British company goes off-road to success!

A small British engineering company has launched a new axle differential locking system and a range of driveline componentry upgrade products, designed to improve the traction, mobility and off-road performance of 4x4 vehicles.

KAM Differentials Limited of Godalming, Surrey, which has already carved a niche market worldwide for its Land Rover upgrade products, was set up in 1991 with a grant of £5000.00 from the Prince’s Youth Business Trust. Now, it has just signed a major contract to supply its latest system as a standard production fit for the PS10 4x4, made by Santana of Spain, one of the world’s leading 4x4 utility vehicle manufacturers. It is also working on systems to fit a further range of top brand 4x4 vehicles. To-date, the company has already sold over 3000 of its current design diff-lockers and over 6000 up-rated half shafts.

At the heart of the new system is a solenoid operated precision locking device, which can be engaged to significantly increase traction in difficult conditions. The design has been developed through KAM’s extensive experience in the off-road competition and motorsport sector, where its extreme-duty upgraded components have earned it a reputation amongst participants in events such as the Paris-Dakar Rally. The company hopes that its track record in such applications will also help its new system appeal to military users. The system can be retrofitted to existing axles as well as incorporated during new-build assembly.

The company also manufactures a range of high performance crown wheel and pinion assemblies, which appear in a number of racecars and specialist vehicles. Its established range of upgrade and off-road performance enhancing products are already sold on the export market through KAM’s network of dealers and agents in 35 countries.

KAM diff-locker system components are available in a range of ratios, depending on application – or low-end or top speed requirement. Typically, a KAM differential locking kit is supplied complete with a heavy-duty carrier and carrier bearings – and strengthened half shafts. Remarkably, costs are modest – and, for example, a standard 110 Series Land Rover can be upgraded with the system for well under £1000.00, excluding fitting.

Founder and Managing Director of KAM Differentials Limited, Kevin Mason says, “We have been working tirelessly to perfect this design for some years – and we are fortunate to have had the opportunity to test and prove the system components at every stage, through our involvement with the extreme conditions of off-road motorsport and competition. Now, we believe that we have a successful British product, fit for world markets – and we can move towards volume production with confidence. Initially, we will offer the system for Land Rover and Santana variants.”

The company has been supported throughout its development programme by sections within the DTI and by the specialist engineering research and development unit at Newcastle University.

For more information, visit kamdiffs.com.