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ATA and MaxiTrans link for dolly innovation

Rigid drawbar converter dolly project tackles safety issues

 

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) Industry Technical Council and MaxiTrans are leading industry innovation, by tackling an exciting engineering ‘proof of concept’ project. 

And a fruit of their labours was on display at the Brisbane Truck Show (BTS).

The ATA’s Industry Technical Council (ITC) is a working committee that provides technical input and best practice advice to the ATA. 

“The project explores the further development of a rigid drawbar converter dolly and comes after ITC member discussions regarding the dynamic issues with hinged drawbar converter dollies, especially brake reactivity and tyre wear,” ATA chief engineer Bob Woodward says. 

“Manufacturers and suppliers are looking for safer designs, and operators are seeking improved productivity with safer outcomes. 

“With immense support from MaxiTrans and ITC members Hendrickson, Alcoa Wheels, Bridgestone, Jost and Wabco, the project is a collaboration of the resources and knowledge of manufacturers, suppliers and operators all working towards a common goal.”

From concept to reality, the converter dolly project, sporting Freighter livery, was on display in the MaxiTrans exhibition space at last week’s BTS. 


See the trailer highlights from this year’s Brisbane Truck Show, here


MaxiTrans group general manager sales and marketing Andrew McKenzie says the display generated an extraordinary amount of interest throughout the course of the show. 

“Despite being an essential part of the trailer combination, it is sometimes neglected or overlooked,” McKenzie adds.

“However, due to the advent of A-doubles, it has certainly become increasingly important. MaxiTrans, in conjunction with the ATA, has been working on the concept for quite some time and understand that while the rigid drawbar may or may not suit every combination, we are confident that the initial trials will demonstrate the safety benefits to the wider transport community.”

The dolly will now be trialled by ITC members and customers of the MaxiTrans and the supporting companies. 

“The interest the dolly project has gained is overwhelming, with many requests to participate in the trial from industry operators as well as the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator,” Woodward says. 

“The project and trial play an important role in enhancing safety and productivity. 

“The needs of our industry are constantly changing, and the ITC is essential to ensuring operators and businesses stay up to date with best practice.”

The ATA subsequently reports that the converter dolly is now on it’s way to Darwin on a ‘road show’ with the new Volvo XXL with Simon Trailers.

Volvo Trucks’ Bill Manton says the trial is going extremely well.

“The handling is exceptionally good – far better than a normal dolly,” Manton is quoted as saying, adding that they are now west of Chinchilla and he is even more impressed now they are on some rougher roads.

For more information or to view the Industry Technical Council membership kit, click here.

 

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