October 12, 2015
Leading WA road transport manufacturer Bruce Rock Engineering’s investment into the world-first testing of road legal 60m long super-quads is tipped to deliver much needed cost efficiencies to the mining sector whilst reducing heavy vehicle road traffic and therefore the impact on road infrastructure in the state.
Bruce Rock Engineering began developing the innovative technology for the trial more than two years ago and has invested considerable funds to bring this new technology to the market.
“We custom designed the new 60-metre road train utilising the Performance Based Standards framework and it is an international top line patented product,” said Bruce Rock Engineering Managing Director Damion Verhoogt.
“To date, we have invested more than $100,000 in Engineering R&D into the trial process, however we are delighted to be able to proactively contribute to the industry a premium product that will not only save on costs for our clients but will reduce truck movements by up to 20% which is a massive gain for the industry and general community,” he said.
Bruce Rock Engineering first approached Main Roads WA in December 2013. Design and engineering then took nine months before Performance Based Standards (PBS) assessment commenced.
The trial was approved in March 2015 by Main Roads WA and the delivery of trailers to Port Hedland and the first test was loaded for the client Mineral Resources in September 2015. The three-month, three-way trial involving the base metal producer Process Minerals subsidiary of Mineral Resources, transport contractor Fusion Contracting and Bruce Rock Engineering commenced with two loads being delivered by 7th October 2015.
Process Minerals Transport Manager Ken Walsh says, “We can see that this new technology will be of huge benefit to us and the resources sector, particularly with regards to productivity and cost efficiencies from our operators. It will also positively impact road infrastructure with less vehicles on the road and more tonnage being loaded”.
Bruce Rock Engineering is the only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with support facilities in the Pilbara region and Mr Verhoogt sees the higher productivity super-quad product generating further business in the region for the company and the State, and nationally.
Along with the huge benefits to the clients the Company sees opportunities in upgrading existing quad equipment and they will be partnering with their clients to address these potential opportunities”.
As featured in Trailer Magazine, Australian Mining, Logistics & Materials Handling, Resources Career, DieselNews.com.au