For the first time, Carow manufacturer Smyth Trailers will be showcasing its new SC50 Supercube Pro fitted with the Hydac ADSteer (ADS) electro-hydraulic steering system. Supplied by Distag QCS, Smyth explained that the Hydac ADS system uses hydraulic pressure to control the steering rams on the trailer’s axles, turning them precisely as required.

Thanks to IsoBus integration and power-beyond connections, Smyth says there is now no need for any mechanical linkage between the tractor and trailer.

This removes the traditional steering arm along the drawbar. On positive steering trailers, protective tubing is fitted to shield this steering arm from damage, but with ADS, there is no steering arm at all.

This means the tractor can turn tighter to the drawbar, while still maintaining the same consistent steering angles across all axles.

The ADS system offers three operating modes, all controlled through the IsoBus display in the tractor cab.

The first is automatic mode (A), where the operator simply drives as normal in both forward and reverse, while the ADS system manages all steering functions. Using speed and directional sensors on the steering axles, the system continuously adjusts steering.

As speed increases, the maximum steering angle is reduced to ensure stability and safe handling.

Next up is manual mode (M), which allows the operator to override the system and control the axles’ steering directly.

The IsoBus interface displays left and right controls, allowing the operator to adjust the steering angle (from 0 degrees to 12 degrees). If speed exceeds 8km/h, the system automatically reverts to automatic mode for safety.

The third and final option is crab-steer mode (C). Smyth says this is ideal for tri-axle setups, with crab-steer mode allowing both steering axles to turn in the same direction, enabling the trailer to move laterally.

This helps reduce soil compaction by spreading the load. Smyth says it is also useful in tight yards or gateways to reposition the trailer without risking damage due to tail swing.

The system determines the tractor’s movement using gyroscope sensors mounted on the steering axle kingpins.

Smyth says these sensors communicate with the trailer’s onboard ECU to calculate both direction and steering angle, ensuring smooth operation in both forward and reverse.

All additional elements of the ADS system are located inside a small, waterproof box. Also new for Grass 2026 from Smyth will be the new ‘Power-Tilt’ dump trailer range.

Smyth will also showcase a new SC70 Supercube Pro quad-axle silage trailer. This is a four-axle Canadian-spec trailer.