Recent threads hereabouts got me thinking about a few things and I thought I'd post a bit of info for anyone who is interested. Road Trains, as they are known in Australia and NZ consist of a prime mover (tractor or semi) with two or more trailers. Road Trains over a certain length are not permitted in many cities and towns and must stick to certain routes for passing through. "B" arrangements (B-Doubles, Super B's, B-Triples and AB-Triples) are now more common due to the ability to get more load space into the various length restrictions (don't ask me to go into the laws as I'm far from an expert). In 2000 the first B-Triples hit Australian roads. The claim efficiency improvements over a road train of 10 to 30%. However, the "B" arrangement is really only an on highway option (in the main) which sees them mixing with the traffic. There has been some uproar from Joe Public about trucks that are 116 feet long: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/heavyvehicles/downloads/bt_abt_operating_conditions_updated_feb_08.pdf http://www.theage.com.au/national/anger-over-megatrucks-plan-20080828-44cw.html Ford has done the probably the best documented Trial of the B-Triple: http://www.ntc.gov.au/filemedia/Publications/CaseStudy4HighProdB3Mar2005.pdf http://www.ntc.gov.au/Viewpage.aspx?page=A02312403400360020 http://frankston.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/btriple-trucks-headed-our-way/1260660.aspx You have to watch out for journalists calling a B-Train a "Road Train"...big difference down here. Anyways, thats whats been happening in our parts
If you scroll to the third page of this document: http://www.atatruck.net.au/policies_submissions/ata brfpp_4thhvchargesdetermination jan08.pdf You can see all the combinations available:
Loads of info there. I like the secret plan comment. Those can always bite you in the long run. The Road Trains have always fascinated me. There's just something about flying down the road pulling four or five trailers.
youtube plenty of video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2f3jofVnNE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX7IKXVLX-M&feature=related and this is one of my screen savers cheers graham
that is awesome. that is what a log truck is supposed to look like. Does it have steering rams at the articulation point? wicked cool. i'd trade some backwards wirling water for trucks like those. are they common to see?
Thanks Sqizzy you read my mind or post whatever. and thanks for the other info too. How ya been. not seen any hijacked threads lately work or SWMBO ( I think i got that right)(= Mrs. Sqizzy)
.:drinkup
No time for threadjackery Bear!. Business has been very quiet but picking up now...getting ready for the pre-christmas rush. Glad you like the pics. Mrs Squizz is getting impatient for the new patio
Please feel free to post all the big MACK pic you want!!!
Triples run here in a few states, single axles for FEDEX or UPS, some outfits in Montana and Idaho use double or triple axle trailers for logs and general freight. Most only run on four-lane expressways, maybe a mile or two off to a terminal. None of them carry the weight the Aussi models do, however, they run at maximum speed limits or more. There has been some talk about allowing longer trailers or more trailers nationwide here, but most folks are against that idea. Not crazy about it myself after running in some of the more crowded states this year. Some of the car drivers are nuts in what they do around a big rig.