SPONSORED CONTENT: Perth-based Goldstar Transport has recently received the delivery of Steelbro’s new Next Gen side-lifter – a labour of love and true engineering genius.
For over 140 years, Steelbro has maintained an international reputation for superior design and innovative manufacturing.
The engineers and design team at Steelbro are constantly striving for excellence in design, driving ongoing development to ensure Steelbro retains its position as a dominant force in the global transport industry.
May 2019 saw the launch of Steelbro’s latest development in side-lifters – the new SB363. The model was showcased by Steelbro at the Brisbane Truck Show.
Impressed by the features of the new side-lifter, Perth-based transport operator Sean Carren decided to order the new model for his business, Goldstar Transport.
In the months to follow, Steelbro worked with Sean and Goldstar’s workshop manager David Pedrotti to build a WA-based specification that suits Goldstar’s applications giving them the confidence to keep on delivering a great service to their clients.
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Goldstar Transport is a family-owned and operated company based in Kewdale, specialising in all aspects of vehicle, site office, equipment and machinery transportation.
The business prides itself in providing fast and efficient delivery service not only in Perth but across all of Western Australia – from the Pilbara region to Albany and Esperance.
“Our highly trained staff ranges from experienced transport and dispatch coordinators, through to extensively trained professional drivers, ensuring the safe operation and transport of all loads, whatever shape or size. Safety and customer service excellence are our top priorities. We were recently awarded the Platinum WorkSafe Safety Award, which underlines our commitment to safe operation of what we do,” Goldstar Transport managing director Sean Carren says.
Queensland-based DNV Transport’s Dave Carswell was similarly introduced to the SB363 side-lifter at the Brisbane Truck Show, becoming the first to add Steelbro’s brand new model to his fleet.
For Carren, choosing Steelbro wasn’t an unfamiliar territory as 100 per cent of his fleet of side-loaders is from the same brand.
“Steelbro products are locally made and they do a great job at it. Howard Porter and Steelbro back their products so there is peace of mind in case we need some support later,” Carren says.
The new features
As with all things Steelbro, the SB363 new generation side-lifter has been developed using the latest design techniques and innovative technologies.
The SB363 has lower tare weight compared to all other Steelbro models, improved lift speeds with 30 per cent increase in speed to deploy and stow stabilisers due to new higher flow rate, and centralised Parker hydraulic system.
Operation efficiency is highly increased due to reduced maintenance costs with fewer components and simplified electrical and hydraulic fault diagnostics, a proportional control valve, a centralised ECU simplifying SMART lift II which reduces CAN-bus circuit requirements, minimal electronic components and less complex wiring and a hydraulic valve bank.
The side-lifter is also more operator-friendly with upgraded proportional control, more responsive joystick operation, improved crane synchronisation, and ability to perform up to four functions simultaneously.
Safety is enhanced due to enhanced SMART lift and hydraulic systems. The next-generation SMART lift II load monitoring system results in improved user experience, enhanced colour display on a high-resolution screen, clear messages, simple diagnostics and maintenance, and environmental protection features.
The bridge leg angle option allows container to be placed up against a wall with a 500 mm gap between the container and the side-lifter. Meanwhile, the ISO compliant fuel tank has been redesigned to allow central mounting, easy cleaning and include extra service indicators.
“The updates they’ve made, the speed of operation compared with some of our older Steelbro units impressed us and we knew right away that the SB363 would fit very well in our fleet. The unit is going to be put to daily use and we’re confident it’s going to deliver,” Carren says.
About Howard Porter
Howard Porter is the manufacturer and sole distributor of Steelbro equipment in Australia. For over 75 years Howard Porter has been servicing the Australian road transport industry with its comprehensive range of quality and reliable equipment.
The company offers extensive truck and trailer repair and modification services. While the company headquarters are based in Spearwood, Western Australia, its quality equipment and service satisfaction has made Howard Porter a leading force throughout the country. The company manufactures truck bodies and semi-trailers for small to medium businesses through to multi-national corporate customers.
For more details about Howard Porter or Steelbro, call (08) 9418 0000 or visit www.howardporter.com.au.