Tail lift manufacturers are putting their products on a stiff diet. Steve Banner finds out how lighter lifts are leading to operational cost savings and efficiency gains
Tail Lifts
New legislation that impacts on brakes and braking systems is causing suppliers to work harder to improve their products. John Challen assesses latest developments aimed at optimising performance
Brakes & Braking Systems
With so many workshops still wrestling with paper, fax and spreadsheets, Brian Tinham reviews the experiences of organisations that have moved into the digital age
Workshop Management Systems
With a raft of new arrivals in recent months there's never been such a comprehensive and diverse selection of vans and LCVs. Keith Read looks under the covers at some of the latest
Light Commercial Vehicles
What's under the skin and behind the wheel of Iveco's surprising new Euro 6-compliant EcoStralis tractor unit? Steve Banner finds out
Tractor Units
A Leeds-based technology company, G2M Technologies, has launched a system aimed at reducing the number of deaths on the road that are caused by company drivers using their phones while at the wheel.
Road Safety
Northallerton-based Prestons of Potto is seeing the direct benefits of moving from 295/80 R22.5 drive axle tyres to 315/80 R22.5s, after the highest mileage tractor unit in an initial 20-vehicle trial clocked-up more than 500,000km (524,137km) before its Michelin XDN2 Grip drive tyres needed replacing.
Tyres & Retreads
A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis cab has joined the fleet at Hilton Rental. Arriving via S & B Commercial's Stansted dealership, the 313CDI Long vehicle has been fitted with a Luton body with aerodynamic, cab roof-mounted pod by GM Billings & Sons, as well as a Ratcliff Palfinger 500kg column tail lift.
Light Commercial Vehicles
After experimenting with cheaper tyres – and getting a less than satisfactory return on its investment – Fegan Transport has moved back to premium tyres from Continental. As a result, tyre performance and life expectancy has increased, which has arguably been more beneficial in balancing the books than the experiment with so-called cost effective rubber.
Tyres & Retreads
Accident assistance company Helphire Group has just taken delivery of the first of 50 new Euro 5 Fiat Ducato-based transporters as part of its fleet replacement programme.
Light Commercial Vehicles
When the time came to replace one of their older vehicles in order to meet the requirements of London's Low Emission Zone (LEZ), Weetabix-owned packaging company Vibixa "had no hesitation whatsoever" buying a Volvo, according to Warehouse and Transport Manager Gary Bridges.
Trailers
Honiton, Devon-based RJ Hill (Haulage), which recently acquired its first Volvo FMX six-wheeler tipper, says that so far it is pleased with its new acquisition.
Tippers