The “Heavy vehicle selection guide” is designed to help the vehicle purchaser make the correct acquisition decision.
This concise guide is published by the New Zealand Transport Agency, and is intended to improve the efficiency, safety and profitability of a transport business by selecting the correct vehicle. The guide begins by explaining the importance of considering the life-cycle costs of trucks, as opposed to only the initial purchase price. A graph neatly indicates how various costs behave over time, and when the correct replacement time occurs.
A process is then is then laid out covering five broad areas that need to be considered. These are as follows:
A checklist is provided that considers all of the five areas discussed. Source: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/heavy-vehicle-selection-guide/docs/heavy-vehicle-selection-guide.pdf
This concise guide is published by the New Zealand Transport Agency, and is intended to improve the efficiency, safety and profitability of a transport business by selecting the correct vehicle. The guide begins by explaining the importance of considering the life-cycle costs of trucks, as opposed to only the initial purchase price. A graph neatly indicates how various costs behave over time, and when the correct replacement time occurs.
A process is then is then laid out covering five broad areas that need to be considered. These are as follows:
- The operating environment and vehicle layout – Once it is known under what conditions the vehicle will be operating and the load it will be carrying, it is possible to select a configuration.
- Vehicle performance – Engineering and vehicle components that affect the vehicles performance are considered. Specific attention is given to engine power, torque requirements, transmission gearing, differential ratios, wheels and tyres. The vehicle needs to be sufficiently powered, yet fuel efficient. Techniques to reduce fuel usage are provided, as well as performance checkpoints.
- Health and Safety – This area covers safety and health issues that should be taken into account. These include features affecting the normal driving of the truck, its in-service reliability, and active and passive safety features. Safety checkpoints are listed.
- Maintenance – The maintenance requirements of various brands of vehicles need to be considered.
- Appearance – Appearance and functionality of vehicles can assist in obtaining new clients and retaining drivers.
A checklist is provided that considers all of the five areas discussed. Source: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/heavy-vehicle-selection-guide/docs/heavy-vehicle-selection-guide.pdf