Too few vehicle examiners at the beck and call of the DVSA has led to renewed calls by the road transport industry to privatise testing. Kevin Swallow reports
VOSA Testing
Assuming we can find enough of them, what will tomorrow’s truck drivers want from a next-generation dashboard display? Brian Weatherley finds out
Speed Limiters
First, two new generations of Knorr-Bremse (Hall 17, A30) disc brakes receive their first public airing: the Synact two-piston brake for tractor vehicles and the Nextt single-piston brake for tractor vehicles with low axle loads and for trailers.
Telematics
Familiar on new cars and light commercials, engine stop-start systems work reliably and seem to deliver worthwhile fuel savings. So why are they virtually unknown in HGVs, and unusual in PSVs? And what will happen to the few such systems that are out there: will they be overtaken by hybrid and electric driveline rivals? Toby Clark enquires
Battery Technology
Out with gearsticks, in with connected smart transmissions and predictive shifting, as automated manual transmissions conquer the CV world, reports Richard Simpson
Engine/Transmission Management
The Health and Safety Executive decided against setting a maximum limit for single pallet tail-lift deliveries. So how heavy is too heavy, and how can pallets weighing over one tonne be managed safely? Chris Tindall reports
Lifting & Handling
Pulling a heavy shopping trolley back to the car at the weekend, the difficulty of compensating for even a slight gradient in the forecourt tarmac always catches me by surprise. Although no doubt I am a 98-pound weakling compared to our nation’s muscular delivery drivers, the prospect of dropping off a heavy pallet on a steep hill should scare them, too.
Lifting & Handling
Nottingham-based Reynolds Recruitment has taken delivery of two new Volvo FH tractors for its logistics operation, with the latest arrivals joining six other Volvos within the 60-strong fleet.
Tractor Units
Family-run haulier Ball Truckin’ Transport (BTT) has renewed its sole parts supply agreement with Ford & Slater, citing cost and time savings as the key factors.
Vehicle Parts
PCL Group is reporting a 10% improvement in workshop efficiency at its Maidstone service centre, since acquiring new vehicle lifting equipment from TotalKare.
Workshop
Midlands-based sister companies Smart Cut and TFN Landscapes have purchased ten more Isuzu Grafter Green 3.5 tonne rigids, after positive performance from the first four acquired last year.
Rigids
SRC Aggregates has ordered another five Mercedes-Benz 8x4 Arocs, after eight months of a planned year-long trial of its first vehicle revealed impressive fuel performance.
Rigids