MaxiTRANS, has unveiled a range of new products and innovations as well as highlighting a number of its other popular proprietary solutions at Brisbane Truck Show 2017.

United on the one stand in a prominent new position at the front of the show, all of its six equipment brands – Freighter, Maxi-CUBE, Hamelex White, Lusty EMS, Azmeb and Peki – featured in the display, with the company highlighting the efficiency gains its products have to offer.

Leading the efficiency theme, the MaxiTRANS stand was staffed by a number of its specialists in the high productivity Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme.

They provided expert advice and counselling on maximising freight volumes via MaxiTRANS’ approach of bespoke PBS solutions, tailored to specific freight tasks.

Each of the products on display also spoke to the efficiency theme, with the major releases being the next generation Maxi-CUBE van and Peki truck body models. Also on display were the new Freighter T-Liner Mark II released in August 2016, a Freighter Drop Deck Semi, a Hamelex White PBS Dog Tipper with ‘Landslide’, a Lusty EMS Drop Deck Semi Tipper and an AZMEB High Volume Side Tipper.

Maxi-CUBE

The most significant release on the MaxiTRANS stand was the next evolution of the revered Maxi-CUBE ‘Classic’ refrigerated trailer.

In front of a large contingent of media and customers, General Manager Product and Markets, Kevin Manfield said that the release of the new Classic marks the most significant update to the model in over a decade.

It offers improved thermal efficiency, lower tare as well as a host of other upgrades that further improve the already low whole of life operating cost that a Maxi-CUBE van offers.

“When combined, the Classic sets a new benchmark for refrigerated vans,” Kevin said.

Available in ratings from zero to -30 degrees Celsius, some of the major new features include:

• Leading K value – improved thermal efficiency is achieved via the inclusion of increased insulation, improved thermal breaks, a fully-moulded door seal and fibreglass dress cappings on interior corners. The result is a 5.5% improvement over the previous models.
• Larger internal dimensions – a redesigned floor module ensures greater internal height without impacting Maxi-CUBE’s renowned strength and durability.
• Lower tare weight – achieved via redesigned skid plate and front wall, while double loader bars are 50% lighter.
• Improved double loader system – along with being lighter, double loader bars can now carry 670kg and have a lower profile height of just 65mm.
• Docking impact protection – reinforced floor and rear frame combined with larger rear corner castings assist to withstand impact during docking.

Kevin said that there are a significant number of further new features focussed on efficiency, safety and aesthetic improvements, which make this the most progressive Maxi-CUBE ever to grace Australian roads.

“We have also released a new optional reversing sensor at Brisbane Truck Show, which reduces risk of harmful impact into docks or other objects. This new feature will be available across the range of MaxiTRANS products,” Kevin said.

The new Maxi-CUBE Classis is expected to be available for orders soon, with the first units expected to be delivered from October 2017.

Peki

The other major release at the MaxiTRANS stand was a new range of Peki truck bodies.

The new Peki range replaces prior offerings and is available in two models, Urban and Distribution, both of which come in dry freight and reefer forms.

“The new Peki range completes the MaxiTRANS range with a final mile solution,” said Kevin.

“Peki truck bodies will give our customers the opportunity to source equipment to move product from the port, to distribution centres, to retail store and then to the end consumer, all from a trusted supplier in MaxiTRANS.”

Both models feature a multi-fit chassis runner to suit all truck makes and models, making the bodies reusable across the life of multiple trucks.

They have a low tare weight, starting from just 620kg, and feature a variety of options including various internal body heights, floor and door types.

Peki Urban will be available in lengths from two to six pallets. It features a low tare weight, while bonded construction, composite thermal break technology and a fully-composite floor made from fibreglass and foam maximise thermal capacity.

Peki Distribution will be available in lengths to suit light urban distribution up to 14 pallets. Heavy duty applications and features are included, such as a durable and rugged construction, along with carefully considered thermal break points to optimise temperature retention.

Both new models are available to order immediately, with delivery from Q4 2017.

Freighter

Along with efficiency, another of MaxiTRANS’ recent innovation focusses has been safety, both highlighted by the Freighter T-Liner Mark II display. Released in August 2016 the T-Liner Mark II has up to 70% less buckles than a standard trailer, reducing the risk of RSI and saving up to 10 minutes per drop.

“The T-Liner Mark II is an evolution of the T-Liner and is the latest in a long line of innovations from Freighter, including two recent spring-assisted load restraint gate releases, easy-glide curtain rollers, a non-slip buckle and a two-piece roof rail,” Kevin said.

“Having all of those features on display in Brisbane allows visitors to see just how much safer and easier a Freighter is to operate.”

In addition to the display, MaxiTRANS used the Show to announce the release of two new components for its Freighter range – a new curtain ratchet and the expanded release of its non-slip buckle, both available across the entire Tautliner range, effective immediately.

“The non-slip buckle has been well received on T-Liner Mark II models, so we have expanded the release to the entire Tautliner range,” Kevin said.

“The new version has been refined, features a more compact design and will be standard on all Load Hold and Auto Hold models. It will be made available as an option on all other models, while the T-Liner Mark II buckle will retain its current design.”

“Meanwhile, the new curtain ratchet system that allows for finer adjustment and a tighter curtain with significantly less effort,” said Kevin.

Both features are available on all new orders following the Show.

Also on display was Freighter’s signature Drop Deck Semi-Trailer with ramps.

Hamelex White

Via a four axle PBS Dog Tipper on display, Hamelex White announced the launch of a remodelled chassis for its tippers, which features an approximate 13% reduction in the chassis tare weight against previous models without compromising strength or durability.

“Our engineers conducted a thorough Finite Element Analysis on the design, which highlights the strength and flexibility of the chassis construction,” said Kevin.

“We were able to use the results to optimise the design, removing excess material where it wasn’t required, while adding additional material in areas identified as high stress points.”

The new chassis will be standard on Hamelex White dog trailers from Q4, 2017.

Installed inside the Dog Tipper was MaxiTRANS’ new proprietary tipper liner, named ‘Landslide’.

“This is the first tipper liner in Australia sold directly from the trailer manufacturer,” said Kevin.

“It gives us the unique ability to use our collective tipper experience via our brands Hamelex White, Lusty EMS and AZMEB, to engineer the tipper and liner in unison to help ensure the ideal tip.”

Landslide offers customers that use end tippers the possibility to reduce tip angle by up to 30%.

This reduction allows a reduction of the show trailer’s centre of gravity by 855mm, providing a safer, more stable tipping platform.

Furthermore, by discharging product sooner, the overall height of the unit is lowered, making it less likely to experience overhead power line strikes. It also means that in certain situations an entire stage can be removed from the hoist.

“Landslide is affixed using a unique method which removes the need for rivets, meaning there are fewer catch points on the inside of the tub for better product discharge,” Kevin stated.

“It also removes unsightly rivets on the outside of the tub for a better aesthetic appearance.”

Landslide will be available soon, with first deliveries expected in Q3 2017.

Further products on display were a Lusty EMS Drop Deck Tipper, featuring a new curved wall design for greater durability and a streamlined new tailgate, as well as an AZMEB High Volume Side Tipper, which MaxiTRANS says can unload up to ten times faster than a moving floor trailer.

The company also displayed its CS and AirMAX proprietary suspensions.

In total, over 15 new products and innovations were announced by MaxiTRANS on day one of Brisbane Truck Show.

“These announcements highlight MaxiTRANS’ commitment to helping our customers improve their efficiency in their day to day operations,” said Kevin.

“Coupled with our focus on quality and safety, we aim to once again raise the standard of trailer manufacturing in Australia.”

Source: Maxi-TRANS

Feature image: New Peki refrigerated and dry freight rigid bodies complete the final mile offering from MaxiTRANS.