The 2008 Technical and Maintenance Conference wrapped up last week after two days of discussions and hands-on demonstrations about technical issues facing the trucking industry.
After an entertaining opening address from Con the Fruiterer, who spoke to delegates about the importance of team work, Managing Director of Rare Consulting, Mark McKenzie, gave delegates a snapshot of how the industry can reduce its vulnerability in the face of rising costs.
International speaker, Terry Bistue from MTU Detroit Diesel, then gave a detailed and well received presentation about current and future heavy duty on-highway engines and the optimisation of fuel economy and exhaust emissions for the Australian market.
Monday morning kicked off with a practical session on demonstrations of engine and fuel technologies. Presenters from Hino, Volvo, Paccar and MTU Detroit Diesel ran delegates through a series of demonstrations on Hybrid vehicles, adaptive cruise control, maintenance techniques for electronic engines and transmissions, and ventilation best practice for using LNG.
A two-part session discussing maintenance opportunities for reducing fuel consumption followed. The theory behind aerodynamics, engine maintenance, scheduling and business operations, transmissions and tyres were covered before delegates moved outside to see the practical application.
Monday’s discussions then moved to increasing fuel efficiency through driver skills. The driving skills of one lucky delegate were critiqued by a trainer from DECA after a run in the DECA driver simulator. The panel discussed ways to increase fuel efficiency by altering driving techniques, speed management and by the use of more efficient scheduling and driving routes.
The maintenance from the manufacturers’ session gave delegates the opportunity to learn more about maintenance best practice from industry suppliers. Representatives from BPW, Fuwa Hitch, Hendrickson, York and SAF Holland presented practical demonstrations with a particular focus on the maintenance of axles.
The much anticipated workshop managers’ forum began Tuesday’s sessions. After a brief from the 2007 Craig Roseneder Award winner, Jeff Chandler, about his trip to the US TMC, the discussion headed into braking regulations, with members of the panel calling for truck and trailer manufacturers to consult each other during the manufacturing stage to ensure brake compatibility.
The focus then turned to safety in the workplace. The panel presented delegates with real world examples of managing OH&S issues. This session also saw the
release of ARTSA’s guide to conducting a hazard and risk assessment.
The discussion from the workshop managers’ forum on brakes was expanded on Tuesday afternoon with a detailed session on brake compatibility and brake balance for single and multi combination vehicles.
In the final session of the Conference, delegates heard from Castrol representatives on ways to maximise maintenance practices to reduce operating costs. Gary Whitfield emphasised the importance of fuel cleanliness and warned of the dangers of dust and water contamination. Neil McTavish discussed the effect of the use of lubricants and engine loads on fuel economy.
ATA Chairman, Trevor Martyn thanked all speakers who gave their time to present at the Technical and Maintenance Conference.
“The quality of the presentations was outstanding and enabled delegates to return to their workshops with practical knowledge on how to improve their maintenance operations,” he said.