Understanding the importance of S-Cam brake balance in heavy-duty trucks is a fundamental part of truck safety and will go a long way to prevent brake failure. Many operators often see brake components as a costly profit eating commodity, consequently and, sadly, they opt for the lowest priced option when selecting replacement parts. However, regulators…
DetailsHow to Operate Jost Sensor 5th Wheel The introduction of Jost’s JSK37CZ-S Sensor fifth wheel that incorporates a three-sensor coupling system a few years ago enables the driver to ensure their fifth wheel is properly coupled to the trailer from inside the cabin. Technical Editor Howard Shanks explains how the system works. Initial take-up of…
DetailsChanging a Tyre on a 1929 Chevrolet Changing a tyre on a 1929 Chevrolet is part mechanical skill, part patience and part negotiation with nearly 100-year-old steel. Using an original Atlas rim tool, we look at how it was done — and why the process might cause a modern workplace safety department to have a…
DetailsRyco Cabin Filters: When and How to Replace Yours Ryco cabin filters tackle one of truck maintenance’s most easily forgotten jobs: filtering the air coming through the vents. While the engine enjoys fresh oil and regular filter changes, the driver can be left breathing through something that looks as though it was excavated from beneath…
DetailsHow a Horton Fan Clutch works Master List of Horton Fan clutches to fitted to Australian truck models at the end of the article. The Horton fan clutch has one of the most important functions in truck’s operation, yet it is one of the most overlooked components and least maintained item. In this “What to…
DetailsWinter Truck Air System Maintenance: How to Stop Moisture Freezing Your Brakes Cold weather exposes every weakness in a truck’s air brake system. From tired air dryer cartridges to moisture sitting in trailer reservoirs, winter is when small problems can quickly become frozen air lines, dragging brakes and costly roadside delays. Winter has a habit…
DetailsHow to Manually Release Truck Brakes or cage brakes Words and Illustrations by Howard Shanks In certain emergency situations, for instance, when an air brake system failure has happened and you need to move your truck to a safe position you may need to manually release the brakes to enable the vehicle to be moved.…
DetailsElphinstone Engineering Teases New Forestry Transport Innovation Elphinstone Engineering is preparing to unveil a new specialised forestry transport solution designed to improve payload efficiency, productivity, and operational performance for Australian timber haulage operators. Deep inside the workshops at Elphinstone Engineering, sparks are flying as fabrication teams assemble what could become the next significant step forward…
DetailsSince the birth of road transport, trucking operators have strived to reduce fuel usage and increase payloads. Over the past decade, the industry’s push towards alloy wheels because they’re far lighter than steel wheels has seen many truck manufacturers make alloy rims a standard fitment on various models. For instance, almost half a tonne (476kg)…
DetailsHow ride height effects truck shockers Words and photography by Howard Shanks (diagrams supplied by Powerdown) As the title suggests, changing the ride height of your truck’s air suspension can have shocking results on the life of your shockers. Suspensions like many components on a heavy vehicle are precision pieces of equipment that play a…
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