Easyloader Conversions for Tasmania’s B-Triple Future

The recent arrival of a B-triple on Tasmania’s Midland Highway has reignited discussion about the future of higher-productivity freight combinations in the state. For forestry operators already running Elphinstone Easyloader equipment, that future may be closer than they think.

Longer combinations are not entirely new to Tasmania. Route-specific PBS permits have been issued for A-doubles since at least 2016, while broader network-based access for eligible A-doubles was formalised in September 2025. Although A-doubles and B-triples are different configurations, the gradual expansion of access demonstrates Tasmania’s increasing willingness to consider productive freight combinations on suitable routes.

B-triples remain an unusual sight on Tasmanian roads, but the concept is certainly not new to Elphinstone Engineering.

In 2006, Elphinstone designed, built and demonstrated a pioneering self-loading Easyloader B-triple at its Triabunna facility. The project proved that the established Easyloader platform could be adapted into a higher-productivity road-train configuration while retaining the practical self-loading capability required by forestry operators.

With B-Triples now receiving renewed attention in Tasmania, that early engineering work has become increasingly relevant.

Converting existing Easyloader equipment

Operators may not necessarily need to begin with an entirely new combination.

For fleets with suitable existing Easyloader trailers, Elphinstone Engineering can inspect and assess the equipment to determine whether it can be modified into a B-Triple configuration.

Every combination will need to be considered individually. Trailer age, specification, condition, axle configuration and compatibility must all be examined before Elphinstone can recommend a suitable conversion program.

Where the equipment is considered suitable, Elphinstone can undertake the engineering and modifications required to create the proposed combination.

This provides operators with an opportunity to increase the productivity and working life of existing Easyloader equipment rather than automatically replacing an entire trailer fleet.

More freight with fewer vehicle movements

The renewed interest in B-Triples reflects the broader transport industry’s search for safer and more efficient ways to move freight.

A properly designed higher-productivity combination can move more freight during each journey, potentially reducing the number of individual truck movements needed to complete the same transport task.

For forestry operators, the benefits may include:

• improved payload productivity
• fewer vehicle movements
• better utilisation of drivers and equipment
• reduced fuel consumption per tonne of freight moved
• lower operating costs across suitable routes.

The actual productivity benefit will depend on the operator’s equipment, loading requirements, operating environment and approved road network.

But it’s important to remember that a B-Triple will not suit every operation or every route, but where the equipment and road network are appropriate, it can provide a valuable increase in transport efficiency.

Conversion does not guarantee road access

Importantly, converting an Easyloader combination into a B-Triple does not automatically provide permission to operate it on public roads.

The equipment conversion and the road-access approval process are separate matters.

Each operator remains responsible for obtaining the permits and approvals required to operate the proposed combination on its nominated routes. Approval may depend on factors including vehicle dimensions, mass limits, axle configuration, swept paths, bridge capacities, road geometry and the suitability of loading and unloading locations.

Operators should therefore consider their proposed routes and likely approval requirements before committing to a conversion.

Engineering and permit assistance

Elphinstone Engineering can assist operators with the approval process by providing services such as:

• engineering documentation
• compliance information
• vehicle specifications
• permit application support
• technical submissions
• liaison with relevant road and transport authorities.

This work is provided as a separate professional service. It is not included in the trailer conversion price and will be quoted and invoiced separately.

Separating the conversion and approval services allows each project to be tailored to the operator, the equipment and the proposed transport task.

Start the conversation early

Forestry operators considering higher-productivity combinations are encouraged to contact Elphinstone Engineering early.

The team can assess existing Easyloader equipment, discuss the proposed transport task and identify the engineering and approval work likely to be required.