how Susie Coils got their name

How Susie Coils Got Their Name

Have you ever wondered how Susie Coils got their name? Paul Matthei has, and he delves into this while also providing some tips on how to look after them and maximise their lifespan. 
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random supply of components and materials

Random Supply of Components and Materials

Ankit Mistry has been tasked to solve issues in the random supply of components and materials from the supply chain and unpredicted increases in pricing that makes the maintenance of profitability challenging as Purchasing and Logistics Manager with MaxiTRANS at the Trout River facility at Hallam in Victoria.
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improving trailer tare

Improving Trailer Tare

Most trucking operators are always looking to improve productivity and one of the methods of achieving this is improving trailer tare. At this year’s LBRCA Conference, PowerTorque found an operator who has come across a useful weight saving trailer design.
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what would happen if trailers were wider?

What Would Happen if Trailers Were Wider?

In the second in a two part series, the question Australian Trucking Association Chief Engineer, Bob Woodward is asking is, what would happen if trailers were wider? The Federal Government is currently processing legislation in readiness to implement an optional vehicle width increase to 2.55metres (with conditions). The ATA propose an extension of the width limit to 2.6 metres.
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keep your fifth wheel in peak condition

Keep Your Fifth Wheel in Peak Condition

It is sometimes assumed that the fifth wheel is a ‘set and forget’ component, but in actual fact it should be inspected, lubricated and, if necessary, adjusted at least every three months or 40,000km, whichever comes first, you really need to keep your fifth wheel in peak condition. 
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test truck components to their limits

Test Truck Components to Their Limits

Australian Multiple Combinations test truck components to their limits, and a new initiative is setting up a real world coupling testing program, to assess the forces exerted on the connections between road train elements.
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five things you need to know about fifth wheels

Five Things You Need to Know About Fifth Wheels

Safety, stability, improved turning radius and ease of coupling and uncoupling are among the many benefits of a truck’s fifth wheel, but this vital component requires regular maintenance and here are five things you need to know about fifth wheels.
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forces at play between elements of a road train

Forces at Play Between Elements of a Road Train 

Measuring the forces at play between elements of a road train uses what is called the D-value, measured in kilonewtons (kN) and representing the theoretical horizontal force between towing vehicle and trailer, and between trailers. 
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Real World Coupling Testing Program

Real World Coupling Testing Program

Making sure operators use a coupling which is up to the job on multiple combinations is vital and this real world coupling testing program will improve the knowledge base. However the data needs to be improved for higher mass vehicles, this article, from the May/June issue of PowerTorque, examines a new initiative to get a better understanding of the stresses and strains between trailers. Read More