Heavy Haulage Equipment in Australia: What Operators Need to Know
Australia is a demanding territory for heavy haulage operations. The economy relies heavily on weighty natural resources that need to be transported across the vast landscape. This means that powerful, durable equipment is an absolute must-have, along with knowledge of safe loading techniques and an understanding of the regulations that keep everyone safe. Here’s a brief guide to the essentials all operators should know to move goods safely and efficiently.
How to Choose a Prime Mover
The prime mover is the centrepiece of any haulage operation. In other words, it’s the main vehicle that will be used for transporting goods. This is the foundational decision hauliers need to make, since it’s much easier to choose a vehicle that can already shift a lot of weight than to try to kit out a weaker one. Heavy haulage prime movers are often trucks with upwards of 550 horsepower and plenty of torque.
How to Use Drop Deck and Widener Trailers
Drop deck trailers are essential pieces of equipment for moving large, heavy goods. They allow you to haul equipment that would exceed height limits on an ordinary trailer, like bulldozers or large excavators. A drop deck widener trailer is one that’s even more versatile because it allows you to carry extra-wide loads. A lot of mining and agricultural machinery exceeds the usual 2.5m width of a typical road trailer.
Australian Heavy Haulage Regulations
Transporting oversized or bulky loads creates additional risks for all road users, so it’s only to be expected that there are strict rules to follow. However, the heavy vehicle safety standards and load restraint rules in Australia are set by the various territories and jurisdictions, not nationally. Wherever you plan to operate, it’s important to make yourself aware of the local rules and to keep in compliance with them.
Whether to Use Road Trains
Road trains are crucial to Australia’s thriving mining industry, as they’re necessary for carrying the huge quantities of natural resources along the vast highways. However, from an operator’s perspective, they are costly, and they require specially licensed drivers who have undergone specific training in how to drive them. They’re also difficult to plan routes for because of their enormous size. Depending on the scale of your business, they may not be worth the investment.
The Basics of Load Restraint and Weight Distribution
Ensuring your vehicles and trailers are properly loaded makes them safer and more efficient. Balanced loads that spread weight evenly across the axles will help your vehicles last longer between repairs, as uneven distribution can wear down tyres and damage your suspension. It also increases road damage, which you may end up liable for if it’s caused by one of your trucks. The most successful heavy haulage operators are experts in this fundamental skill.
Conclusion
A powerful, high-horsepower vehicle is just the starting point for a heavy haulage operation. As you can see, there are a few more things you’ll need to really succeed in the industry. By focusing on these core skills and decisions, you can easily build up a reputation for reliability.
