TRUK Advice Column

In today’s freighting business, sturdy heavy duty trucks are staple equipment.

The ever-reliable diesel engine was fitted to enhance the reliability, and improve the haulage service of massive freight all over the country.
Introduced by the German inventor Rudolf Diesel in 1878 two years after the fuel engine’s debut, diesel engines are built differently from their fuel counterparts. This makes diesel engine upkeep a more specific endeavor, and a very important one at that.

If diesel engines are properly maintained, they are extremely reliable, and an excellant investment, regular maintenance will also offset the rising cost of fuel, and you will be ensured of a longer life-cycle for your vehicle in general.

Here are a few handy tips to keep a diesel engine running at its peak performance.

Regularly change oil.

Unlike fuel, diesel fuel contains high amounts of sulfur, which makes the smell unpleasant. The leakage of this odor is prevented by the oil filter system, which screens out all sulfur residue and carbon left behind from combustion.

Most drivers recommend an oil change every 5,000-8,000 km. Failure to change the oil in a diesel engine as scheduled can result in the same perils as in a gasoline engine—the leftover residue can clog the fuel injection system and compromise performance.

Invest in good parts

Like any other machine, diesel engines are subject to the inevitable wear-and-tear. Can you imagine how potent that would be on a freight truck that hauls heavy cargo on a regular basis. Such risk makes it critical to invest in good performance parts from a trusted heavy duty truck parts dealer.One can never be too cautious when it comes to diesel engines, especially those on heavy duty freight trucks.

Closely monitor glow plugs

Diesel engines use glow plugs instead of spark plugs to ignite the fuel. This explains why diesel vehicles often have to be “warmed up” before being driven, as they use glow plugs instead of spark plugs to ignite the fuel.  The glow plugs heat the engine up, facilitating combustion alongside compressed heat. If the glow plugs are aged or failing, the engine wouldn’t run as it wouldn’t heat up.

Although diesel engines can't last forever, they do have long life spans.  Of course this also depends on sound maintenance practices.

The last thing a trucker would want is the loss of productivity and resources, due to frequent engine breakdown.

We trust this article will assist you with keeping your truck properly maintained. 

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You have a choice.  Make your brakes last longer, or wear them out quickly.   

If you wisely follow these money-saving driving techniques, which won't clog the trafiic, and few other drivers will notice, you will greatly improve your driving experience.

These tips should help you extend the life of your brakes, if not then the problem is either with your vehicle, your mechanic or poorly chosen or installed brake parts.  On the other hand, the problem could be geographic, if you happen to live in mountains or drive through mountains frequently

1. Speed Kills.

The mortal enemy of brakes are stops from high speed, and a little more speed hurts more than you can ever imagine. For example, stopping from 100 kph rather than 80 kph forces the brakes to dissipate about a third more energy. The car's motion is called kinetic energy. It's calculated by multiplying half the car's weight by the square of its speed. (For the math-challenged, "the square" means speed is multiplied times itself.) By turning energy into heat, brakes sacrifice their lives.  A little less speed means a lot less kinetic energy — and brake material — needs to be transformed into heat.

2. No Lefties.

Use only your right foot on the brake pedal. I often see cars cruising at a constant speed — or accelerating away from me — with brake lights either constantly illuminated or glowing like lonely lightning bugs. By braking with only your right foot, you'll avoid simultaneously pushing both pedals. Also, it'll be easier to resist unnecessary brake taps: That left foot wants in on the action.

3. Be a Coaster.

Coasting is a surprisingly easy way to get rid of a lot of brake-killing speed.  If you know you'll have to stop at the end of a freeway off-ramp, coasting from 100 down to 80 before you brake will significantly reduce brake wear. Time lost will be little or, if cars are queued ahead, none.

4. Memory Factor.

Memorize places where other drivers inappropriately slow down. Examples include hills which come as a shock to people who have been driving that same road for 10 years, and gentle freeway bends that many mistake for hairpin turns. Often, you'll have to coast down to their pace. Plan ahead and you might be able to change lanes around them. They'll re-pass you on the next downhill or straightaway, but you will have used less brakes and fuel

5. Look Up and Save.

Look far enough ahead and you'll be able to correctly time traffic lights, notice traffic backing up or see cars slowing on an incline that's just become visible. Look beyond the next traffic signal; check out the one after that and, in urban situations, the next and the next. To test how far ahead you look, draw a thin line at eye level on your windshield with a dry erase marker. On level roads, keep your focus above that line and use peripheral vision to position the car within your lane. Then erase the line before a cop asks you why it's there.

6. Don't Join In.

Many drivers brake just because the guy in front did. And the first driver touched his brake for no good reason. It'll take a bit of practice to learn to coast when others brake inappropriately, especially if you weren't looking far enough ahead.

7. Lose Some Weight.

Saying "Lose some weight" we mean don't carry unnecessary stuff. Some aftermarket parts — especially tyres and wheels — can add a lot of weight. More significantly, consider vehicle weight before your next purchase. A heavier vehicle is harder on brakes. And tyres. And fuel.

8. Flush It.

Brake fluid needs to be changed periodically .  It's called bleeding and flushing. Renew your brake fluid, especially if you have an older vehicle or you purchased used one.  You gain nothing if you save brake material but the insides of the system rot away. Flushing the brake fluid will make the internal components last longer and the brakes work better. Brake fluid naturally attracts water. In an emergency stop or after repeated brake applications, this moisture boils and severely reduces braking effectiveness. Moisture also promotes internal corrosion, which ruins critical rubber seals. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend renewing brake fluid every couple of years. While some mechanics challenge its cost-effectiveness, brake bleeding is an inexpensive, easy task for a do-it-yourselfer.

9. Upgrade and Specialize.

Don't complain if cheap bargain brakes wear out quickly, but, on the other hand, don't expect the most expensive pads to last forever. Today's brake pads are extremely complex. They may contain a dozen or more components, and are designed for specific uses. Brake material that best survives heavy-use, high-heat situations may perform poorly for drivers who emphasize economy. A good mechanic or auto parts store should be able to match your desires with the right brakes.

10. Be Frugal, Not Foolish.

Trying to extend brake life too long will cost big money. If metal touches metal, frugality becomes foolish. A good time to inspect brake material thickness is when you have your tyes rotated. Beginner do-it-yourselfers: With a wheel removed, it's easy to check disc brake pad thickness, as they're open for viewing. It's more difficult with drum brakes because the drum has to be removed. Other foolishness: downshifting to save brakes. Transmissions (and clutches) cost a lot more than brakes.

Did you notice that many of these tips will also save fuel and make you a safer, smoother driver? I hope so. 

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The fuel efficiency of a heavy duty truck is no simple matter, and there are many factors to consider.  Weather, traffic or required routes are factors out of a fleet manager's control, but many factors can be controlled, like powertrain specifications, vehicle aerodynamics and driver training. Proper maintenance can also positively impact a vehicle's fuel economy.

Proper maintenance of your truck and engine can constribute significantly to improved fuel economy.    Regular maintenance can increase fuel mileage by up to 5%.   Properly maintained fuel, air intake and lubrication systems, and also properly inflated tyres, correctly aligned wheels and brakes that are properly adjusted all contribute to good fuel economy
Each vehicle and engine manufacturer has specific maintenance requirements, so it is imperative to have the proper maintenance information available.

Here are some factors that affect fuel economy and also examples of service information that can help you keep your vehicles operating at peak efficiency.

Climate control: Air conditioning compressor usage accounts for approximately half of total engine cooling fan engagement time.  Using the air conditioning increases fuel consumption because engine power is required to operate both the air conditioning compressor and the engine cooling fan.

Tyre Inflation:  Underinflated tyres adversely affect fuel mileage.  Aside from fuel saving benefits, properly inflated tyres are safer and result in extended tyre life.

Lubricants:  Engine, transmission and axle oils with the proper viscosity also contribute to fuel economy. Using oils with too-high viscosity can increase the energy required to pump the oil through the lubricating system and result in internal viscous friction loss.

Wheel Alignment:  Tyre life is extended by assuring that axles are properly aligned, which also reduces fuel consumption.

Charge Air Cooler:  Turbocharger boost is lost if there are any leaks in the charge air cooler, as it reduces engine operating efficiency, which causes increased fuel consumption.

Engine Maintenance:  Engine valves in proper adjustment and properly operating engine control systems contribute to good fuel economy. Performing overhead adjustments at proper, regular intervals is part of essential engine maintenance.   Troubleshooting and repairing any causes of any illuminated indicator lights is vital.  

We hope this information will be beneficial to all truck or fleet owners.

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Because safety should always come first when driving your truck, it’s essential to perform regular truck inspections. One of the most important inspections to be performed on any heavy truck is a brake inspection. It’s essential for your brakes to work as they should in order to ensure the safety of not only the truck driver, but everyone else on the road, as well.

Drum Brakes

The following recommendations are made by those who are considered to be brake repair experts, especially when it comes to working on heavy duty truck brakes. One of the first things that need to be done is for the truck to be set up in a certain way in order to make sure that those who are performing the inspection have complete access to all of the trucks brake components. This requires that the wheels are first chocked so that the reservoir can be charged to somewhere between 90 and 100 PSI’s, and then the engine be turned completely off. Additional assistance is required in order to complete any work needed to be done to the brake pedal.

Once this important first step is completed, the following brake related items must be thoroughly checked in order to make sure that the entire brake system is working as it should.

1.    Check the lining of the contact drums. Check closely for any cracks, oil and/or grease contamination, and any rivets that aren’t properly protected.
2.    Check the chamber stroke (using CVSA guidelines). Also listen to all chambers for possible leaks.
3.    Check that the airway hoses are firmly secured and that there is no cracking, leaking or any bulging.
4.    Completely and thoroughly check all parts of the brake system, which includes the springs, rollers, scams, shoes, brackets, linings, and more.

Please feel free to comment below if you found this article useful or have any tips you would like to add 

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It is necessary and advisable to give heavy duty trucks the regular attention they require to ensure they are always operating at their best.  Heavy duty trucks are made to last a very long time, but it is still necessary to follow a few simple maintenance tips to assist you in keeping the truck in top form so that is last for many years to come

Best Tips to Follow

If you follow and apply some good maintenance tips it can help to save you a lot of money, especially when it comes to heavy duty truck repair.

1.   Air Pressure

Truck tyres cost a lot of money, so it is absolutely essential to make sure they have the proper air pressure at all times. Truck tyres that always run with the proper air pressure will last much longer than tyres that are over or underinflated, or unevenly inflated.  Always check that the system pressure is also set properly, and the auxilliary battery switch and auxilliary power fuse are working correctly, and that the system shut off valve placement is in the correct position.

2.   Suspension Checks.

Make sure to check the truck's suspension to ensure there is no unequal wear and tear, to ensure that nothing is coming into contact with the suspension or the way it moves.  To make sure that nothing interferes with a driver's ability to drive safely, make sure that the air springs on the heavy duty truck have the same amount of pressure on each side.

3.   Lubrication.

Old grease tends to collect dirt and debris over time, which makes it ineffective, so it is imperative that enough new grease is added regularly.   Never mix different grades of grease together as all greases are not the same.

4.   Brakes.

The brake system is vitally important top the safety of all heavy duty trucks, therefore it is of utmost importance to perform regular maintenance on the brake system.   Brakes should be regularly adjusted and brake drums should be checked to ensure that they will last until the next scheduled maintenance is due.

5.   Cleanliness.

Keeping heavy duty trucks clean will help to ensure they perform at their best.   It is easier to spot any potential problems that may arise when a truck is clean.  It is recommended that all trucks  be properly washed every four to six weeks.  If you are in the trucking or heavy equipment business, and would like professionals to handle your marketing, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

You have heavy equipment or trucks to sell, and, like most equipment sellers, you want top price. Considering most heavy equipment demands a significant outlay of cash to purchase initially, and to maintain indefinitely, who wouldn't? So it only seems reasonable to want to recoup a fair amount of your investment when it comes time to sell.

Whether you are selling one item, or a fleet of equipment, take some advice from us. Take a look at our top 10 list of tips for selling heavy equipment and trucks.

1. Know what your equipment is worth

Do your homework and research equipment pricing and industry trends for comparable equipment. Use the most current information you can find and establish a price range for your equipment. Having a price range will help you negotiate confidently and set realistic price expectations. 

2. Research selling methods

No matter your situation, the type of equipment you are selling, its condition and how quickly you need to complete the sale, there is a selling method best fit for your equipment and situation. To know what selling method would work best for you, educate yourself on the pros and cons of common equipment selling methods, including unreserved auctions, reserved auctions, private sale, equipment dealers and equipment brokers.

3. Go to a pro

Talk to an experienced salesperson about developing a selling strategy designed to get you the best return on your investment

As tempting as it may be to go it alone, consider the amount of time and effort you will need to put into the selling process - and the number of potential buyers you can reach without the help of an expert in sales and marketing. You can save a lot of time and money with a full-service solution, especially if you are selling a lot of items, and don't have a dedicated asset manager or work in a region with high supply/low demand for used equipment. Talk to an experienced salesperson about developing a selling strategy designed to get you the best return on your investment.

4. Show the value of your equipment

Refurbishing is a small investment that nets big returns when it comes time to sell used heavy equipment

The way your equipment looks can either deter buyers or attract higher offers. Before you sell, consider heavy equipment refurbishing. Refurbishing can include cleaning, glasswork, upholstery repair, painting, decal replacement or everything in the refurbishing menu. Typically, refurbishing is a small investment that nets big returns.  

5. Target buyers wisely

Try to target the most equipment buyers you can, but don't sacrifice quality for quantity. Work with an equipment seller that not only actively markets to a large population of equipment buyers, but targets its marketing efforts based on the industry your equipment is best suited towards and the region in which there is the most demand. Marketing your equipment can be the most time consuming and costly step in the sale process, so make sure you choose an equipment seller with proven marketing expertise.
Using Truk to market your equipment is a wise investment as we have the expertise to reach a large target market.

6. Be transparent

Provide detailed photos and information about your equipment. Include photos documenting the condition of the undercarriage, engine compartment, cab interior, etc. Remember: buyers appreciate convenient online access to equipment information. Still, some buyers are weary of purchasing equipment they are unable to view and test first hand. If you are using a selling agent or auction company, choose one that publishes detailed equipment information online and also accommodates on-site inspections.

7. Screen buyers

When you receive an agreeable offer, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall through. Screen potential buyers before you accept an offer or work with a selling agent who verifies the legitimacy of potential buyers on your behalf.

8. Take advantage of tax breaks if available

9. Minimize uncertainty

When you sell your heavy equipment, don't wait too long for payment, especially if you are planning on replacing your sold equipment with a newer model. The equipment market can change from week to week. Prices can go down and supply can go up. If you want money in hand quickly so you are ready to act on a good deal and minimize disruption to your operations, choose a selling method that offers certainty of sale. Knowing the exact date of sale for your equipment takes some of the guesswork out of the equipment selling equation.

10. Establish a relationship for future deals

If you have a fleet that you will be turning over every 3-5 years, or foresee the need to upgrade equipment in 5-10 years, find a sales rep you can trust
The more you work together, the better your representative will understand your business and be able to get you the best results.

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Prevent Truck Power Line Strikes

Heavy haulage truckers are reminded to look out for power lines. 

Truck drivers are being urged to look up and take care when close to power lines. Heavy haulage and road freight operators are being urged to take extra care when route planning and for drivers to be more vigilant with oversize transport. 

Power line safety for truck drivers

When transporting heavy haulage, power lines are a daily hazard for truck drivers. Besides the most obvious driver safety considerations, the indirect costs to business if a truck strikes power lines can be staggering when you think of the cost of replacing equipment, down-time, litigation, additional wages, overtime and much more. 

The nature of high voltage however, means that drivers and their freight may be in danger without even coming into contact with the wire itself. The fact is that electricity can arc or "jump" through the insulating space between a wire and a conducting object like a truck or a ladder.

The higher the voltage, the more likely it is for an arc to occur. The only way to keep safe is by keeping a safe distance. 

So, what can drivers do to protect themselves and their rigs? Here are three easy steps to remember. 

Step 1 – Be Aware of All Power Lines

Know your transport regulations when it comes to transporting high loads. Know your proposed route, your times for transport and the exact load dimensions. For heights over 4.6m the route will need to be scoped by relevant authorities, which may include electricity providers and state transport authorities, and relevant approvals sought. 

Step 2 – Know Your Safe Limits

It’s suggested to keep at least 3m away from all power lines (or more, depending on the voltage)
and avoid parking under power lines entirely

Step 3 – Get a Signaller

You must use a signaller who can warn you when any part of the equipment or load approaches the minimum 3m safety distance. The signaller should stand at least 10m away from the vehicle in the event of contact.

Remember, your safety and that of your load is always most important. 

Keep Safe…Stay Alert...Stay Alive!!!

When dealing with heavy duty vehicles, safety of the employees is the number one priority.  Make sure that all vehicles comply with the strictest safety regulations.  No matter how secure your vehicle is, working with large trucks can be a trying job, especially when dealing with long hours and intense distances.

With the top tips below, you can make sure you stay safe while driving your heavy duty or dump truck.

Take regular breaks

Every couple of hours, pull over and make a pit stop. You will be amazed at how refreshed you feel after stretching your legs and drinking some coffee!

Get to know your vehicle

Make sure you know your vehicle inside out in case of a breakdown, especially if you break down while on the road. 

Keep your distance

Driving a heavy duty vehicle means a slower speed, but also a reduced stopping distance. Make sure you always keep a space of 4-5 cars in between you and the vehicle in front so you have enough time to brake suddenly if need be.

Watch the blind spot

One of the main reasons for truck accidents on the road is the lack of vision when another vehicle is in the truck’s blind spot. Make sure you are always checking the spots you cannot see in your mirrors, especially before changing lanes or turning.

Watch your amount of Extra Time

Even though working overtime may help you pay the bills, it is not advisable as the longer you work, the more tired you become. No matter how much experience you have as a heavy duty truck driver, driving while even slightly tired should be avoided at all costs.

Follow these tips for safe driving and it could save your life

If you have any tips to share with other truckers, please feel free to comment below