Emily Shadbolt drives a new Kenworth T410SAR for Tasmanian based Walters Contracting. She explains what it’s like being a young woman working in what was once considered a “man’s club” and offers encouragement for other women contemplating a career in road transport. It’s fair to say that when a family company is in the hands…
They say timing is everything, and sometimes it comes with its own reward. Livestock Trucking-The Progressive way! Submitted by Rod Simmonds. It was a sight to behold, a freshly minted first week on the road, a stunning Kenworth K220 cattle unit parked up for the night at the Tuakau Saleyards. This unique unit, with its…
John Deere X350 Review There’s a hell of a lot to like about John Deere’s X350 lawn tractor, a hell of a lot! The X350 is a machine well suited to pros and serious lawn care devotees. It boasts a long list of features that make it an attractive package for heavy-duty jobs while delivering…
Claas VARIANT Baler: Review With three bumper hay seasons under its belt this Claas Variant 385 RC round baler is still pushing out high density bales at an average rate of one per minute as Howard Shanks discovered in the fields of North East Tasmania. Timely, good spring rains produced exceptional growing conditions for farmers…
In trucking terms, the acronym DPF refers to the Diesel Particulate Filter used in the exhaust system of trucks built after 2009. Its purpose is to trap the particulate matter or soot produced from the engine and prevent it (down to 1-micron) from exiting the exhaust pipe. A poorly maintained or blocked PDF will cause…
Bogie Drive Basics – Advice for truck drivers Dana Diff Lock Driver’s instruction manual available to download at end of article. Diff Lock engaged – axle in the locked position All bogie or tandem drive trucks require an inter-axle differential, also referred to as the Power Divider, which allows the forward and rear axle to…
Volvo L220H Loader Review Enhanced safety with increased productivity and outstanding fuel economy gains are key reasons why Timberlink, Tasmania, specified two new Volvo wheel loaders to manage their high throughput log yard operation. Timberlink’s modern Bell Bay operation is the only large scale, forest integrated plantation softwood Sawmilling Company located in Tasmania where they…
Minimising truck fuel consumption is essential for a fleet’s profitability, even in good times. The good news is that immediate techniques and training are available that can significantly improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Roadtrains.com.au asked Karlie Shire, Scania’s Driver Trainer for Western Australia, to share these strategies to reduce fuel consumption. Karlie Shire, a seasoned…
Queensland are the first state to ditch the laborious heavy haulage permit system, making Smart OBM mandatory for Over Dimensional loads. “Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Revised Class 1 Heavy Vehicle Access Regime represents a critical step forward in improving the safety, efficiency, and compliance of heavy haulage operations in Australia,” Grant Elphinstone, Technical…
Queensland-based Sunchip Group has had Mack trucks and Elphinstone trailers operating in one form or another for over 30 years. But thanks to the proven reliability of their existing Mack Super-Liner and Elphinstone Long Logger fleet, they placed an order for ten more. Roughly three hours’ drive north of Brisbane, hidden within the verdant embrace…