The philosophy behind the walk-around check is to never assume that a key component of a vehicle is safe. If in doubt, check, to be sure. Safety can only be confirmed through direct observation. This is a longstanding approach to safety of commercial vehicles, and it works – as long as the checklist is a limited (smallish) number.
Brakes & Braking Systems
While most of the noise at DAF has been made about its new generation XG/XF/XD models, that’s not all the Dutch manufacturer has been up to. Its smaller distribution rigid, the LF, has been given a new powertrain as well, reports Lucy Radley from the driver’s cab
Truck Efficiency
An in-depth study of engineering costs at a UK fleet in the commercial waste and recycling sector seen by Richard Simpson has revealed a spate of expensive clutch failures on five different makes of trucks fitted with automated manual transmissions (AMTs)
Truck Efficiency
Richard Simpson reflects on the technological enablers of automation
Tractor Units
S&B has collaborated with bus operators including Metroline and National Express to develop a custom-made Level 3 bus and coach accident repair apprenticeship, which also is able to access apprentice levy funding
Apprenticeships
In August 2022, Skanska’s ban of lorry loaders fitted with hydraulic swing-up stabiliser legs caused a mini construction industry tsunami. Peter Shakespeare drills down into what happened and how the construction industry pulled together to ensure what caused it can never happen again
Loaders
We’ve been making telephone calls over copper landlines since the days of plummy-voiced Post Office operators plugging cables into exchange switchboards. Now the deadline’s finally looming for the copper network’s retirement party. And Britain’s businesses are all but oblivious to the potential risks to their companies’ support and alarm services. Chris Pateman reports
Traffic Communications
AES UK (Automotive Equipment Solutions) has introduced a hand-held tyre scanner that allows commercial vehicle operators, workshops and tyre retailers to measure tyre tread depth.
North West Trucks, part of the Greenhous Group – a DAF dealer group – has opened a dealership in Warrington as part of a £2 million investment.
West Coast Motors of Argyll has taken delivery of six tri-axle Irizar Integral i6S Efficient coaches for use on Scottish Citylink routes.
Suttons Tankers is using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as part of a trial that seeks to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 91000 kgs on five routes.
Northgate is recruiting a further 50 technicians as it reinforces its service and maintenance capabilities across a network of 54 workshops and 50,000 light commercial vehicles.
Apprenticeships