Major trailer manufacturer , MaxiTRANS has announced it has partnered with the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) Industry Technical Council to lead industry innovation, by tackling an exciting engineering ‘proof of concept’ project.
The ATA’s Industry Technical Council (ITC) Council is a working committee that provides technical input and best practice advice to the ATA.
“The project explores the further development of a rigid drawbar converter dolly and comes after ITC member discussions regarding the dynamic issues with hinged drawbar converter dollies, especially brake reactivity and tyre wear,” ATA Chief Engineer Bob Woodward said.
“Manufacturers and suppliers are looking for safer designs, and operators are seeking improved productivity with safer outcomes.
“With immense support from MaxiTRANS and ITC members Hendrickson, Alcoa Wheels, Bridgestone, JOST and WABCO, the project is a collaboration of the resources and knowledge of manufacturers, suppliers and operators all working towards a common goal,” he said.
From concept to reality, the converter dolly project was on display in the MaxiTRANS exhibition space at last week’s Brisbane Truck Show.
MaxiTRANS Group General Manager; Sales and Marketing, Andrew McKenzie said the display generated an extraordinary amount of interest throughout the course of the show.
“Despite being an essential part of the trailer combination, it is sometimes neglected or overlooked. However due to the advent of A-Doubles, it has certainly become increasingly important. MaxiTRANS, in conjunction with the ATA, has been working on the concept for quite some time and understand that while the rigid drawbar may or may not suit every combination, we are confident that the initial trials will demonstrate the safety benefits to the wider transport community,” Mr McKenzie said.
The dolly will now be trialled by ITC members and customers of the MaxiTRANS and the supporting companies.
“The interest the dolly project has gained is overwhelming, with many requests to participate in the trial from industry operators as well as the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator,” Mr Woodward said.
“The project and trial play an important role in enhancing safety and productivity.
“The needs of our industry are constantly changing, and the ITC is essential to ensuring operators and businesses stay up to date with best practice,” he said.
The concept involves the development of a rigid drawbar converter dolly following discussions with members of the ATA Industry Technical Council around brake relativity and tyre wear coming about due to issues with hinged drawbar converter dollies.
ATA Chief Engineer Bob Woodward said manufacturers and suppliers were looking for safer designs and operators sought continued improvements in productivity with safer outcomes.
“With immense support from MaxiTRANS and ITC members Hendrickson, Alcoa Wheels, Bridgestone, Jost and WABCO, the project is a collaboration of the resources and knowledge of manufacturers, suppliers and operators all working towards a common goal,” he said.
ITC members and MaxiTRANS customers and support companies will trial the dolly next.
According to Woodward, interest in the dolly project has been overwhelming, with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator recently requesting to participate in the trial.
“The project and trial play an important role in enhancing safety and productivity,” he said.
“The needs of our industry are constantly changing, and the ITC is essential to ensuring operators and businesses stay up to date with best practice,” he said.
