Service & Maintenance

How are you bearing up?

PHIL REYNOLDS WORKS IN THE PRODUCT MARKETING DEPARTMENT AT PACCAR PARTS. HERE HE SITS DOWN WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM TIMKEN AUSTRALIA TO GET THE SPIN ON BEARINGS.

PACCAR Parts Product Management, Phil Reynolds.

It is with fond memories I recall my first billy cart where I had rubber wheels to steer with and just deep-groove ball bearings as wheels on the rear. Fish tailing my way down the footpath as the steel ball-bearings struggled for any traction as they slid and cut themselves into the concrete was awesome fun (albeit short lived as my Dad seeing the trail of scratched concrete put an end to this). Since then I have always had a fascination with bearings and their close cousin the constant velocity joint. I’ve always admired their form and function. Fast forward to my Product Management role at PACCAR Parts and it is with enthusiasm that I sat down to discuss bearings with Australian Timken Representatives, Scott Hayes and Brad Kemp. I wanted to understand more about wheel bearings for trucks and trailers, the history and what advice and knowledge they could impart to help those who need to service and look after their gear.

Bearing design

Ever since Egyptians used logs to roll huge stone blocks around the concept of a round shape to move product has been with us. There are many types of antifriction bearings but some of the ones you might be more familiar with are deepgroove ball bearings, where steel balls are housed between an inner and outer race and offering good load carrying ability and reduced friction, then there are tapered roller bearings where tapered rollers are utilised. The staple of truck and trailer wheel bearings is the heavy-duty tapered roller bearing, where the tapered rollers are retained to the ‘cone’ (inner-race) and spaced by a cage, this assembly is then mated with a separate outer-race known as a ‘cup’ and this makes up a complete bearing. This design was first patented by Henry Timken in 1898 and presented the ability to take not only high radial loads (physical weight of vehicle and payload) but also axial or thrust load as the vehicle corners. So why on many axles is the inner bearing larger than the outer? Well in very basic terms, this is because the inboard bearing can be the predominant radialload-carrying bearing in some wheelend designs (hence it being larger and therefore having a greater load capacity) and the outer bearing enables a ‘bearing system’ to be established, finalising the hub ‘set up’ and allowing the ‘bearing system’ to be adjusted to suit the application. The outer bearing also takes axial load in the opposite direction and retains the hub in position.

Bearing evolution

Tapered roller bearing refinement has come a long way since 1898. Whilst the size of truck and trailer bearings has remained relatively constant for many decades, the evolution of bearing manufacturing processes and materials has seen Timken tapered roller bearing catalogued load ratings increase incrementally over the years which has allowed them to keep up with demands for optimal performance and bearing life. It is also important to note, that due to strong competition between bearing manufacturers (that enhance internal bearing geometries with a focus to differentiate their products and performance) that incompatibility between brands may occur, matching the same brand of bearing cup and cone is always recommended.

Bearing setting is something that can differ depending on many design and application factors. The strongest piece of advice is to use a dial indicator when adjusting for bearing end float (endplay). Recommended Practise (RP) 618 set down by the American Technical and Maintenance Council (TMC) places wheel bearing end play at between 0.001” to 0.005” for manually adjusted wheel ends. Technicians should always consult the original manufacturer to confirm bearing settings appropriate to their wheel-end designs.

Bearing lubrication

Clearly where load, friction and heat reside lubrication is critical to separate and protect surfaces and maximise bearing life. Lubricant viscosity, rust inhibiting qualities, temperature range and load capabilities are all critical in bearing lubrication. Oil versus grease? This is the old ‘horses for courses’ scenario. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Grease tends to stay put so can be more forgiving if your seals aren’t in great shape, or maintenance schedules are questionable. Oil tends to ‘circulate’ and therefore can maintain lube supply to critical bearing lubrication areas. Oil tends to be utilised in critical and demanding applications such as drive axle/differentials where preloaded bearings operate. Many trailer wheel ends can operate in oil or grease with the correct seal and hub-cap selection. Always seek advice if you are concerned about lubrication, it is important not to change lubrication types or specifications without advice from the equipment manufacturer or your reputable lube supplier. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s lubrication recommendations or consult your lubrication supplier for assistance. So how are you bearing up? The best way to maximise vehicle uptime, in addition to correct bearing installation and servicing, is to purchase reputable bearing brands and lubricants from reputable retailers. Unfortunately, counterfeit bearings, packaged and marked as genuine Timken, do exist. The advice from the Timken guys is “the best way to protect yourself from counterfeit parts is to source your Timken bearings from Authorised Timken Distributors” like PACCAR Parts. If you would like to learn more about wheel bearing maintenance or have any concerns around the life of your wheel bearings, please get in contact with your local PACCAR Parts Dealer who can assist. Thanks to Scott Hayes and Brad Kemp at Australian Timken for their time and assistance with this article.

A dial indicator like this BK211 workshop ready kit from Timken is a good investment for accurate bearing settings. Tapered roller bearing consisting of a ‘cup’ on the left and a ‘cone’ on the right.

Contact

PACCAR Parts Australia 20 Canterbury Road Bayswater VIC 3153 Ph: 1800 772 787 Web: www.paccarparts.com.au

BPW Transpec expands digitalisation strategy with QR-code tags

WITH NEW QR-CODE TAGS FOR ITS AXLES, BPW TRANSPEC HAS SIMPLIFIED THE PROCESS FOR WORKSHOPS AND VEHICLE OPERATORS TO IDENTIFY AND ORDER SPARE PARTS. PRODUCT INFORMATION, SPARE PARTS LISTS, SERVICE HANDBOOKS AND SERVICE DOCUMENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A MATTER OF SECONDS.

The identification of spare parts has never been simpler with BPW Transpec. The equipment specialist is now rolling out QR-code tags on all locally assembled axles which, when scanned, provide information on all technical specifications as well as the bill of materials. The QR code links to the MyBPW app and is constantly updated with a list of Australian made axles. By equipping its componentry with ‘digital DNA’ there is a distinct link between the physical product and digital information. For the life of the axle, workshop personnel and vehicle operators can find relevant production data which is relevant to servicing including spare parts lists or manuals simply by using the QR code. As for other information available, service technicians can explore an exploded view of an axle, item by item, part by part. The detail covered from the bearing and wheel nuts to the studs, hub and drum allow for a comprehensive spare parts interpretation making the job easier and more accurate.

Behind this QR-code tech is a far-reaching digitalisation concept at BPW Transpec which will accompany the complete lifecycle of components in the future. Such a foray into a new era of digital service for vehicle manufacturers, operators and workshops demands special care with regards to the user experience as well as receiving quality, consistent information from the outset. The BPW QR-code is intuitive to use and follows the look and feel principle of online shopping that every smartphone user knows. The program is clearly structured and provides the user with access to the ‘Spare parts’ and ‘Manuals’ sections. Note: The Australian Operator Manual is available via the BPW Transpec website and is a key document for Australian users. The ‘Spare Parts’ section contains the spare parts lists with detailed information on the individual parts. The user is supported by numerous figures, such as exploded drawings and images of individual parts. Meanwhile, the ‘Manuals’ section contains additional documents, such as workshop manuals. All information is available for download and can be sent by email. The mobile app is reported to set new benchmarks for user-friendliness, too. Structure, graphic design and operating logic are familiar to the world’s leading shopping portals and can therefore be used intuitively. BPW Transpec utilises the possibilities of the touch screen where the user can scroll through the product lists by swiping with their finger and zoom in on details of the product drawings and exploded drawings with two fingers. The menu graphic is also automatically optimised for a smartphone or tablet. Depending on the device, the language is also taken from the device and does not have to be specified.

Fast Fact

Scanning the BPW Transpec axle QRcode tag with a tablet or smartphone makes it possible to easily search for individual spare parts and to view workshop manuals and assembly and use instructions.

This digital strategy was unveiled at the Brisbane Truck Show.

Contact

BPW Transpec 1-11 Cherry Lane Laverton North VIC 3026 Ph: 03 9267 2434 Web: www.bpwtranspec.com.au

WABCO and CMV – growing stronger together

WABCO’S ONSITE AND ONLINE PRODUCT TRAINING AND WORKSHOP SESSIONS HAVE GREATLY IMPROVED THE LEVEL OF SERVICE AND SUPPORT CMV TRUCK & BUS PROVIDE ITS FLEET CUSTOMERS OVER THE YEARS. THE ONLINE TUTORIALS AND PRACTICAL TRAINING SESSIONS HAVE BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC, WITH RESOUNDING SUCCESS.

Social distancing restrictions sparked as a result of Covid-19 outbreak last year meant WABCO Australia had to rethink its popular onsite training and troubleshooting sessions. The team behind the commercial vehicle technology leader decided to transfer the tutorials online. Even though the onsite training method had proven to be the more productive and practical way to teach workshop staff about WABCO’s systems, the online sessions have been a great success. “Pre Covid-19, we would try and book at least two of the group training sessions per year which were held at the WABCO training facility in Mulgrave Victoria,” CMV’s Operations Manager Marc Spencer says. “Being that our Fleet Management sites are spread throughout Australia, we would fly our interstate-based technicians into Melbourne, while others also travelled to Melbourne from regional Victoria to attend the two-day training courses.” CMV Truck & Bus sells new and used Mack trucks, UD trucks, and Volvo trucks and buses through its five Victorian dealerships – in Wodonga, Clayton, Dandenong, Derrimut, and Gippsland. CMV also provides many service benefits such as its in-house parts department, VicRoad services, CMV fleet management and leasing, CMV AdBlue supply and technology, road worthy certificates, 24-7 mobile break down service, truck and trailer wash, tailored finance, a fully equipped apprentice and technical training centre. “Over the years we’ve received positive feedback from our technicians who’ve had the privilege of attending these training sessions, not just from the invaluable knowledge they’d gained from the course, but the comprehensive and interactive manner in which the training is delivered by the knowledgeable trainers at WABCO Australia,” Marc adds.

“Covid has presented us all with many challenges and restrictions which have in turn, resulted in some OEM training courses having to be postponed which otherwise would have been scheduled on an annual basis. We were extremely pleased that the team at WABCO managed to pivot and navigate their way through these restrictions, offering a group video training solution that enabled us to ensure our techs continued to receive the necessary product training to further their knowledge and skills throughout the pandemic.” The technology company launched an official YouTube channel last year to improve customer service and communication during the Covid-related restrictions. It features video tutorials that are designed to offer 24x7 support to workshops and distributors and enable safer roads with trailer systems that work as they are designed to function. “Having such a close working relationship with WABCO Australia, greatly enhances the level of service & support CMV Truck & Bus can provide to our fleet customers. Whether it be the their willingness to provide remote support over the phone, travel to our regional sites, or in some cases, jump on a plane and fly interstate at the drop of a hat, the unwavering service & support provided by Blair, Phillip & Tony is industry leading and it’s certainly a collective effort when it comes to serving the customer, reducing downtime for their fleets and providing the important product training necessary for the development of our technicians.” Given the number of assets CMV Fleet Management maintains nationally across its various locations, the team does come across an odd occasion where assistance is required from the product experts at WABCO Australia. In such situations, WABCO’s product support is “second to none”, Marc says. WABCO understands what it means to support the customer and offer help when needed, returning fleet back into service with minimal downtime. “Onsite product training is another example of the support offered by WABCO, which is greatly appreciated, and their accommodating team have made many visits to our various workshops throughout Australia to provide valuable OEM training with our service technicians,” he adds. “We look forward to the continued service & support from the team at WABCO Australia as their product has certainly been the preferred choice amongst most of our fleet customers in recent years and it certainly stands up in all applications, ultimately assisting with safe & efficient road transport.”

Contact

WABCO Australia Ph: 1300-4-WABCO Web: www.wabco-auto.com/emea

WABCO enhances the service and support that CMV Truck & Bus can provide its fleet customers.

Introducing the HAULMAX Wingman program, getting you there is everything

ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST TYRE INNOVATORS AND DISTRIBUTORS, AUSTRALIAN TYRE TRADERS, IS COMMITTED TO NOT ONLY PROVIDING INDUSTRY LEADING INNOVATION AND OUTCOMES WITH THEIR APPROACH TO DEVELOPING QUALITY TYRES, BUT ALSO IN HELPING TRANSPORT COMPANIES ACCESS WORLD CLASS SERVICE WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST.

Australian Tyre Traders (ATT), the company that created the Haulmax Wingman 24/7 National Tyre Assist program, is an Australian owned and operated, private family business that has been in the Australian tyre industry for over 20 years. Understanding the significant costs downtime adds to the bottom line of every transport operator, it developed the Haulmax Wingman program – allowing transport operators to gain access to tyre services and support Australia wide while setting a new standard in the Australian transport industry. The Haulmax Wingman program, underpinned by over 260 independently owned tyre services in Australia, boasts access to more service partners than any other similar program. “When we set out to create the Haulmax Wingman program, we designed it with our dealer partners and transport operators as the focus,” says ATT Director, Shane Morrissy. “As an Australian, family owned and operated business, we understand that transport companies and drivers alike want to support their local community, the Wingman Program allows them to do just that.” Prior to the creation of the Haulmax Wingman Program there had been a significant gap in the Australian marketplace. Especially for national fleets, where their primary option has been to use a corporately owned company for national supply and service. Heralded as a true partner to Australian transport companies and tyre services alike, the Haulmax Wingman program, allows companies to truly live their values of supporting local, privately owned, Australian businesses. “I’ve been recommending Haulmax Tyres to my customers for years based on the quality of the product and the kilometres it gets, once I was shown the Haulmax Wingman program and understood how it can help my customers, I didn’t hesitate to sign up

For more than 20 years, the Haulmax Wingman 24/7 National Tyre Assist program has boosted heavy vehicle uptime for fleets Australia-wide.

and use it,” says Jean-Paul Vella of All Tyres Australia. In stark contrast to corporate companies in Australia, Haulmax Wingman takes no commission for use of their program, which allows the tyre dealer to be able to provide fixed cost services and the fleet company to be able to achieve their operational targets through greater efficiency and consistency. The Haulmax Wingman program is supported by the Haulmax Tyres range of Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) tyres that have been specifically designed in Australia, by their locally based engineers, to be purpose built for application. “As a Deniliquin based transport company it’s great to be able to get support and service anywhere in Australia on our fleet of vehicles while still supporting our local tyre service, Roundabout Tyre & Auto who we have had a relationship with for over 40 years,” says Frank Lumbar of Lumbar’s Transport Deniliquin. “We have used Haulmax Tyres product on all of our trucks for the past eight years and are happy with the results they achieve. We didn’t hesitate to sign up to the Haulmax Wingman program when it was recommended to us. We like the simplicity of having one number to call, one bill to pay, and security that no matter where in Australia they are, our drivers are covered, all whilst supporting an Australian owned, family run company.” The Haulmax Tyres national team have over 500 years of combined tyre industry experience. Head Engineer Ed Jensz, having 50-plus years of experience in the Australian Tyre Industry alone. From tyre design to factory management Ed has experience in every aspect of the tyre industry. Our Chief Field Engineer, Russell Kennedy, also has a further 50-plus years’ experience in the tyre industry. On the benefits of having a local product engineering team, Shane says: “This approach enables us to be flexible in our approach to tyre design. For example, we sent our product engineering team to the Pilbara in Western Australia, to experience the unique conditions of the region, gather information on the roads, applications and issues faced by companies operating in such extremes. Based on this research and feedback from transport operators in the region we created the ATT105 – Pilbara. A completely re-imagined trailer tyre designed from the ground up. Show me any other brand that can provide those results. That’s the benefit of being local.” ATT and Haulmax Tyres are aligned with OEM truck and trailer manufacturers in Australia to provide an exceptional experience from the moment new equipment is being engineered. Performance-Based Standards (PBS) is a large focus for OEM truck and trailer manufacturers and the transport industry, ATT has been heavily involved in providing quality outcomes that fit the PBS framework. Having Haulmax tyres tested locally, and all data gathered on Australian roads.

Australian Tyre Traders works with manufacturers and fleets to achieve quality outcomes that fit the Performance-Based Standards framework.

This contrasts with most international manufacturers that have their data collected overseas and supplied to the Australian assessors. Because of its extensive knowledge and location there is an opportunity for the OEM manufacturers and fleet operators to get ATT involved in any new builds from the outset. For more information please visit: www.haulmaxwingman.com.au or phone 1300 761 802.

Contact

Australian Tyre Traders David Naughton – OEM Builds – 0457 837 597 Billy Addison – Haulmax Wingman – 0457 837 611 Shannon Roberts – Dealer Enquiries – 0457 511 882 Ph: 1300 761 802 Web: www.tyretraders.com.au

Unified team focus

TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT HIRE COMPANY, RENTCO, STRIVES TO FORGE STRONG CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS AT BRANCH, PROJECT AND NATIONAL LEVELS. ITS COMMITMENT TO INVESTING IN THE LATEST TRAILER TECHNOLOGIES HAS GONE A LONG AWAY TO HELP MAINTAIN LONG-TERM AND SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS WITH MAJOR NATIONAL TRANSPORT, CIVIL, CONSTRUCTION AND MINING COMPANIES.

Rentco, according to National Business Manager, Paul Scott, has further established itself in Queensland and Victoria by moving into larger premises in addition to developing a purpose-built and state-ofthe-art workshop and head office facility in Perth. The rental firm supports thousands of clients, offering the latest and safest heavy vehicle equipment. “We have developed systems to see 100 per cent coverage 24 hours a day despite shifts in Covid-19 restrictions,” he says. “Rentco has remained open, expanding in all capital cities and servicing our valued clientele flawlessly throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so.” Australia’s transport operators, Paul adds, are under increased pressure to adapt and perform in opposite directions daily often with no contract nor security of future business and most likely judged on the last load delivered. “This is where Rentco excels, providing safe, current transport equipment specific to the needs of almost any load, weight combination you can imagine,” he says. “Solution options are almost infinite and with so many variables to distribution, compliance and equipment supply these days it is often necessary to partner with a third-party equipment provider to ensure your able to keep your business current.” Founded by current Managing Directors, Bob and John Shier, in April 1994, Rentco has since grown into a national operation with a diverse truck and trailer offering totalling around 3,000 assets. “We remain a family-owned business with resident directors, so decision making is dynamic, we don’t keep you waiting for an outcome, we know our market and get to know our customers,” Paul says. “A clear rental offering is on the table so you know what’s included and what’s not so you can budget your rental operating expense without any nasty surprises at the end of the contract.” Rentco is very much a family business where the Managing Director often picks up the trucks and trailers for repair, while most of the senior management team have heavy vehicle licences and can be found behind the wheel of a truck, in a washbay or wherever they may be required. Rentco vehicles, according to Paul, can be running local today, linehaul tomorrow and a

Rentco’s operations team is led by Michael Lessio (middle).

Brett (Regional Manager) and Travis (Workshop Manager).

mine site the day after. “Our fleet is prepared and ready for anything being of a standard that would see it in the worst possible location at the drop of a hat,” he says. “The challenge the whole industry faces is supply, so every piece of our equipment must be ready to go within hours, this means heavy costs, facilities and people required to ramp up and back down again.” These new vans are on the way to some of the country’s most trusted parcel delivery businesses providing transport of everyday products to families Australia wide. “No one faces such pressure and responsibility better in our business than Victorian State Manager, Brett Perenara, and his workshop team lead by Travis Cardona. Between Brett and Travis they have amassed more 25 years of service to Rentco and have operated in some of our toughest conditions and always put the need of the client first. Both men and their teams have forged many of our core business values and are a true success story and very important to our group.”

Contact

Rentco 15 Nardine Close High Wycombe WA 6057 Ph: 08 9353 9999 Web: www.rentco.com.au