Trucks Down Under
Jul 11, 2019 09:28:36 #
Dr.Nikon wrote:
I own the Honolulu Airport Passenger Baggage Stora... (show quote)
Thanks for looking in Dr.Nikon. Everything connected with mining in the Northwest of Western Australia is done on a large scale and the road trains the Australian driver was referring to are no exception although they are restricted to designated mine roads rather than public highways. I have attached a photo of a self powered trailer similar to what the driver was most likely talking about. The power trailer unit usually sits in the middle of a combined six trailer road train and is operated remotely by the driver from the cabin of his prime mover. Overall length of prime mover and six trailers is 97 metres (318 feet), with a gross weight of over 400 tonnes, (441 US tons). The power trailer below was in transit from a mine to an interstate workshop.
Power trailer unit note the engine mounted under the middle of the trailer that drives the three axles at the rear. Note also the radiator unit for engine cooling mounted on the rear of the power trailer.
(Download)
This is the type of prime mover that is used to haul a total of six trailers including the power trailer unit above. This prime mover is larger than the standard on-highway vehicle and as such is restricted to use on designated mine roads only.
(Download)
Jul 11, 2019 10:16:14 #
OK, I can see the skill it takes to move one of these behemoths down the road - but what happens when you need to back up??? 
Jul 11, 2019 10:31:21 #
I've never seen three and four unit rigs. Can't imagine driving something like that.
Jul 11, 2019 11:11:54 #
Jul 11, 2019 11:12:54 #
These are unbelievable and look really dangerous with the potential for a really bad wreck if one of them flipped over or lost several tires all at once. Wow.....they sure are interesting though.
Jul 11, 2019 11:23:42 #
Jul 11, 2019 11:52:26 #
Harry0
Loc: Gardena, Cal
Every so often shipping companies press for more trailers on US trucks, but
it's universally acknowledges that the other US drivers will create too many hazards.
it's universally acknowledges that the other US drivers will create too many hazards.
Jul 11, 2019 12:33:46 #
Thorny Devil wrote:
Last year I posted some photos of Australian trucks which seemed be of interest to some UHH members so here are some more, some that I captured near where I live and others that I have seen during my travels.
Netflix has a show..Outback truckers. Great show about the men and women that are behind the wheel of these behemoths. I started watching it with my boyfriend and really got hooked.
Jul 11, 2019 12:38:42 #
samantha90 wrote:
Netflix has a show..Outback truckers. Great show about the men and women that are behind the wheel of these behemoths. I started watching it with my boyfriend and really got hooked.
It takes an Enormous amount of skill to handle these Trains especially if things are Not Going Well and hats-off to those folks who risk it all when they firer-em-up and roll-em-out !
Jul 11, 2019 12:44:38 #
How big are the individual unit tankers? We had up to 10,000 US gal. when I was in the US Army Transportation Corps in the early 60's and thought they were big. I can't imagine having to wrestle those monsters around our city streets and highways!
Jul 11, 2019 15:37:23 #
jpgto
Loc: North East Tennessee
WOW, although there are multi-trailer units on our roads they are nothing compared
to what you shared with us. Nice series of photos, thanks for posting.
to what you shared with us. Nice series of photos, thanks for posting.
Jul 11, 2019 16:46:10 #
dc3legs
Loc: Tucson
Really enjoyed this Mr Thorny, thanks. Do you know: is a single driver able to assemble/dis-assemble one of these trains?. Guessing he would probably have to .........
Jul 11, 2019 20:15:24 #
Hey Thorny, in the States, were call those trains! LOL! Never have I seen that many trailers behind a tractor. Thanks for sharing.
Jul 12, 2019 00:08:37 #
GOOD GOD, DON'T SHOW ANY MORE PHOTOS, SOME DIM BULB FROM THE US CONGRESS WILL TRY TO OK THAT HERE IN THE STATES'
Jul 12, 2019 01:36:01 #
How fast do they drive and what sort of engine do they have? Is there more than one driver?
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