Hydraulic equipment supplier and braking technology specialist, Gough Transport Solutions, provides tipper operators with the systems they require to perform their tasks as safely and efficiently as possible.
Gough Transport Solutions (GTS) is a prominent supplier of quality truck and trailer equipment including hydraulics, braking systems, tail lifts, concrete pumps, plants, agitators and equipment.
The company has a nationwide network of modern, well equipped workshops and field service divisions to capably manage the installation and servicing of the products it sells.
In his capacity as State Sales Manager for Victoria and Tasmania, Damian Matthews manages a dedicated sales team, takes care of multiple key accounts and specialises in hydraulic systems to accommodate requirements.
To improve the operational safety of tipper fleets, GTS supplies Trailer Electronic Braking Systems (TEBS) units that feature roll stability functionality.
“Tilt alert systems can easily be integrated with WABCO trailer EBS as the tilt sensor is integrated into the standard module provided,” Damian says. “This allows us to easily program this function and provide alerts to the driver. It will also log events for monitoring of safe operation.”
Nick Hope, Product Manager – Braking at GTS, says the TEBS unit’s major function is roll stability. ”The tilt alert function utilises the roll stability module in picking up the angle/movement of the trailer,” he says. “Through the braking parameters in the software we are able to set angles for the tilt alert feature. Once the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) picks up if the trailer angle is on or exceeding the set parameter the alert is given to the driver via a light or audible alarm.”
Tipper fleets can engage GTS directly for TEBS installation and programming for optimal configuration. As there is very little extra hardware added to a standard TEBS, trailer builders can install these systems easily. GTS are then able to program this feature while completing the ‘End of Line’ process.
In addition to provide TEBS support, GTS also provides SAFETIP which assists heavy vehicle operators with safely tipping loads on uneven ground by monitoring the angle of the tipping body and preventing rollover.
“It will warn the driver by a dash mounted indicator when a pre-set tilt angle is achieved, this allows the driver to re-position to a safer area,” Damian says. “If the tilt angle increases past this warning point the SAFETIP system will then disable the raise function, preventing the body from going higher and potentially causing a rollover.”
Installing SAFETIP to a new or existing body, according to Damian, is as simple as bolting the sensor underneath the body and running a cable.
“The control unit is then mounted behind the truck cabin and the compact, stick-on, indicator strip is mounted to the dash,” he says. “A solenoid valve combined with some minor air plumbing and wiring is then installed to integrate with the tipper control system.
Calibration and setting of angle parameters is achieved via a simple program after plugging a laptop into the control unit.”
A rollover is a very dangerous situation for both the driver and other personnel on site. It can also cause untold damage to truck and trailers, often causing them to be written off.
Damian says the cost of a SAFETIP system easily outweighs the risk to operators and repair of equipment.
“Many sites have recently restricted access from traditional end tippers due to the risk of rollovers,” he says. “Not only is there a high risk of injury to operators but plant damage is all too common in these situations.”
SAFETIP can be used in all tipper configurations (rigid, dog trailer, semi-tipper – both chassis type and tip-over-axle) and can be easily adapted to suit customer requirements due to this flexibility.
Like the TEBS tilt alert, SAFETIP is also fully programmable so that warning angles can be set to suit specific operating conditions.
GTS can assist with this process and can also provide the cable and the program for installers to set up themselves.
“Having both systems configured – TEBS with tilt alert along with SAFETIP – gives the drivers added comfort in their safety,” Damian says. “The TEBS tilt alert function warns the driver of possible tip conditions, while SAFETIP warns the driver and also shuts hoist up operation. It’s also an additional point of safety for those onsite or working near the tipper.”
