Innisfail-based Law Transport founder Lance Law always believed the new innovative trailer he’d purchased from Elphinstone Engineering would revolutionise his pole haulage business. But he didn’t realise the benefits would extend far beyond increased payloads.
EasySteer delivers greater payload
Law Transport recently took delivery of the first Elphinstone EasySteer with Expanda-Skel deck for their pole transport operation.
When Lance Law started Innisfail Carrying Company with a single truck almost three decades ago, he had a clear vision of the services he’d deliver to his customers, and he wasn’t afraid to embrace new technologies and innovate. “We’ve transported power poles right from the start,” Lance recalled.
“My involvement in the EasySteer evolution story commenced when touring around Tasmania with a friend,” Lance revealed. “While travelling through a forest with some particularly tall trees, I happened to mention to him that we were tendering for a new pole carting contract. I’d been contemplating how a logging-style trailer might put me a step ahead of my competitors. My friend suggested I try an Elphinstone trailer as they are very popular with loggers in Tasmania.”
“Consequently, I called Graeme the following day and arranged a meeting,” Lance said. “I spent a good couple of hours with Graeme. He listened to our requirements before showing me his EasySteer concept.”
Easysteer operates seamlessly at all speeds.
Superior Load Sharing
“Honestly, I was wrapped on the spot! Over the next few months, Graeme and I had regular phone meetings to fine-tune all the details and measurements. Graeme, painstakingly devoted much time to assisting us in getting the PBS approval we needed to operate the trailer. He even arranged a demonstration day in Brisbane for the NHVR and road owners with our new EasySteer to highlight its manoeuvrability in confined spaces. Also, Graeme highlighted EasySteer’s superior load-sharing capability compared to a standard tri-axle suspension. It was indeed an eye-opening experience for the attendees,” Lance added.
We are proud we were there at the start and to be part of the EasySteer Evolution story; because innovation has always been a big part of our business. Lance said. “It is what puts us in front of our competitors. Our customers’ long-standing loyalty is evidence delivering innovative transport solutions doesn’t go unnoticed.”
EasySteer trailers come standard with high accuracy load cells
“Right from day one, the EasySteer trailer demonstrated superior ride and handling characteristics,” Lance revealed. “Our main driver, Shane, loves the thing. One of our other senior drivers, Ken, also remarked how well the truck handles with the new EasySteer trailer.”
“But the biggest difference I’ve noticed is at the fuel bowser compared to the older standard trailer I’d had previously, Shane said. “The EasySteer uses approximately 178 litres less fuel per round trip, and we’re comfortably achieving a 28-tonne payload.”
Fuel economy with 28 tonne payload is an impressive 2.71L/km
“We’re saving fuel and carrying more payload,” Lance added.
“EasySteer trailers will play a bigger part in our business in the future,” Lance concluded. “In fact, I’m in the process of ordering more now.”
Click here to download the EasySteer Evolution Story.
The EasySteer trailer axle configuration consists of two axle groups, similar to a 3-axle dog trailer, thereby giving the trailer axles a greater weight capacity of 25.5 tonnes compared to a conventional tridem axle group with only 20 tonnes found on a semi-trailer. Therefore, using existing legal limits, EasySteer has a potential gross combination weight limit of 48 tonnes compared to 42.5 tonnes for a conventional semi-trailer combination at standard mass limits.
Because of EasySteer’s natural self-tracking ability, when used in a road train configuration, the LSSP (low-speed swept path) improves significantly compared to a traditional road train.
Easysteer reduces captial expenditure and increases payload in certain multi-combination configurations.
EasySteer also reduces the cost of capital equipment. For instance, the diagram’s EasySteer combination has a gross mass similar to the tri-drive combination in the photo above it. However, EasySteer delivers more payload and requires less capital to purchase, with less running cost per kilometre. To find out more, contact Elphinstone Engineering on 1800 030 019.
