How to Couple and Uncouple a Fifth Wheel on a prime mover is a skill that should be mastered before a driver get’s their heavy combination licence. Yet there are an increasing number of photos posted on social media of trailers being dropped. We sent our resident trainer-assessor, Howard Shanks, to find out why is…
DetailsThe following article descibes how a Turbo Retarder Clutch works. The skilful art of getting a heavy load to start moving without damaging the truck’s driveline is a skill often developed only after many years behind the steering wheel. But thankfully, the Mercedes-Benz Turbo Retarder Clutch now takes the guesswork out of heavy haulage lift-offs,…
DetailsBogie Drive Basics – Advice for truck drivers Dana Diff Lock Driver’s instruction manual available to download at end of article. Diff Lock engaged – axle in the locked position All bogie or tandem drive trucks require an inter-axle differential, also referred to as the Power Divider, which allows the forward and rear axle to…
DetailsCommer was a British truck manufacturer founded in 1905 as Commercial Cars Limited. Their primary business was manufacturing commercial vehicles, including car-derived vans, through to medium and heavy trucks and buses. In addition, they made engines, including their most famous, the TS3 Diesel. If you’ve got a senior’s card, you’ll undoubtedly remember the distinct sound…
DetailsHow to drive an Eaton 18-Speed Roadranger Eaton’s 18-Speed Roadranger Driver’s Instruction manual available for download at end of article. Driving a constant mesh transmission like a 13-speed or 15-speed Roadranger transmission correctly used to be a fundamental part of truck driving, and old school truck drivers took great pride in the way they swapped…
DetailsSecret to Reversing a B-Double & Semi-Trailer I often get asked what is the secret to reversing a B-Double? This article should put your mind at ease, as it explains the fine art of reversing a B-Double in simple terms. Basically, it can be broken down into three uncomplicated steps; have a plan, understand the…
DetailsSince the birth of road transport, trucking operators have strived to reduce fuel usage and increase payloads. Over the past decade, the industry’s push towards alloy wheels because they’re far lighter than steel wheels has seen many truck manufacturers make alloy rims a standard fitment on various models. For instance, almost half a tonne (476kg)…
DetailsWith the rapid increase in heavy vehicle running costs, the following tips on how to match your tyres will undoubtedly see you extract a few extra thousand kilometres out of your tyres. But ultimately, it will make all the difference to your bottom line. Furthermore, it might even save you costly downtime from changing a…
DetailsRegular readers would recall that we’ve reported on several tri-drive units operating in high productivity heavy road train applications over the last few years. Truth be told, the site of a tri-drive or “tridem” road train with four to six trailers in tow is indeed an impressive sight. Their daily payloads undoubtedly would have made…
DetailsThe primary function of a truck air compressor is to supply compressed air for the truck air suspension and braking system. Typically, this type of compressor is driven by the truck’s engine. The air compressor builds the air pressure for the air suspension, auxiliary components and brake system. In most cases, the air compressor is…
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