Victorian-based Cartage Australia adds a SMART truck to its fleet to increase payload
The latest addition to Victorian hauler Cartage Australia’s fleet is a SMART truck, and that is not just because it is kept clean.
Cartage Australia has just introduced its latest tipper and quad dog combination, but with a slight difference, as a PBS-approved design it has a greater payload than its non-PBS equivalent.
While eight of Cartage Australia’s combinations are already PBS compliant, the latest truck breaks new ground by gaining approval for series production, provided the design remains unchanged.
The year long approval process and considerable engineering costs were funded by CMV truck sales of Laverton North in conjunction with Volvo Trucks and Gorski Trailers.
“Anyone can buy this PBS combination now but the spec must be identical to comply,” CMV’s Charles Bunkersmith says.
While most quarry trucks are able to use 19 metres length because of the density of the product, by extending the PBS truck to 19.6 metres, it retains its advantages in terms of swept path, but is able to carry up to an extra 5.5 tonnes in payload.
The CMV design includes Volvo 6×4 truck with 14.5 cubic metre tipper body and four-axle 24.5 cubic metre tipper trailer.
The entire combination has disc brakes with EBS electronic controls, including electronic stability on both truck and trailer, with brake load proportioning and ABS anti-skid functions.
The Volvo comes with the latest Euro 4 13 litre engine, automated 12 speed gearbox, and road-friendly eight bag drive axle air suspension, while the trailer has SAF Holland road-friendly air-suspension.
Most importantly for the quarry industry, the new design can now be bought off-the-shelf, and does not require operators to undertake the design and approval process themselves.