Deals On Wheels Australia Issue 481

With a total of 3,777 units sold in May, new truck sales were up 3.8 per cent on the same month in 2021. This falls just short of the all-time May record of 3,931 units set in 2018 but the year to date (YTD) result of 15,900 is ahead of 2018’s YTD total of 15,739 – putting truck sales on track for a recordbreaking first half of the year. Heavy-duty The heavy-duty segment had a total of 1,274 units sold, up an impressive 224 on May 2021 and bringing the segment to a YTD total of 5,322. Kenworth managed a total of 260 units in May – a jump of 45 on April’s total and 79 ahead of May 2021. This brings it to a YTD total in triple figures with 1,122 and,…

In this issue we are looking at the latest innovations within the world of brakes and braking technology. Brakes may not be the first thing that springs to mind when a shiny new truck rolls by, but without them that rig isn’t going anywhere. Brakes and brake systems are integral to the safety of both trucks and those behind the wheel, where the highest quality is needed to keep a fleet compliant and running efficiently. Alongside the humble brake are the rapid advancements in technology to control brakes to prevent locking and automatically apply the brakes if obstacles are spotted. With these systems increasingly being applied as standard in new trucks, having a brake system that reacts quickly and lasts the distance is integral. Take a look overleaf to see what major manufacturers have…

The wider availability and increasing affordability of non-contact infrared (IR) heat measurement technology is increasing workshop efficiency by helping technicians diagnose braking faults more quickly, and often without the need for brake teardowns. Most commercial units are calibrated and operate with a simple point-and-click temperature measurement. They have the capacity to measure in the range of 0–500°C, covering most automotive applications. The main consideration when using these heat guns is to keep a consistent distance from the gun to the component that’s being measured for comparative purposes. Depending on the heat gun manufacturer, this distance will vary slightly, but generally the ideal distance is between 15 and 20cm. Checking brakes on commercial vehicles IR heat technology is particularly useful in commercial vehicle workshops, given the number of axles that trucks and trailing stock typically…

Meritor is a US supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking, aftermarket and electric powertrain solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. For over 110 years the company has developed products for commercial trucks and trailers, with offices worldwide, including an Australian brake shoe kit production and parts warehouse in the west Melbourne suburb of Derrimut and an axle assembly facility in Sunshine, Melbourne. With a mission to provide superior performance, energy efficiency and reliability, Meritor recognises that the trucking industry runs on tight margins and in a market of fierce competition, therefore maximising the efficiency of vehicles is paramount. To achieve this, Meritor has designed solutions that cater for the needs of owners at all stages of a vehicle’s lifecycle. From its premium OEM quality Meritor Genuine products to the cost-effective Meritor branded range,…

Save your business time, labour and money When it comes to transport in small businesses, particularly in the trades, the classic conundrum is often ‘truck or ute?’ Both have their place, and you should tailor this important decision to your business as best as possible. Now, with new compliance laws coming to the forefront, making sure that your vehicle is the right for your business might be more important than ever. Going forward, businesses large and small can all expect to hear much more about the Chain of Responsibility (CoR). The road transport industry is placing a greater focus on the CoR and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is doubling down on efforts to prosecute breaches of the new legislation governing this. This poses a significant threat to many businesses, though studies show…

Providing a product that can be relied on MTE Australia, based in the Brisbane suburb of Tingalpa, is the Australian subsidiary of New Zealand’s MTE, set up as an expansion of its parent company in 2009. MTE Australia, run by director Mike Ratcliffe, builds an extensive range of trailers for the Australian transport market, covering everything from tilt decks and semi tippers to flat tops, b-trains and linkwings. MTE is one of the largest suppliers of specialised transport trailers in Australasia, priding itself on building modern trailers that meet a diverse client base’s requirements. Modern Ejector “Our newest addition to our fleet is the Modern Ejector, which comes in a varied range,” says Ratcliffe. “These trailers are fitted with the latest push-off technology that allows for the load to be pushed out while the truck…