Aeolus Truck & Driver News

Australia’s first zero emissions Volvo FL Electric will soon go to work for Linfox, on a trial basis.

The 4x2 is equipped with 600-volt, 200 kWh battery packs, powering a 200kW/425Nm motor, driven through a two-speed I-Shift AMT.

It will be fitted with an eight-pallet body and a tail-lift and will do metro beverage deliveries for Linfox’s BevChain. 

“It is very clear that both our customers – and our customers’ customers – are demanding a cleaner and quieter urban transport environment,” says Volvo Trucks Australia VP Tony O’Connell. The FL Electric marks “the first step on that journey” for VTA.

Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox says the introduction of...

Navistar has launched a new generation of its International HX Series severe-duty model in North America.

Navistar says that the new HX Series is “our most comfortable, durable, technologically integrated and driver-focused severe service truck ever.”

The new HX comes standard with an International A26 engine, rated up to 500 horsepower – or the option of a Cummins X15, with up to 605hp and 2050 lb ft of peak torque.

There’s the choice of an Eaton Roadranger manual gearbox, an UltraShift AMT or an Allison 4000 Series auto. International axles are mated with the new Hendrickson HAULMAAX HMX-EX suspension.

Navistar says the redesigned HX cab says will “perform in...

This month sees the return of the annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week – with various events around the country from February 22 to 28.

The team at NZ Truck & Driver is busy co-ordinating the week’s activities, alongside the Road Transport Forum and our association partners. 

It’s thanks to the RTF for its contribution and support for TDAW – along with a number of industry suppliers who have also already committed to supporting the event (there’s a full list on Page 12).

We are working towards events around the country where we’ll be handing out appreciation gift bags to as many drivers as possible. Check our Facebook page or our website – https://nztr...

A new truck make has gone to work in New Zealand, with 10 Italian-made concrete mixers and tippers now in work in Auckland.

But don’t expect to see them driving down the Southern Motorway – or even on city or suburban streets.

The Diecis are mini-trucks – four-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-steer, with 4.5-litre four-cylinder FPT engines producing 125 horsepower/93 kilowatts, driven through servo-controlled two-stage hydrostatic transmissions.

The dumper model can accommodate a seven cubic metre level-body load, with a maximum 12-tonne capacity.

The F7000 concrete mixers have an unladen weight of 7400kg and have a seven cubic metre bowl fitted.

The Diecis can be...

It seems appropriate that a fun side project that longtime trailer manufacturer Trevor Jackson is working on is…a rollercoaster!

Building it in his own backyard at home in Pahiatua. Why? “Because I can! I’m in an industry that has welders and steel and pipe rollers, so why not make use of it.”

And why is it relevant, as the 66-year-old starts his 31st year of running Jackson Enterprises?

Because, as he reckons, “if you’ve been in the transport industry for a while you’ll undoubtedly have experienced your share of ups and downs.” 

That’s certainly something of how the last three decades of Jackson Enterprises have been – with a succession of highs and lows…...