No need to weightBy: Sloanebuilt Trailers No need to weight The majority of KBT's fleet comprises of Sloanebuilt Trailers, who have been the companys preferred manufacturer for almost 10 years. "Sloanebuilt always deliver on building us quality trailers. It was through them we were originally introduced to SAF-Holland," Kelvin Baxter, owner of KBT says. "A lot of the trailers we have prior to our partnership with Sloanebuilt encompass older, heavier components. Part of modernising our fleet was using lightweight components sourced from SAF-Holland equipment fitted across our fleet's 25 B-Double sets. Although Kel has a variety of Sloanebuilt trailers in his fleet, the one vital component he will not compromise is SAF-Holland equipment; in particular, the Intradisc-Integral suspension. The majority KBT's fleet comprises of Sloanebuilt trailers, who have been the company's preferred manufacturer for almost 10 years "Sloanebuilt always deliver on building us quality trailers. It was through them we were originally introduced to SAF-Holland," Kel Baxter, owner of KBT, says "A lot of the trailers we have prior component he will not compromise is SAF Holland equipment, in particular, the Intradisc-Integral suspension "The reason we always go with the product is because it's lightweight and the high quality components used require little service," he says "This company operates in the bulk transport market and the low tareweight factor is extremely important to us so as ii The SAF Intradisc-Integral suspension system is the lightest on the market and has enabled our company to save more than 750 kilograms. 19 to our partnership with Sloanebuilt encompass older, heavier components Part of modernising our fleet was using lightweight components sourced from SAF-Holland We already have quite a lot of SAF-Holland equipment fitted across our fleet's 25 B-double sets Although Kel has a variety of Sloanebuilt trailers in his fleet, the one vital to maximize payload as we are paid by the tonne " According to Kel, the new B-double set, which went into operation in July, features the Intradisc-Integral suspension, with the front axle of the rear tn group an automated lift axle The functional suspension arm and axle beam form an inseparable and low maintenance unit, which does away with the need for U-bolts, clamping plates, axle seats and nuts In fact, he says the SAF aluminium option on the Intradisc-Integral suspension is so robust and light that it has helped KBT to save weight on its B-double set and boost productivity at the same time "The SAP Intradisc-Integral suspension system is the lightest on the market and has enabled our company to save more than 750 kilograms," he explains "Across an aluminium B-Double unit, the B-trailer has a steel sub frame attached to the rails Steel hangers are then mounted onto that sub frame, which are welded on." "But with aluminium hangers, we only need to weld it straight to the aluminium chassis rails of the trailer that eliminates the weight of the sub frame All of this results in having a lightweight B-trailer, which can save us up to 400 kilograms Although we don't use aluminium hangers in the lead trailer, we still save about 300 kilograms by installing the system " Kel also credits SAF-Holland for providing an efficient product that requires little service, even if the application is subjected to harsh working conditions. "We have also managed to save significantly in the maintenance in the long life bearing setups. Normally, we would be looking to disassemble the wheel bearings at 300,000 to 400,000 kilometres if the vehicle has been working on highway or gravel road work. "However, when we installed the Intradisc-Integral suspension that has those bearings, they are strong enough to hold without servicing them and 750,000 kilometres later, those bearings on the system with aluminium hangers are holding up quite well. We expect to clock more than 1,000,000 kilometres before we start replacing them. "We believe in paying for a quality product up front so that there are less problems later on during the life of the trailer. That's the beauty of the SAF lntradisc We believe in paying for a quality product up front so that there are less problems later on during the life of the trailer. range. They perform as advertised. The low maintenance and low tareweight advantages is where the real value of SAF-Holland products shine." Based in Berrigan, New South Wales, Kelvin Baxter Transport was established in 1990 when an opportunity was identified by Kel to develop a bulk freight business that uses larger configured vehicles in the form of road trains and B-doubles. The fleet of Baxter Transport consists of 25 company-owned Kenworth trucks and more than 70 trailers, including a range of aluminium tippers, all fitted with roll-over tarps and usable in B-double, B-triple, A-B triple and road-train configurations. IMP