This Issue:
HOT WINTER DEALS:
CRC Brakleen Pack, Fras-Le Brake Shoe
Kits, Stemco Shackle, Sampa Equaliser
TECH TALK:
TAKING CARE OF YOUR 5th WHEEL
In Demand Raufoss
Fittings, Eaton Parts, Jost 5th Wheel
In this edition of IN GEAR, we take a closer look at the products moving across our parts counters, highlighting deals on popular brands like CRC, Fras-Le, Stemco, and Sampa, along with an informative section on 5th wheel tech talk.
Despite the industry's resilient nature there are still challenges to navigate, especially due to tightened spending and economic uncertainty. Businesses are required to adopt innovative and sometimes pivoting strategies to overcome these hurdles. However, amidst the challenges, sports enthusiasts have reasons to be excited with the ongoing Women's FIFA World Cup and the much-anticipated Rugby World Cup in October with the All Blacks currently showcasing fine form.
The upcoming general election has put political parties in the spotlight as they compete for attention from voters. The election outcomes hold the potential to significantly impact the business environment, depending on the policies and priorities of the victorious party.
One of the primary obstacles faced by industry operators nationwide, is the strain on the global vehicle and parts supply chain. The ongoing disruptions have made it challenging for businesses to acquire new equipment and components at pre-COVID levels. As a result, operators are resorting to retaining and upgrading existing gear in their fleets, leading to an increased demand for remanufactured components, OEM, and aftermarket parts from TRT. This strategy, while a response to the supply chain struggle also underscores the importance of having diligent repair and maintenance (R&M) practice and fleet optimisation programmes.
A notable trend in the industry is the increased focus on health and safety. Employers are implementing robust safety protocols and prioritising the well-being of their workforce. This encouraging approach acknowledges the specialised nature of the business sector and the significance of safeguarding and retaining employees. Additionally, with the resurgence of the flu virus, businesses have a requirement to carefully manage stretched staff resources ensuring productivity is maintained.
At TRT, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive end-to-end solutions, with well-stocked warehouses thanks to the support of our brand partners and well-forecasted requirements.
I look forward getting on the road to meet and better understand the requirements of TRT’s customers over the coming months.
In June TRT held a customer event to showcase our Low Loader trailer range. Customers kindly lent us their TRT built Trailers - including Nikau Groups' ESS 10 line trailer carrying their Grove GMK5250L all terrain crane - seen with all the TRT team who made it possible.
TRT Crane Outrigger Pads fabricated, assembled, blasted and painted at our Hamilton manufacturing facility, ready for dispatch. Easy to transport and set up, these improve job efficiency and site safety. Built with Hardox™ high tensile steel, these are built to perform and last.
On the cover: Jost 5th Wheel being installed as part of a custom built hydraulic sliding wheel set-up on a new truck chassis by TRT's fabrication repair bay team. With considerable expertise, knowledge and experience the team can build almost any upgrades and repairs.
One of our customers, Waikato Cranes, moving a Portacom into position on Pukete Farm Park, Hamilton. They used a Grove GMK 4100 all terrain crane we sold them – making light work of the project.
In New Zealand we have had our issues with these important connection points and because of this we now have regulations that we need to follow, fortunately we are given two choices, follow the manufactures recommended service interval or follow the sections 7.2 and 7.3 of NZS 5450. Both options give very similar recommendations that are based on whatever occurs first, 3 months or a set distance, this recommended distance can be between 15000km and 80000km depending on Manufactures.
No matter what option you opt for, you will need to clean, inspect, and re-grease.
CLEAN: This is probably the worst part of the procedure, seeing it's the dirtiest - but you need to do this well so you can do the next step. Remove the bulk grease with a scrapper and then steam clean (degrease) both sides and components, remembering that you will need to sign off the inspection form so the cleaner the better.
Now you need to inspect the components that are keeping the trailer attached. Jaws, throat, plungers, handles, springs, and bolts all need to be checked against manufacturers specifications for wear, and signs of damage or misuse. Replace as necessary! For the Grease-less 5th wheels (low lube) you will need to check the nylon kidneys for damage or wear and replace as necessary. Now that you have checked and replaced items as necessary and satisfied that everything is operational the last phase is assembly.
ASSEMBLY AND LUBE: Lube jaws, locks, pivots and sliding assemblies as required if applicable (not all 5th wheels have all these features) this should be at the manufactures recommended points.
INSPECTION: This is probably the most important part of this procedure. Check both the top and bottom casting (pressing) especially around the mounting points and throat for cracks and excessive wear. Don’t forget to check the mounting plates and brackets for cracks or damage, also check the bolts for torque and replace any items that are missing, damaged or broken to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Test by using the testing tool and operating the mechanism several times insuring that it is functioning correctly. Adjust the locking mechanism so that the tool rotates freely and there is no fore-aft play when pushing on the lock tester handle, check the manufactures guides for the correct procedure.
Once you are satisfied that you have adjusted everything correctly, you can remove the tool and recheck your work, bolts are torqued and everything is like new again, you can grease the top surface (unless it’s the nylon kidney version) sign the paperwork and return to the driver.
Job done.
Check out 'Tool Time' overleaf for the tools required to service your 5th wheel which we have available.
*Prices shown exclude GST & freight and are valid from 1st August to September 30th 2023 or while stocks last. No further trade discounts apply to deals shown.
For most people the 5th wheel is just something you use to get a trailer from A to B and back, but it is a vital connection point that needs to be checked and maintained regularly.
We offer some great tips and advice on maintenance, servicing and check-lists to keep your 5th wheel operating smoothly and efficiently
TRT have a comprehensive range of both Raufoss and conventional brass fittings available.
Build any combination of fitting to get the job done.
TRT have a great range from connectors to hose tails for all applications.
TRT stock a good range of Eaton transmissions and can rebuild most transmissions that aren’t stocked. Talk to your local branch or territory manager today.
Full range of overhaul kits for Eaton gearboxes available
We have the fully oscillating heavy duty 38g series 5th wheels in both 2”and 3.5” along with Jaw conversion kits to change between both sizes of kingpins if required. Talk to your territory manager or local branch for pricing.
Talk to your local branch or territory manager today for any of your spring requirements
Before joining TRT, my background primarily revolved around the national and global transport industry. For the past ten years, I served as the COO for Road Transport New Zealand, where my focus was on compliance matters. Prior to that, I spent a decade as the National Commercial Manager working in international supply chain for Maersk Logistics New Zealand based in Auckland.
I've always been closely connected to New Zealand's transport sector, spanning from heavy haulage and line haul to livestock and most other sectors of the industry. My passion for transport, mechanics and the machinery involved in shifting goods around New Zealand has driven my journey in this field.
I look forward to this new role managing operations with TRT's Christchurch team.
I've worked in multiple roles in the Transport and Heavy Automotive Industries over my career. I've been a Workshop Manager for various franchises and most recently managed a parts and service dealership for Scania and ISUZU in the lower North Island.
Arriving in New Zealand I commenced carrying out compliance and permitting work for mobile cranes and over dimensional vehicles. Then I moved onto fleet maintenance management in the aggregate industry before working in
truck sales for a number of years developing best fit solutions to clients’ requirements.
When the fix is outside of the norm, they are the challenges I enjoy most, using my knowledge of transport compliance and regulations.
Backed up with over 20 years industry experience and mechanical knowledge, providing technical solutions and seeing them working is what I enjoy most.
TRT offer a selection of JOST tools and gauges to make your job easier, including simple ‘No-Go’ gauges in addition to rated lifting tools and fifth wheel testers. All tools are designed for common ADR specified wear limits
JTSK76000-00 for 2”
JTSK76000-90 for 3.5”
JTSPGAUGE
as well as JOST specific tolerance. We have tools to suit king pins, locking jaws, coupling pins, tow eye bushes, ball couplings and more. Talk to your local branch or territory manager today.
JTKPGAUGE
JTSK7600701
Tipping, forestry, harvesting, spreading, tankers, stock trucks, access equipment and agriculture work - if your fleet travels offhighway for any reason, Traction Air CTI can improve your performance.
· Improve traction Reduce tyre wear
Reduce damage to road surfaces
· Greater fuel efficiency
· Improve vehicle and driver safety
Match tyre pressure to load and road surfaces, all from the comfort of the cab!
*Prices shown exclude GST & freight and are valid from 1st August to September 30th 2023 or while stocks last. No further trade discounts apply to deals shown.
2023
MANAGING TYRE PRESSURE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER, MORE ACCURATE OR SMARTER!
With ZEPRO tail lifts, quality is never compromised. ZEPRO’s flexible and accurate handling makes lifting and moving is smooth and controlled, keeping goods safe and delivered with precision. It will assist the driver to maximise uptime and work in a safe and effective way, regardless of your operation or environment.
Keep your tail lift running and minimise downtime with genuine ZEPRO parts from TRT.
Maintain your tail lift performance and safety. Talk to your rep about ZEPRO unit and parts options today.
For all Hiab, Jonsered and Multilift enquiries contact:
North Island
Andrew Farrell: 021 591 049 e: andrewf@trt.co.nz
South Island
Matthew Tabb: 021 755 263 e: mattt@trt.co.nz
We stock a wide range of seat belts, seat belt stalks, lap belts, 2 and 3 point seat belts and harnesses. We also carry a full range of mounting stalks to ensure optimum mounting angles. Straight, tunnel mount and electric stalks are available as well as adjustable web options.
Jeremy Carden 027 354 0329
Trailers Andrew Farrell - North Island 021 591 049 hiab@trt.co.nz
Hiab Matt Tabb - South Island 021 755 263 mattt@trt.co.nz
