Couplings

investigating dynamic loads on couplings

Project Investigating Dynamic Loads on Couplings

The ARTSA Institute, Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Truck Industry Council (TIC) and Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) have released the first update on the project investigating dynamic loads on couplings fitted to heavy High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFV) and PBS combinations. The coupling safety project is funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), supported by the Australian Government. 
Read More
verifying coupling strength

Verifying Coupling Strength

The ARTSA-i Coupling Project was instigated to ensure the dynamic loads being put on the couplings on multiple combinations were quantified and rated correctly, verifying coupling strength was
Read More
around our cities in a Foton

Around Our Cities in a Foton 

A recent test drive was an opportunity to see how much credibility the Foton will have for the electric truck buyer and what the experience might be for the drivers making deliveries around our cities in a Foton electric truck. 
Read More
keep your fifth wheel in peak condition

Keep Your Fifth Wheel in Peak Condition

It is sometimes assumed that the fifth wheel is a ‘set and forget’ component, but in actual fact it should be inspected, lubricated and, if necessary, adjusted at least every three months or 40,000km, whichever comes first, you really need to keep your fifth wheel in peak condition. 
Read More
test truck components to their limits

Test Truck Components to Their Limits

Australian Multiple Combinations test truck components to their limits, and a new initiative is setting up a real world coupling testing program, to assess the forces exerted on the connections between road train elements.
Read More
five things you need to know about fifth wheels

Five Things You Need to Know About Fifth Wheels

Safety, stability, improved turning radius and ease of coupling and uncoupling are among the many benefits of a truck’s fifth wheel, but this vital component requires regular maintenance and here are five things you need to know about fifth wheels.
Read More
forces at play between elements of a road train

Forces at Play Between Elements of a Road Train 

Measuring the forces at play between elements of a road train uses what is called the D-value, measured in kilonewtons (kN) and representing the theoretical horizontal force between towing vehicle and trailer, and between trailers. 
Read More
Real World Coupling Testing Program

Real World Coupling Testing Program

Making sure operators use a coupling which is up to the job on multiple combinations is vital and this real world coupling testing program will improve the knowledge base. However the data needs to be improved for higher mass vehicles, this article, from the May/June issue of PowerTorque, examines a new initiative to get a better understanding of the stresses and strains between trailers. Read More