In Gear Dec 2022 -Jan 2023

What a fantastic start to summer, we have had some hot days and some not so good ones. It has been a very busy, and at times trying year, but we are now learning what a post Covid era will look like, and we will have plenty of opportunities for innovation and making things happen. Rest assured that the team at TRT will be there supporting our customers into the future.

The highlight of the year for me must be the Black Ferns win over the English, I was on the edge of my seat until the final whistle. Congratulations to both teams for putting on a great spectacle, it was a pleasure to watch.

The Christchurch TMC trucking Industry show was on the last weekend of November and all reports back were positive, thank you to all the customers and TRT team who attended the Breakfast BBQ, some great networking opportunities were taken, and a great time was had by all. By now the new drivers and passengers KAB seats that we were giving away for the show, will be with the lucky winner, and they are enjoying their prize.

We do have some extra stock from the show so please check with your local Territory Manager for some extended show deals.

In this months In Gear we have a technical focus on the cooling system, this can be a mystery to some but it is a critical component of keeping you on the road and earning. Hopefully this demystifies and explains some of the basics of that system and helps to keep you moving, so please check it out on page 4, also the deals that we are running in conjunction with this on page 5.

With the focus now on Christmas and New Year we would like to wish you and your Family a safe and happy merry season.

We are only closed the stat days, also we have an afterhours callout service that will be running over this period, so we will be happy to help you with your parts requirements over the break.

From all the team at TRT Merry Christmas!

EXPERTS IN OUR FIELD

At

beating out some of the bigger players in the industry.

TRT recently announced the launch of the Tidd PC28-2 pick and carry crane, available from March 2023. With improved capacity and performance the 'Dash 2' has an exicting future ahead.

TRT Hamilton were pleased to host a visit from the Northern Classic Commercials Club - Part of the convoy was an old friend - a 1972 TRT-built heavy haulage trailer - still in the hands of the original owner's (Vic Draper) Drapers Earth Movers from Wellington!

On the cover: Iveco fitted with a new tractor set-up and shortened wheel base..

Christchurch Branch Manager Ed Foster

the recent 2022 CICA National Conference in Australia, TRT were well represented and took out the 'Best Booth' award

COOL DOWN TIPS / DEALS

COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR HEAVY-DUTY ENGINES

(Supplemental Coolant Additive) testing is required to ensure levels remain high enough, these coolants should be tested twice a year to confirm colour, concentration, pH and carboxylate levels.

BEST PRACTICES FOR COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF COOLANT?

One of the primary functions of coolant is to regulate heat within the cylinder head and engine block. A cooling system is designed to circulate a cooling medium which absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it through a heat exchanger (radiator or cooler). Coolant is also used to protect against freezing and boiling. If a problem in the cooling system hinders this removal of heat eventually engine failure will occur. In fact, it’s estimated that 40% of all engine problems originate in the cooling system. Unfortunately, damage to the cooling system is often difficult to see until it’s too late.

Routine maintenance recommendations may vary from one OEM engine to another, but there are some general maintenance guidelines to follow with cooling systems. One best practice tip is to check coolant and cooling systems during routine oil changes.

HERE ARE A FEW ADDITIONAL COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE CHECK POINTS:

1. Ensure cooling system is filled with coolant and freeze protection level is adequate for the ambient environment. Underfilling the cooling system can cause corrosion and overheating issues. An inadequate freeze protection level can result in cracking of lines or passages when the coolant freezes and expands. If the coolant level is low, investigate why.

2. Use the same coolant found in the engine for top offs. Don’t mix coolant types.

3. Check radiator fluid levels and concentration. Check the integrity of the radiator cap and look for leaks.

SOME PROBLEMS INCLUDE:

• Corrosion

• Liner cavitation

• Pitting of the cylinder liners and the engine block

• Premature failure of the head gasket, water pump, thermostat, and radiator

• Engine failure

COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE IS CHANGING

In the past, cooling system maintenance was relatively simple. Technicians could just look to see if the coolant level was visible, if no visible evidence of leakage was seen at the hose connections and water pump and no steam was present while the engine was running, maintenance was likely not done. Typical maintenance needed was replacing the radiator cap and topping off the coolant level.

However, the advanced engines of today require more of the cooling system, and that means cooling system maintenance is changing as well. Cooling system maintenance starts when you first take possession of a piece of equipment.

Despite their longevity, extended life coolants are not maintenance free, you need to know which types of coolant are present from factory this is to prevent cross-mixing of coolant types. If you are unable to use the same coolant, it is recommended selecting a coolant with similar corrosion protection inhibitors to maintain the inhibitor levels for adequate corrosion protection. If your coolant includes SCAs,

4. Have coolant samples analysed at recommended intervals (check with engine OEM or coolant supplier)

5. Properly clean and flush the system when coolant is changed. While flushing the system is a good practice, some coolant problems including corrosion, deposits, pitting and erosion can’t be fixed by flushing. Flushing should not be the only maintenance practice service technicians rely on.

6. Do not use water instead of coolant, it can cause the cooling system to corrode. If coolant isn’t available and water must be used, it should be used with a corrosion resistor.

7. Never add tap water to a cooling system. Tap water contains minerals and other contaminants that are not good for the cooling system. If you must use tap water in an emergency, make sure to flush the system and replace the coolant as soon as practical

8. Only used deionized water.

BY FOLLOWING THESE TIPS A FEW BENEFITS OF A WELL-MAINTAINED COOLING SYSTEM ARE:

• MORE EFFICIENT ENGINE COOLING

• QUICKER ENGINE WARM UP

• BETTER FUEL CONSUMPTION

• LONGER LASTING COMPONENTS

New advanced engines require advanced cooling systems and as engines and cooling systems become more sophisticated, cooling system maintenance requirements must change too.

One of the most important parts of maintaining a cooling system is the coolant or antifreeze itself. Ensuring you have the right balance of water and glycol is essential.

BRAD SARE TERRITORY MANAGER / AUCKLAND SOUTH

I have worked in the industry for around twenty years I have been with TRT for the last seven years.

Starting in the tyre industry, I got an understanding of the service needed to keep various types of customers satisfied. I moved onto Automotive work for a while then shifted to the trucking industry where I stayed.

With a passion for trucks, I was at a couple of businesses on the parts counter before I came to TRT in the same role. I was in that position for nine months before being promoted to territory manager.

Auckland South has been my territory for the last five years developing relationships with potential and existing customers.

In my role, I enjoy the day to day challenges with no day being the same. and being able to talk face to face with the customer to sort solutions out while building the relationship with them and delivering the service required. I live by the quote “No one knows everything” we learn everyday and most importantly own your shit.

THOMAS NISBETT TERRITORY MANAGER / CHRISTCHURCH CENTRAL

I have worked in the industry for over five years and have been TRT Christchurch for the last three. I started on the parts counter increasing my knowledge base and developing relationships with customers.

I am now the Christchurch central territory manager and have been for almost 2 years.

I enjoy this industry where there’s always different daily challenges and I pride myself on thinking outside the box to develop effective solutions for all of my customers.

Plus one of the best aspects of my role as territory manager is getting to meet people and build lasting relationships.