The boss of a WA road transport manufacturer believes his investment into the testing of road-legal, 60m long super-quad road trains could deliver much needed benefits to the mining industry.
Bruce Rock Engineering managing director Damion Verhoogt says cost efficiencies to the mining sector, and reductions to heavy vehicle road traffic, are among the potential benefits of bigger-than-ever road trains.
Verhoogt’s WA business started developing technology for the trial more than two years ago and has invested considerable funds to bring it to 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,” Verhoogt said.
“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.”
Bruce Rock Engineering first approached Main Roads WA in December 2013.
Then followed nine months of design and engineering, before Performance Based Standards assessment commenced.
The trial was approved in March 2015 by Main Roads WA.
The first trailers were delivered to client Mineral Resources, and the first test was loaded for Port Hedland in September.
The three-month, three-way trial – involving base metal producer Process Minerals (subsidiary of Mineral Resources), transport contractor Fusion Contracting, and Bruce Rock Engineering –commenced with two loads being delivered by October 7.
Process Minerals transport manager Ken Walsh was pleased with the trial so far.
“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,” Walsh said.
“It will also positively impact road infrastructure with less vehicles on the road and more tonnage being loaded.”
Verhoogt says Bruce Rock Engineering is the only OEM with support facilities in the Pilbara, and he sees higher productivity super-quad product generating further business in the region for the company in the state, and nationally.
“Along with the huge benefits to the clients,” he said, “the company sees opportunities in upgrading existing quad equipment and they will be partnering with their clients to address these potential opportunities.”
Contact: www.brucerockengineering.com.au