Many people from the truck, trailer and other equipment makers are gearing up for the show, before the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in a week’s time from May 13 to 16. Read more
PowerTorque, Now Available Online
We would like to introduce you to the latest edition, of the magazine, PowerTorque, now available online. Another issue packed with information, commentary and reviews relevant to the truck industry.
We continue our crusade to keep the trucking industry informed with operator profiles, in depth analysis of the industry issues, straightforward reviews and truck tests, as well as the ongoing development of a technical database, overseas news and a strong stance on keeping the trucking industry safe and appreciated.
In this issue, PowerTorque talks to an operator getting great productivity gains, interviews another running a Kenworth and a Benz in a side-by side evaluation, the brands in the Volvo Group unveil their plans, we test drive the 8×4 UD Quon agitator, interview the main man at MaxiTrans, test drive the most powerful production truck in the world and and much much more. There are also our regular segments, highlighting technical issues, rural trucking, industry development and commentary on the cold chain.
Here are the highlights:
Walking To Lighten the Load
As an operator, Ken Beggs puts a lot of thought into just how to run and equip his business. Hauling stock feed over long distances means tare weight and fuel consumption are the most important considerations.
Driving Volvo Into the future
Juggling three divergent truck brands and getting them through the pandemic was the task last year and this year has not been easy for an organisation like Volvo Group. Now, the task is all about driving Volvo into the future. Tim Giles speaks to the leadership team about the challenges and forward plans.
An Agitator From UD Trucks
With the introduction of the 8×4 Quon, it was possible for the first opportunity for UD Trucks to offer a viable agitator to the market, which has now arrived. PowerTorque took the opportunity to take on out for a spin around Brisbane.
One of the Great Allrounders
Hailing from the small rural town of Corryong in north eastern Victoria, S & K Whitehead Earthmoving plays a pivotal role in keeping the surrounding farmlands, national parks and roads in order, Paul Matthei checks them out.
Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other
Unlike many transport operators, Joe Joseph, Managing Director of JD Refrigerated Transport, wasn’t born into the industry. But that hasn’t stopped him from growing a highly successful refrigerated transport business and now comparing the respective merits of both Mercedes-Benz and Kenworth prime movers in his line-haul B-double operation.
Building Trailers to the Max
As a dominant player in the trailer manufacturing sector in Australia, MaxiTrans continues to grow and develop its offering to the Australian trucking industry. PowerTorque sat down with MaxiTrans CEO and Managing Director Dean Jenkins to talk about how the trailer business is travelling.
Getting Rid of the Logbook
The truck driving community may finally be getting rid of the logbook, but only if they start using the electronic work diary. PowerTorque tests one of them out in the real world.
The Show Must Go On
It seems like a long time since the last Brisbane Truck Show, the pandemic period has sometimes felt like a lifetime, but as they say in showbiz, ‘The show must go on’.
Get the latest issue of PowerTorque by clicking here.
New Kenworth Medium Duty Range Launched
The past week has seen a new Kenworth medium duty range launched in the US. The new trucks use the 2.1-metre cab which we have seen introduced in Australia, in the T610, T410 and T360 models. Read more
How Far Can You Push a Truck?
Attendees at the upcoming Brisbane Truck Show should be able to answer the question, how far can you push a truck? The truck push will be part of the South Bank Truck Festival, an event associated with BTS21. Read more
Is the Letter H for Hydrogen or For Hype?
There has been a lot of comment in various parts of the media, but for the trucking industry it can seem difficult to answer the question, is the letter H for hydrogen or for hype? The predicted future development of this alternative power source for trucks can vary dramatically, depending on who you ask.
First Production of Electric Trucks
Melbourne based company SEA Electric has commenced the first production of electric trucks at commercial volume levels in Australia, with the first of the vehicles currently on the SEA Electric production line in Melbourne. Read more
The Poo Carters of WA
Here is a video talking about the life of the poo carters of WA, but also highlighting effort to increase the number of women working in the trucking industry. Read more
Ingenuity, Innovation and IWD
Here is a video which celebrated ingenuity, innovation and IWD (international Women’s Day) which is this week. In the video, a selection of technologies vital to life on the road for truck drivers are shown to have been invented by women. Read more
31 Years to Fulfil a Promise
It has taken 31 years to fulfil a promise made after the inquest into the Grafton Truck and Bus Crash, as is pointed out by this video made in 2019. The inquest into the deadly crash was presided over by Magistrate Kevin Waller and began on January 29, 1990. Police evidence, given by Senior Constable Bob Sawyer, put the blame for the crash squarely on the shoulders of the truck driver, David Hutchins, who had driven about 3600 km in the three days before the crash, well over the legally allowed driving hours. Read more
Winding Up For The Brisbane Truck Show
Trucking folk across Australia are winding up for the Brisbane Truck Show, after a long and depressing period during the pandemic, with a bit of luck, we can all meet up, talk trucks and trailers, plus everything else about our great industry again. Read more