and a rotor. In energy terms, it converts the kinetic energy the vehicle needs to shed into heat in the retarder, via eddy currents.
Rotor turns with the driveshaft
The rotor is mounted on the driveline and turns with the moving vehicle.
Stator coils are energised
When braking is needed, current flows through the stator coils, creating a strong alternating magnetic field.
Eddy currents form
As the rotor cuts the field lines, eddy currents are induced and generate a force opposing its rotation.
Motion becomes heat
The braking energy becomes heat in the retarder and is carried away by the multi-duct rotor.
A gap of about 1–1.5 mm separates stator and rotor, so they never touch in operation — the eddy current retarder is a friction-free brake.
Built for long descents, heavy loads and frequent stops
Design
- Multi-duct rotor for high heat dissipation
- Simple wiring, easy to inspect and maintain
- One-piece stamped stainless-steel or cast aluminium-alloy stator plate: strong and light, with a repair rate of just 5 in 10,000
- Control-unit housings and harnesses in flame-retardant, eco-friendly materials rated to 220 °C
- Quality system to the international IATF 16949:2016 standard
- 80-cycle extreme endurance testing of mechanical parts; electrical parts rated for 10 million cycles
In operation
- Fully electronic control with a 0.02 s response
- Automatic and manual modes, fully supporting the service brakes
- Takes 85% of the braking energy in vehicle operation
- Good low-speed performance for all kinds of transport vehicles
- Shorter braking distance and time — safer, more reliable braking
- Prevents tyre blow-outs from overheated wheel hubs and reduces brake pull
- High performance, environmentally friendly, recyclable
Eight series for buses, coaches and trucks
From 5 m city buses to 90 t wide-body mining trucks, with 400–3,800 N·m of braking torque. Open any series for full model data.
Bus & coach range
Wherever safety matters on the road
Passenger transport
In long-distance coach and city bus operations, many transport companies choose TLM eddy current retarders for a safer, steadier ride.
Tourism
Several large tour operators fit TLM eddy current retarders as the auxiliary braking system of their vehicles to keep travellers safe.
Mining dump trucks
TLM eddy current retarders have become the mainstream choice of auxiliary braking for mining dump trucks.
Logistics
Stable, reliable braking support that keeps cargo safe on the road.
Chassis dynamometers
Widely used in vehicle dynamometer equipment to measure power and braking performance precisely.
Special vehicles
For vehicles carrying hazardous or special goods, a key safety device that controls braking distance and stability.
24-hour hotline, on site within 2 hours locally
Technical exchange and support before, during and after the sale. Authorised TLM service stations, OEM bus-builder after-sales networks and end-user service points form a nationwide network.
About eddy current retarders
Answers are drawn from TLM technical material and its customer Q&A.
How does an eddy current retarder work?
It consists of a stator and a rotor. The rotor turns with the driveshaft; when braking is needed, the stator coils are energised and create a strong alternating magnetic field. The rotor cuts the field lines, eddy currents are induced and a braking force opposes the rotation, turning kinetic energy into heat. A gap of about 1–1.5 mm separates stator and rotor, so the retarder brakes without friction.
What does a TLM retarder bring to a vehicle?
Fully electronic control with a 0.02 s response, automatic and manual modes, and 85% of the braking energy in operation taken by the retarder. It shortens braking distance and time, prevents tyre blow-outs from overheated hubs and reduces brake pull.
Which series fit which vehicles?
For buses and coaches: the A, DX and F series, covering 5–13 m vehicles. For trucks: the AX9, AX8, AX7, AX5 and AX3 series, covering 2–90 t. The AX93-80 delivers 3,800 N·m for 60–90 t 8×4 heavy trucks and wide-body mining trucks.
Is it normal for the retarder to be loud at high speed?
Yes. On a DX1300, for example, the noise is more noticeable above 60 km/h. It comes from air thrown by the rotor at high speed — normal and harmless to operation.
How do I get after-sales service?
Call the free hotline 400-889-1920 (mobile supported), answered 24 hours a day; local service reaches the site within 2 hours. TLM provides after-sales service in 31 provinces and regions of China, with spare parts available on demand.
Tell us about your vehicles and duty cycle
For model selection, quotations or after-sales support, the TLM team will get back to you quickly.
- Address
Building 9, No. 533 Yuanzhong Road, Nanhui Industrial Park, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
- Service hotline400-889-1920
- Switchboard+86 21 6801 5801
- Fax
+86 21 6801 5807
- EmailHR@tlm-auto.com