Braking Technology - drivers get EBS training (Jan 07).pdf - Transpec

Braking technology: Drivers get EBS training
While the NZ market has become increasingly savvy on the benefits of EBS, leading
braking supplier, Transpecs, went one step further by running a series of hands on
education days that allowed operators to take a ride on the EBS side.
During November 2006, Transpecs ran a number of Wabco EBS driver training days in
the North Island, with over 176 attendees to Manfield Park over two days, and 94 visitors
in Taupo on the last day.
The hugely successful days were held in conjunction with Master Drive Services, and
proved popular with drivers, fleets and logistics companies alike.
“The response was absolutely amazing. We started the day off with a presentation that
explained the benefits of Wabco EBS and how it compared to other braking systems.
Then we took everyone out to the track to watch a Wabco EBS equipped truck and trailer
run a circuit, before giving attendees the chance to hop in the cab themselves,” explains
Transpecs Brake Expert, Tony Cheyne.
“Everyone who attended was excited to get into the truck and feel how EBS works,
which meant we had to have the truck running non-stop. In fact, on the second day we
had to give the truck a break because it was overheating from the rigorous testing we
were putting it through!”
Although conditions on the third day in Taupo were cold and wet, Tony says it was ideal
to further highlight the benefits that Wabco EBS and roll stability have to offer.
According to Tony, many people walked away saying: “You could talk to me for five
hours about the benefits of Wabco EBS, but just five minutes in the cab and I'm sold.”
“What people don’t realise is that by the time you reach a rollover situation, it is too late
to do anything about it. On the training day we get the trailer to the point of a rollover to
show them exactly how it feels, before doing the circuit again with EBS activated,” says
Tony.
It wasn’t just drivers and operators who turned up, at Manfield Park members from the
Central Districts Serious Crash Unit also attended, keen to see what kind of safety
equipment is available to the market and to learn more about Wabco EBS.
They stayed for most of the day speaking to participants and demonstrating their heat

testing equipment on the trailer brakes. They also put Transpecs in contact with the Bay
of Plenty SCU unit who sent representatives to the Taupo event.
Members from the NZ Road Transport Authority and Vehicle Testing New Zealand also
attended the driver training days.
Understanding the benefits of EBS is more important than ever, as new brake regulations
hit the New Zealand market mandating the use of Load Sensing Vales or Anti-lock
Braking Systems by the 1 st of July, 2008.
“Wabco EBS offers all the benefits of load sensing and ABS, but provides even greater
benefits and control over stability, proving a more popular choice amongst operators.
Wabco EBS also allows operators to future-proof their fleet against any further changes
to braking regulations,” explains Tony.
The driver training days have been so popular that Transpecs say they will run more days
in the near future. “We hope to hold a number of sessions on the South Island in the New
Year so that more operators will get a chance to learn about the benefits of EBS in
person.”
Transpecs also thanked sponsors who contributed to the success of the driver training
days, including Toll NZ, Master Drive and Higgins Contracting.
Staff from Gough sister company, Transport Wholesale, assisted at the event. Fruehauf
Trailers and Jackson Enterprises provided draw bar trailers for the brake by wire
demonstration, in conjunction with a Scania truck provided by Cable Price.
For more information contact:
Tony Cheyne
Transport Specialties Ltd
PO Box 98 971
South Auckland Mail Centre
Tel: 09 980 7300
Email: TonyChenye@transpecs.co.nz