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The best of Birmingham

Transport Engineer picks some of the highlights to be seen at the CV Show 2012, coming to the NEC, Birmingham on 24, 25 and 26 April

Telematics , Emergency Service Vehicles , Panel Vans , Euro 6 , Tracking , Tipping Gear , Fifth Wheels , Green Vehicles , Heavy Goods Vehicles , Loaders , Chassis Cabs , Electric Vehicles , Engine/Transmission Management , Tracking , Telematics , Car Derived Vans , Green Vehicles , Diagnostic Equipment , Engine/Transmission Management , Refrigeration , Panel Vans , Bodywork , Tippers , Electric Vehicles , Electric Vehicles , Euro 5 , Light Commercial Vehicles , Trailers , Semi-Trailers , Trailers , Semi-Trailers , Car Derived Vans , Aerodynamics , Tractor Units , Light Commercial Vehicles , Braking Systems

Heavy light commercials

It’s amazing what you can do with a Sprinter. Steve Banner reports from Mercedes-Benz TecForum event, in Hamburg, Germany, on the sheer scale of innovations

Off Roaders , Panel Vans , Euro 6 , Fifth Wheels , Panel Vans , Tractor Units

Lovely couple

There is little as unlovely as a failed coupling, leading to tractor and trailer parting company. Steve Banner takes advice from the industry

Fifth Wheels , Chassis , Couplings , Couplings , Repair & Maintenance

Show reel

Visitors to the IAA 2012 commercial vehicle show were treated to new vehicles and technology that aim to cut fleet costs and improve efficiency. John Challen rounds up some of the many highlights

Telematics , Euro 6 , Tracking , Tipping Gear , Fifth Wheels , Green Vehicles , Electric Vehicles , Engine/Transmission Management , Engines & Engine Parts , Tracking , Axles , Tyres & Retreads , Telematics , Green Vehicles , Engine/Transmission Management , Refrigeration , Axles , Couplings , Electric Vehicles , Fuel Systems , Electric Vehicles , Couplings , Engines & Engine Parts , Trailers , Semi-Trailers , Pumps , Trailers , Semi-Trailers , Aerodynamics , Tyres & Retreads , Fuel Systems , Air Conditioning

Coupling maintenance

A fifth wheel coupling is arguably one of the most important components on a truck – yet is probably the least well maintained. But, as Dan Gilkes finds out, this is changing

Coupling-up

Fifth wheels and drawbar couplings are safety-critical items on trucks and must be treated as such. Toby Clark examines some of the remaining issues and some new solutions

Drawbar / Drawbar Assemblies , Fifth Wheels

Don’t take your fifth wheels for granted

Oldham-based haulage firm TTX is recommending operators to consider Jost's on-site safety inspection service for fifth wheel couplings. "JOST was able to inspect and give a clean bill of health on 30 of our fifth wheels in a single half-day session," says TXX managing director Dave Taylor. "The cost was extremely reasonable and I consider it money well spent."

Fifth Wheels , Couplings , Couplings

French connections

The recent Solutrans Show in Lyons had plenty to interest for truck and trailer operators alike. Brian Weatherley picks out the main engineering breakthroughs

Load Restraints , Off Roaders , Fifth Wheels , Engines & Engine Parts , Axles , Rigids , Axles , Tippers , Light Commercial Vehicles , Engines & Engine Parts , Trailers , Trailers , Tractor Units , Light Commercial Vehicles

Accident waiting to happen

Couplings are hardly high-tech fitments, but, given their function, they qualify as safety-critical. Brian Tinham examines growing concerns about fifth wheel and drawbar maintenance and inspection

Drawbar / Drawbar Assemblies , Fifth Wheels

Combination lock

Couplings for drawbars and semi-trailers tend to be out of sight and out of mind. Robin Dickeson reviews these lowly devices and suggests that new technology is set to improve safety and operations

Drawbar / Drawbar Assemblies , Fifth Wheels