News Stories
Specifically designed and built as a demonstrator the new trailer was a talking point at the recent Road Transport Forum meeting in Wellington. A major feature of the refrigerated trailer is the alloy chassis combined with increased length able to be delivered within the new weight and dimension rule. Jackson’s have considerable experience in alloy chassis manufacture with over 50 trailers already built that benefit from this design innovation. These features in combination with weight-economy in the running gear delivers a trailer unit weighing in at only 8,240 kilograms. This provides tonnes of extra payload without requiring an overweight permit or used in savings on road user charges. In addition new insulation technology has resulted in thinner walls providing a greater internal width of 2430mm. The trailer will also deliver a consistent temperature of -20 degrees celcius, a level traditionally very difficult to maintain in refrigerated trailer units. This will help maintain high integrity in the environment provided for food shipments, a major advantage for any fleet serving the FMCG market. The unit will also feature dual-temperature zoning by way of an expanding plug which separates the trailer cavity into two distinct and controllable temperature environments. This will allow operators far greater flexibility with temperature sensitive loads, in a sense an ability to multi-task the load and maximise payload. The trailer also features SAF Intradisc integrated axle and suspension system and the very latest WABCO EBS E-Series braking system. The WABCO technology introduced into these trailers is truly leading edge. This includes ECAS (Electronically Controlled Air Suspension) which intelligently configures the suspension of the trailer to optimize trailer stability specific to the transport situation. This integration of systems has led to fewer components and a reduction of costs. Other features of this technology include faster, more-responsive braking, load-sensing, roll stability support, and vehicle / driver performance monitoring technology. The unique Wabco Smartboard provides advanced features such as EBS system diagnostics and performance data, odometer & EBS trip counter, on-board weight display (axle load) and is also a control unit for the ECAS system. The ability of the WABCO system to adapt vehicle response to the transport situation has benefits that extend to all areas of an efficient and quality transport operation, not least the enhanced safety, superior performance and reduced running costs as a direct result. SAF INTRADISC integrated axles and suspensions feature weight-saving technologies in combination with precision engineering that provide high quality disc-brake axles as a perfect base for the trailer unit. Another significant benefit of SAF INTRADISC is the industry leading guarantee of competence which can extend up to 1million kilometres on specific components. ALCOA aluminium wheels are employed to finish off the high specification of the trailer. These wheels combine exceptional weight savings, with the superior strength of the forged aluminum Alcoa wheel, with an ease of maintenance to ensure excellent payback on the investment. To find out more about Jackson Enterprises visit: www.jacksonenterprises.co.nz To find out more about Transpecs visit: www.transpecs.co.nz
The new tanker will hold hot bitumen used in the road laying process. According to Fulton Hogan Engineering’s Donn Casey the new technology holds significant benefits for this application. “In a nutshell the new WABCO system will play a key role in load management” says Donn. “A new load-limit warning function will ensure that the tanker is filled to optimum capacity while never over-loading. This means we’re getting the most effective use out of the equipment as an onsite storage facility as well as transporting.” The technology introduced into these trailers is truly leading edge with the electronically controlled air suspension (WABCO ECAS) intelligently configuring the suspension of the trailer to optimize stability specific to the transport situation. “A major benefit is the ability to dump air out of the suspension independently at the front & rear of the trailer. This enables excellent flow control of the bitumen. For example lowering the rear suspension and heightening the front suspension enables good flow of bitumen through gravity. This is a particular advantage on uneven surfaces. After tipping an auto-resetting function re-inflates the air bags to the optimal ride height, protecting mudguards and air bags from damage” says Donn. Other features of this technology include faster, more-responsive braking, load-sensing, roll stability support, and enhanced vehicle / driver performance monitoring technology. In essence the features of the WABCO system deliver exceptionally enhanced safety for the vehicle, load and driver, while at the same time providing reporting tools that gives owners the ability to address potential maintenance and driver training development issues. The ability of the WABCO system to adapt vehicle response to the transport situation has benefits that extend to all areas of an efficient and quality transport operation, not least the enhanced safety, superior performance and reduced running costs as a direct result. Fulton Hogan will also benefit from Transpecs supplied SAF modular disc braked axles and air suspensions featuring a 1 million kilometre maintenance-free hub and unique rotor design. The robust suspension design is ideal for working off-road and rough terrain making it ideal for Fulton Hogan construction work. Of equal importance to Fulton Hogan alongside the exceptional qualities of the SAF and WABCO brands is the NZ wide aftermarket support network of 48 parts and service locations nationally. Fulton Hogan is a major trans-Tasman civil contracting company, with interests in a broad range of products and services in the roading, quarrying, civil construction, infrastructure maintenance and land development sectors. With a 5,000+ strong team across New Zealand and Australia, Fulton Hogan continues to grow and diversify into new markets, taking on new challenges and making Fulton Hogan one of Australasia's fastest growing civil contracting companies. To find out more about Fulton Hogan visit: www.fultonhogan.com To find out more contact Transpecs:
Neil, who has been a cornerstone of the Transpecs business since 1977 has decided to pull up stumps in April for a well earned retirement. Such is the respect for ‘Tomo’ that we wish we could convince him otherwise. However with equal respect and the recognition of the enormous contribution he has made - we instead wish Neil and wife’ Corrin all the very best for the future. In his 33 years with Transpecs Neil has been involved in most areas of the business initially beginning in a customer service and warehouse role. His career in transport related business actually dates back 50 years, initially beginning his career at Motor Specs based in Palmerston North, where Neil grew up. This led to a transfer to Auckland in 1970 where Neil worked with the likes of Bruce Munro, Laurie Williamson and Fred Radford, all of whom were destined to work together again at Transpecs. Neil’s particular strength has been his encyclopedic knowledge of transport parts and systems. This and the ability to provide exemplary support to customers and impart knowledge to his colleagues has been of huge importance to transport operators going about their day-to-day business and workmates developing their careers. Outside of work Neil has been a keen basketballer (representing New Zealand from 1966-1971) and has a range of interests he will find more time for in his retirement. This includes boating, fishing, photography and sculpture (one memorable sculpture created from old transport parts). Neil has three grown children and two grand children to spend more time with also. We sincerely wish to thank Neil for his unprecedented contribution to Transpecs and his contribution to the nurturing of successive generations of our team, our customers and the industry in general.
Steelbro today manufactures the world's best-selling self-loading container trailers. It is this success where Steelbro encapsulates key qualities that point the way for other Kiwi exporters. That is a dedication to understanding and being the best in their market niche; adding value through a smarter, better supported, and advanced product offering. Steelbro’s Sidelifter technology is revolutionising the way transport companies manage their workloads. The Sidelifter’s ability to shift containers between a number of transport systems for example truck to train, truck to truck or truck to ground means operators can save time and increase the efficiency of their businesses. To most organisations this means cost savings and an increase in bottom-line profits. The company’s Christchurch research and design centre rivals the best anywhere in the world with their engineering and design departments staffed by world-class designers and engineers equipped with the latest technology. A global sales and service network reinforces Steelbro’s standing as the global market leader. A major aspect of Steelbro’s dedication to innovation and development has been strategic partnerships with suppliers such as Transpecs in the supply of running gear, braking and ancillary equipment for their trailer based products. Three Sidelifter trailer units manufactured in Christchurch for Victoria based FBT Australia is an example of this partnership. As FBT required the safest sidelifters on the market for loading, unloading and transporting dangerous goods on Australian roads, Steelbro teamed up with Transpecs to deliver their SB361 series Sidelifters running the award winning SMARTlift control system and cutting edge trailer technology from Transpecs, so FBT will be commissioning the most advanced equipment seen to date. This includes SAF Intradrum integrated axles and air suspensions, the latest WABCO EBS E-Series braking system, WABCO ECAS and ALCOA Durabright alloy wheels, all supplied by Transpecs. The WABCO technology introduced into these trailers is truly leading edge. This includes ECAS (Electronically Controlled Air Suspension) which intelligently configures the suspension of the trailer to optimize trailer stability specific to the transport situation. The ECAS system has been integrated into the very latest Trailer EBS from Wabco the E- Series. This integration of systems has led to fewer components and a reduction of costs. FBT will benefit from this world leading braking system. Other features of this technology include faster, more-responsive braking, load-sensing, roll stability support, and vehicle / driver performance monitoring technology. In essence the features of the WABCO system deliver exceptionally enhanced safety for the vehicle, load and driver, while at the same time providing reporting tools that gives fleet owners the ability to address potential maintenance and driver training development issues. The ability of the WABCO system to adapt vehicle response to the transport situation has benefits that extend to all areas of an efficient and quality transport operation, not least the enhanced safety, superior performance and reduced running costs as a direct result. FBT will also benefit from Transpecs supplied SAF INTRADRUM integrated axles and suspensions. SAF is well recognised as a world-leading manufacturer of axles and suspensions and these units feature weight-saving technologies in combination with precision engineering that provide high quality drum-brake axles as a perfect base for the trailer unit. Another significant benefit of SAF INTRADRUM is the industry leading guarantee of competence which can extend up to 1million kilometres on specific components. The latest ALCOA Durabright aluminum wheels are employed to finish off the high specification of the trailer. These wheels combine exceptional weight savings, with the superior strength of the forged aluminum Alcoa wheel, with an ease of maintenance to ensure excellent payback on the investment. Of equal importance to Steelbro alongside the exceptional qualities of the SAF, WABCO and ALCOA brands was the worldwide aftermarket support network offered with these products. As an example SAF has approximately 8,000 accessible service points globally to support fleet operators. Locally also there is an impressive network of 48 parts and service locations New Zealand wide supporting these products. All-in-all, it is the delivery of container-handling Sidelifters that perform exceptionally for the customer that is Steelbro’s ultimate objective. That is a dedication to equipment that delivers optimal on-job performance and long-term profitability that will continue to see Steelbro reinforce and enhance its market success in tough times and good. Contact Steelbro: To find out more contact Transpecs:
WABCO’s world leading Trailer EBS was introduced to the New Zealand market by Transpecs in 2003. Since then the Transpecs brake team has established over 30 parts and servicing and 48 parts suppliers nationwide for the WABCO product. Transpecs itself has six dedicated brake specialists. The company estimates that WABCO Trailer EBS now represents up to 70 percent market share nationally. The award and the achievements of the Transpecs brake team have drawn praise from Erik Schmidt, Director, Trailer Systems and Aftermarket, WABCO Asia Pacific, saying that New Zealand’s uptake of WABCO EBS technology through Transpecs has been outstanding and that New Zealanders have been quick to adopt this advanced technology. “The New Zealand industry has embraced the operational and profitability benefits of WABCO’s EBS technology. Growth has been strong,” said Schmidt. “Transpecs New Zealand has set an example of excellence in the field of commercial braking support. WABCO recognises that a quality product is truly powerful with quality support and partnerships with transport operators.” According to Schmidt, the high level of expertise available through the Transpecs service network (Truck Stops, Cable Price and TWL) has played a major role in the industry’s acceptance of WABCO’s technology. “It also means customers know that help is nearby, if needed. With Transpecs, you access a support system across the country with experienced braking specialists available when you need them,” said Schmidt. Transpecs New Zealand Manager Jason Ritchie said that the partnership with WABCO is significant both to Transpecs and the New Zealand transport industry. “The strength and value we place on our partnership with WABCO extends to our business, our service partners and, importantly, the transport operators of our country,” said Ritchie. “The value end-users gain is through an investment in superior, safer and more profitable braking technology. Crucially, the strength of our service network makes the initial investment in WABCO technology highly valued as it continues to deliver benefits long term.” Transpecs braking products manager John Hirst said the award reflects six years of dedication to building a service that customers can rely on. “Our brake team has gained extensive knowledge and worked closely with WABCO's advanced electronic experts to develop a nationwide service and technical support network. For customers there is no second guessing on where to turn if problems arise. With one phone call, we can usually get a problem solved,” said Hirst. “Transpecs offer the complete 'Brake Solution' package for truck and trailer applications. WABCO's Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is now standard equipment on a high percentage of truck and tractor unit applications operating in New Zealand. We offer this same equipment as retro-fit packages. This provides extensive product availability and technical support, not only from Transpecs but through truck dealers and our aftermarket network,” said Hirst. From trailer builders through to aftermarket support, Transpecs has the ability to support both trailer manufacturers and end users. Transpecs has the largest team of brake specialists in New Zealand dedicated to the WABCO range of products including EBS, ABS, traction control, electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS), air filtration, unloaders, compression, solenoids and control valves, tyre monitoring, PREV, air over hydraulic servos, clutch boosters, couplings, trailer control, foundation brake, service and hand brake control valves, and repair kits, among other products, according to Hirst. “We see added value in a long term partnership with our customers. The more knowledge we gain as a team, the more we can benefit from WABCO’s world leading technology. It means we can help our customers grow better, more profitable businesses,” said Hirst. Pictured: To find out more contact Transpecs: |
 |
Pahiatua based trailer manufacturer Jackson Enterprises have completed what is undoubtably the most leading-edge refrigerated trailer unit anywhere …
Fulton Hogan Dunedin, Transport Wholesale and Transpecs have partnered to launch the latest on-road technology WABCO EBS-E series with the completion of one new tanker trailer and two further trailers in the early stages of construction.
This is one man we wish we could stop from retiring.
While many Kiwi export businesses struggle to see light at the end of the recessionary tunnel and cope with an inflated local currency, Christchurch based Steelbro remain focused on innovation and cutting edge technology to further cement their worldwide market leadership and ride the new wave of economic recovery.
Transpecs, an authorised WABCO dealer and New Zealand’s leading supplier of truck and trailer components and spare parts from original equipment manufacturers, has sold its 1,500th WABCO Trailer Electronic Braking System (EBS) in the New Zealand market. This milestone has been marked with a Global Service award from WABCO for ‘market share and support excellence’ in the New Zealand market.