Performance Based Transport Technology

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Access:
You can take a load where it would not go without a Trackaxle.

   Tyre wear:
In short haul urban use, the tyres on a Trackaxle may last between five and ten times longer.
Flexibility:
Trackaxle will handle heavy traffic much better than other trailers, will improve your turnaround at delivery points and can be used on extra long extendable trailers.		   Traffic disruption:
Traffic flows are very much better when a freight vehicle needs only one lane to negotiate a corner.
Productivity:
Combined with the new performance-based standards, Trackaxle will deliver a vast improvement, especially with volume limited goods.		   Pavement damage:
When turning a corner, Trackaxle reduces damage due to horizontal tyre forces (scrubbing) by a factor between 160,000 and 190,000, and vertical tyre force damage by a factor of four.
Safety:
Trackaxle reduces the risk of vehicle collisions while cornering and also helps to reduce the risk of rollover while cornering.		   Fuel consumption:
Every time you turn a corner, Trackaxle needs 40% less fuel.
Profit:
In urban delivery, you can win through greater volume delivered and quicker trip times, combined with better tyre life and fuel economy.		   Cost:
Reducing the stress reduces the maintenance cost, fuel cost and tyre costs.

About the Trackaxle.

It all began with a sketch on the back of an envelope. This was the basis of a conversation between Peter Gaylard and Kerry Atley, principals of Trackaxle Pty Ltd. The sketch was of a radically different design of the rear axle set of a tri-axle trailer. The sketch led to a small wooden model which demonstrated very convincingly that a trailer can use much less road space to corner if the back end steers itself.

A search of patent literature shows that there have been many devices developed to steer the rear end. These range from a simple castor wheel arrangement through to full command steer systems. Many long load systems use a ride on steersman to negotiate tight corners. Some devices employing a pivotal rear bogie have been successful initially, but have developed poor tracking behavior as parts began to wear, a risk associated with having too many moving parts.

         

Click the images above for enlarged version.

Trackaxle was different in that it had very few moving parts and was self steering, yet it took an aspect of the command steer system and used it to modify the self steer. The concept looked simple and robust. The partners decided to build  a prototype trailer 52ft. or 15.850 m. long, to demonstrate that a trailer could carry more volume, yet gain access to difficult delivery situations. To obtain permission from VicRoads to do this, the partners built a one tenth scale model and demonstrated it to VicRoads engineers in the VicRoads car park, with the Austroads swept path dimensions marked out in chalk on the pavement.

The prototype trailer was built by Calandro engineering of Shepparton. It was then put into VicRoads monitored trial where it operated commercially around Melbourne and Geelong. The trial was very successful. The Trackaxle trailer, in spite of its’ length, moved through traffic with the ease of a trailer half the size.

Trackaxle Pty Ltd.was formed specifically to develop and market the Trackaxle trailer system.
Click to view video (opens a new window)

A Trackaxle brochure outlining the key features of the vehicle can be downloaded here. (pdf 470Kb)

The company owns the intellectual property (patents and trade marks) of the Trackaxle.

Trackaxle Pty Ltd. has designed and developed the Trackaxle with a view to producing a more efficient means of transport. The company is not a trailer manufacturer, but will supply  the industry with the components necessary to build Trackaxle trailers.

Head Office: 53 Mitchell st. Shepparton.

Mail: P.O. Box 6757, Shepparton, Vic. 3632. Australia.

Telephone: 03 58316888 Fax: 03 58316899

Email: contact@trackaxle.com.au