UPDATE FROM ED

With the end of the financial year all wrapped up and the nights getting longer - shorts and BBQ tongs are now not the first choice but the warmer gear is. We know winter has once again announced its arrival, bringing with it some testing driving conditions so please take care on the roads. Take the time to clear frost from the windscreens and side windows and always drive to the conditions.

Congratulations to Bruce and Mary Carden on now being the sole owners of TRT and we wish all the best to Robert Carden as he steps down and out of the business over the next few months.

With this change in leadership TRT will still be your key supply partner and be there ready to help you get the correct replacement part fast, so you can be back on the road and doing what you do best, in short, we will make it possible for you.

On the cover we have some Eaton gearbox parts that are off for crack testing before they are reused in our rebuild program. Check with your territory manager for the best deal on an exchange gearbox and don't forget our remanned exchange programme extends not only to transmissions, but to steer axle's and drive shafts.

We have some great deals in this issue with the focus on Zepro Tail Lift servicing with some good user information that will see you get the maximum life from your Tail lift without the costly downtime. We carry many spare parts in stock throughout New Zealand to keep them in perfect working order when you need to replace anything. Along with Zepro we have some great deals on our Hiab crane range with some big savings to be had if you are quick, because these won’t last long. Also, check the hot winter deals it also has some real savings on some very sort after items.

I also want to mention the great work from our TRT team in Hamilton - who within 3 months to the day totally stripped down, cleaned, refit and refurbished an ESS trailer caught in cyclone Gabrielle. This was an intense and meticulous undertaking which required specialised expertise from several TRT departments including Mechanical Services, Repair Bay, Crane Service, Manufacturing, Assembly, Paint shop and Trailer Sales - who managed the customer relationship throughout the whole repair process. 'Gabbi' as the trailer has been officially named, was picked up by a grateful client last week - so brilliant effort team! Thank you for your ongoing support and business and please stay safe over the coming winter season.

Ed Foster Christchurch Branch Manager

WHAT'S HAPPENING

ZEPRO SERVICING:

Servicing the trucks Zepro tail lift is a good addition to your customers truck servicing.

Regular service and maintenance on tail lifts are essential for keeping maintenance costs low, safety high and product life long. In addition to annual servicing daily and weekly maintenance and regular lubrication must be carried out for the best results.

TRT carries all the common parts needed to service and support your tail lift, pumps, motors, circuit cards or replacement controllers.

DAILY AND WEEKLY CHECKS:

Daily and weekly checks are outlined in the owners manual that came with the tail lift. Remind the operator that daily and weekly checks of the tail lift are advised and a good way to catch any potential issues before they become problemsand ensuring the safe operation of the Zepro tail lift.

Daily and weekly checks involve a visual inspection of the main lift components for any obvious damage or wear. The list of items to be checked are shown in the Zepro owners manual that came with the lift.

TIP: Identifying the Zepro model:

There is a factory ID plate attached to the main tail lift frame containing the tail lift type (model) and production number (serial number) this information is required when ordering parts - see image:

ANNUAL SERVICING:

We can supply seal kits and parts to rebuild Zepro cylinders or complete replacement cylinders if required.

The seals in place between the tail lift platform and the truck body are a common point of wear and tear as well as damage with regular use, TRT can supply replacement rubber seals to ensure that the platform fits securely against the rear of the truck stopping water entering the truck.

Contact your nearest branch with any of your Zepro part needs.

Annual servicing is vital to keeping your tail lift in top condition, extends the life of the unit, keep repair costs down, and also ensure the safe operation of the lift.

Zepro has an annual service protocol to be followed, this is detailed in the supplied operator’s manual.

TIP: Lubrication:

At a minimum, lubrication must be done every 3 months. More frequent intervals may be necessary when driving in aggressive surroundings or the lift is washed often. Before lubricating, clean the lift, especially the lubrication points and grease nipples.

'Lubrication must be carried out such that a ring of grease is visible on both sides of the bearings to protect against the intrusion of water, salt, sand and dirt.' See illustration below.

Things to check? When lubricating, the grease nipples should be checked to ensure they are function correctly and are not damaged, defective nipples should be replaced.

If you can not get grease even though the new nipple is assembled, the pivot bolt should be disassembled. Bearings, pivot bolts and lube channels be cleaned, re-grease and assembled back, and then lubricate in the usual way. If necessary, replace pivot bolt and/ or bearings.

Contact TRT for detailed lubrication instructions for your specific model.

*Prices shown exclude GST & freight and are valid from 1st June 2023 to July 30th 2023 or while stocks last. No further trade discounts apply to deals shown.