You might have seen the well-known slogan printed on trucks: "Without trucks, Australia stops." The rumble of diesel engines has always been the soundtrack of Australian highways, and diesel trucks have long been an integral part of the economy, moving goods across the country's length and breadth.
As vehicle manufacturers display their latest electric vehicles, the question arises - How will the heavy industry change, and what challenges will the future hold? While electrification promises a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient future, transitioning comes with real challenges.
Heavy Loads require Stronger Roads
Due to their heavy battery packs, electric trucks and buses tend to be heavier than their diesel counterparts. Hence, there is a push to increase axle weight limits on certain roads. Higher axle loads carry the risk of quicker road deterioration and will require greater investment in road maintenance and upgrading.
This means:
Maintenance and Repair Challenges
There will also be changes in maintaining and repairing electric heavy vehicles, such as:
Read more on How long do electric batteries last (Opens into a new website page).
The Workshop of the Future
Maintaining and repairing electric heavy vehicles requires a different skill set. Mechanics must understand high-voltage systems, battery technology, and sophisticated diagnostics. Workshops will need to invest in specialised tools, safety equipment, and ongoing training for their staff.
Read more on How workshops will need to adapt to electric vehicle repairs and services (Opens into a new website page).
This change presents both opportunities and challenges. It could be an opportunity to upskill the workforce, attract a new generation of mechanics interested in technology, and create a better-skilled, more competitive industry. The government will have a supporting role as it funds the training programs and supports the development of a skilled workforce in this new field.
Breaking Down the Hurdles
One of the more significant challenges associated with the general use of heavy electric vehicles is the building up of sufficient charging infrastructure. Long-haul routes will require high-powered charging spots, while areas such as cities can accommodate charging needs based on the requirements of delivery trucks and buses.
Read more on Everything you need to know about heavy vehicle charging (Opens into a new website page).
This means heavy investments in the public and private sectors. Government incentives, partnerships with energy companies, and private investment in charging infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring this transition is seamless for the trucking industry.
The Human Element
This switch to electric trucks will also affect truck drivers. Though the initial investment might be higher, the long-term operating costs of electric trucks are bound to be lower. This could increase trucking companies' profitability and potentially higher wages for drivers.
It is also important to understand the transition from diesel to electric driving. Not everybody likes change. Experienced drivers should feel comfortable with the training and confident about operating electric-powered vehicles. Other support measures may also be required to ease drivers' transition to new technologies and the changing trucking industry landscape.
A Sustainable Future
The future is not just about technology; it also means Australia will have a greener future. Lower emissions and cleaner air allow healthier lives. A transition from diesel to electrical will require government, industry, and community cooperation. The future is indeed exciting for the heavy vehicle transport industry.
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Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Vehicle hoists are convenient for elevating vehicles for maintenance and repair. They are now indispensable in many garages and workshops. As with any heavy equipment, safety is paramount when operating them. This article explores the critical aspects of safe operation, encompassing pre-use inspection, proper usage, and essential safety protocols, ensuring a secure and productive working environment.
Understanding the Risks
Vehicle hoists are complex machinery with intricate mechanisms and powerful hydraulic systems. Potential hazards could include:
Pre-Use Inspection - The First Line of Defence
A thorough pre-use inspection is paramount before each use. This minimises the risk of failure and ensures the hoist is in good working order.
Visual Inspection:
Functional Test:
Operating the Hoist Safely
Know Your Hoist:
Proper Vehicle Positioning:
Safe Lifting and Lowering:
Essential Safety Precautions:
Ongoing Maintenance - Ensuring Long-Term Safety
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the safe and efficient operation of vehicle hoists.
Conclusion
Vehicle hoists are valuable tools in the automotive industry, but they require careful handling and constant vigilance to maintain a safe working environment. By prioritising pre-use inspection, following safe operating procedures, and engaging in ongoing maintenance, we can minimise the risks associated with this heavy equipment.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and every individual involved in using vehicle hoists plays a vital role in ensuring a secure and productive working environment.
Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Visit us on Stand #380 in the Plaza Level to discuss how RUD and Endurequip can assist you with your lifting and handling solutions. Come and check our products:
Book your Brisbane Truck Show tickets here.
Without Trucks Australia Stops. But when trucks need to go, Endurequip keeps them going!
Continued from Part 1 on THE IMPORTANCE OF LOAD SECURING. Click here to read Part 1.
Tie-down Lashing
Tie-down lashing is the most common type of lashing for the transport of goods over the road. If the cargo is wide (if not wider than the truck tray), securing the load is only possible by vertical or slightly inclined tie-down lashing.
In the case of tie-down lashing, care must be taken to consider factors such as:
Note: Tie-down lashing only works if there is enough friction between the loading area and the load. For example, a steel load on a steel loading area does not offer enough friction which is why wooden supports or anti-slip mats should be used to increase friction.
Diagonal Lashing
For diagonal lashing, two angle plans (horizontal and vertical) should be considered and two angles defined. Diagonal lashing should be prioritised over tie-down lashing. This is because with diagonal lashing, the lashing equipment is not subject to pre-tensioning forces. The lashing equipment is only subjected to higher loads in the event of sudden braking, jerky start, or close cornering.
Are Lifting Points suitable for Lashing?
Lifting points are often installed for lashing purposes. However, lifting points are used primarily for lifting and therefore not marked with the permissible tensile force LC (Lashing Capacity - daN) but with their WLL (tonne). It is important to know that lashing points and lifting points are subject to different design factors. This is why you will find it easier to meet practical requirements with high-strength, tested, and field-proven RUD lashing points.
Weldable RUD lashing points are forged and available in blocks that can be easily welded. RUD lashing points with LC specification in daN can also be retrofitted to the vehicle carrier by certified welders. In addition to these weldable lashing points, RUD also offers an extensive range of boltable lashing points which can be used for load securing.
Tips for Skip Loaders - Optimum Load Securing with Angled Lashing
Load securing is always about the safety of people and the load. Also, having your load secure ensures that you do not run the risk of fines by the transport authorities. With RUD lashing products you be assured of safe transport of your cargo all the time.
As shown in the pictures, tie-down lashing of trough containers is advisable in V, X, or trapezoidal angles with a fixed connection at the lashing point and the suspension pin. A Y lashing should be avoided because the load will not be adequately secured with this type of lashing.
Finally
If you are transporting heavy machines or cargo, it is important to plan load securing during the design phase components. This means, installing lashing points on both the load and the loading area.
Some of the points to note:
Visit us on Booth #380 (Plaza Level) to know more about our Lifting & Lashing Systems, Workshop Handling Solutions including Endurequip Portalift Hoists and Tyre Protection/Traction Chains.
Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors inadvertent or otherwise.
If you want to know how the team at RUD can help you, please call 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
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When transporting goods or equipment over the road, it is critical to ensure that the goods or equipment is securely fastened. Insecure loads could lead to accidents including human life, and vehicle damage, and also risk to other road users. In addition to the financial and human costs of accidents; there are other significant risks such as liability and negligence claims, criminal prosecution, legal action, higher insurance premiums, and damage to the company’s reputation.
Load Securing
Cargo on a vehicle is subject to acceleration forces when the vehicle on which it is traveling accelerates, brakes, or changes direction. If the cargo on the vehicle is not securely fastened, this means the risk of the cargo moving forward, sliding backward, or tipping sideways is very high. Hence, when a vehicle brakes, the force of momentum will cause the unrestrained cargo to continue moving in its original (forward) direction and thereby cause significant risk of damage to the cargo itself, the vehicle, and possible personal injury to the driver or other road users.
Loaded vehicles are subject to 0.8g deceleration in forward movement, and 0.5g deceleration in both backward and lateral (sideways) directions*. For example, a cargo weighing 10 tonnes is subject to 8 tonnes of forward force and 5 tonnes either sideways or backward. Hence, the cargo must be secured to prevent damage, injury, and risks.
*Australian National Heavy Vehicle Register Load Restraint Guide 2018
Benefits of RUD Lashing Systems
RUD is the world leader and expert in lifting and lashing solutions. All RUD sling products are manufactured exclusively for lifting and load securing using cutting-edge technology. This is why our made-in-Germany innovative products set global standards for the lifting and lashing industry.
RUD offers a range of lashing points and lashing chains for optimal securing of cargo. Some of the popular RUD load-securing products for cargo transport are:
Load securing hints for heavy cargo
One of the solutions to secure heavy cargo is to use RUD lashing chains in double strands.
Endless-Chain Lashing
What happens if there are no lashing points on the cargo to secure the load directly? Using a shackle to connect the lashing chain to unsuitable lashing points is risky because it exposes the shackle to bending stresses. The best option in such cases is to use an Endless Chain that has the same Lashing Capacity (LC) as a lashing chain. And if the chain is “doubled-up”, sharp edges will not cause any problems.
An ICE-Endless-Chain can be used with an ICE-Multi-shortening claw to form a closed chain.
The advantages of such a configuration are:
Without Trucks Australia Stops. But when trucks need to go, Endurequip keeps them going!
Want to meet us?
RUD/Endurequip will be displaying in the Brisbane Truck Show from 18-21 May 2023 at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
Visit us on Booth #380 (Plaza Level) to know more about our Endurequip Hoists, Workshop Lifting/Handling Solutions and Tyre Protection/Traction Chains.
Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors inadvertent or otherwise.
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