The Queensland Government has agreed to extra loading for cane trucks using new high-tech flotation tyres
October 4, 2012
The Queensland Government has agreed to extra loading for cane trucks using new high-tech flotation tyres.
State Transport Minister Scott Emerson
recently announced the high-tech flotation tyres would be used on trucks
this season to allow
increased sugar cane haulage, from 14 tonnes to 16.5 tonnes.
“Unlike standard tyres, these flotation tyres are specially designed to reduce flattening of a cane field’s soil,” Emerson says.
Emerson says local members and the cane growing industry have lobbied for more efficient and effective ways to deliver crops to local mills.
But Burnett MP Stephen Bennett says safety remains a key focus, even with the new transport limits.
“For most people these tyres don’t look any different but they will make the world of difference and save on trips, fuel and time travelling to mills,” Bennett says.
“At the moment trucks with these tyres are only allowed to carry 14 tonnes on their rear two axles and under the new concession, operators can now carry up to 16.5 tonnes.”
Bennet says government has
worked closely with Canegrowers Australia to introduce the new tyre technology and to find a
balance between
travel on private and public roads.
“While allowing trucks to carry more will boost productivity, the sugar industry must continue to focus on safe loading and secure transport of their cane billets,” he says.
The Queensland Government
has also
warned motorists to be aware of cane trains and cane trucks operating during the harvest season.