Turning Heads with Innovation: Borcat Trailers and Alcoa® Dura-Black Wheels

When it comes to building trailers that stand out for both performance and presentation, Borcat Trailers knows how to deliver. The Australian brand has long been known for its quality craftsmanship and ability to tailor solutions to the unique needs of transport operators. And now, with a bold new partnership and an eye-catching build, they’re making waves once again — this time with a little help from Alcoa® Wheels

Bringing Canadian Ingenuity to Aussie Roads

Borcat Trailers was recently appointed as the NSW Sales and Service agent for Gincor Werx live bottom trailers — a product with over 40 years of proven performance in North America. Working closely with the importer, Haulmark Trailers, Borcat is now introducing these highly-regarded Canadian-built live bottom bodies to the NSW market, offering them as both truck-mounted units and complete semi-trailers.

When the opportunity came up to fit a Gincor live bottom body onto a Mack Anthem — it was the perfect chance to create something that would truly turn heads.

A Custom Build with a Striking Edge

With a grey and black paint scheme setting the tone, Borcat knew the build needed wheels that could match its tough, modern aesthetic. The solution? Alcoa® Dura-Black wheels all around.

“The Alcoa Dura-Black wheels gave the unit a unique, tough look, and the tipping live bottom truck mount had people talking when they saw it.”

These forged aluminium wheels aren’t just about good looks. They offer the strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance that transport operators demand — with the added bonus of a bold, matte black finish that makes any rig stand out.

Innovative Features for Safer, Smarter Operation

This wasn’t your standard live bottom truck mount. Borcat added their own innovative touch by fitting the live floor with a tipping function — allowing the body to be safely raised for cleaning and servicing underneath.

For safety, the hoist is restricted to lifting up to 3 tonnes, ensuring it can’t accidentally raise a loaded body. A clever air-operated body prop can also be engaged from the side of the truck, providing secure support and safe access to the chassis and suspension components.

It’s a practical innovation that adds real-world value for operators while highlighting the kind of forward-thinking engineering Borcat is known for.

Alcoa® Wheels: The Perfect Finish

In a build where both function and appearance matter, Alcoa® Dura-Black wheels delivered on every front. Their patented technology, lightweight forged strength, and sleek black finish elevated the truck’s look while helping optimise performance.

This collaboration is a great example of how product innovation and industry partnerships can come together to set new standards on Australian roads.

Ready to elevate your next build? Discover the full range of Alcoa® forged aluminium wheels, including the Dura-Black series, and see what difference world-leading wheel innovation can make. Contact the Howmet Wheel Systems team at 1800 955 191 or email alcoawheels.sales@howmet.com. Stay connected by visiting alcoawheels.com.au and following

July 18, 2025

Rolling Forward Together: Borcat Trailers and Alcoa Wheels

When Borcat Trailers first hit the scene over 60 years ago, it was with a simple mission: build a trailer that’s truly “Built-to-Last.” Founders Angelo Borg and Paul Muscat, both truck drivers themselves, knew firsthand what it took to create something better than what was on the market. Their vision? Build trailers that were tougher, more reliable, and designed to go the distance.

Today, that mission is stronger than ever. Borcat Trailers has come a long way since those early days, expanding their range to include 5 and 6-axle dogs and leading the charge with A-Double trailers. Borcat has become a go-to name for fleets like Hanson, Metromix, and Boral. Their secret? Continuous innovation and a commitment to working with the best.

That’s where Alcoa Wheels comes in. When it comes to 10-stud wheels, Alcoa is the name everyone trusts. Borcat Trailers has used Alcoa Wheels as an OEM component for years, and the reason is simple: quality.

“Alcoa is the industry benchmark” “They back up what they sell, and that gives us—and our customers—complete confidence.”

Says Ian Sly a general manager at Borcat Trailers.

But Borcat isn’t standing still. Recently, they teamed up with Haulmark Trailers to become the sales and service agent for GINCOR in NSW, opening the door to live-floor trailers. Now, they can supply, fit, and service live-floor bodies for trucks as well as complete trailer assemblies, making sure they’re always one step ahead in meeting market needs.

And there’s more big news—Borcat is on the move! On October 1st, they’re relocating to a new facility at 54 Newton Rd, Wetherill Park. The new location offers plenty of space for trucks and trailers to move freely and a larger building more pertinent for an efficient production line. It’s all part of their plan to keep growing and improving, ensuring they’re ready for whatever the future holds.

Borcat Trailers

With Alcoa Wheels by their side and exciting new developments on the horizon, Borcat Trailers isn’t just keeping up with the industry—they’re driving it forward. Keep an eye on them—they’re going places!

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel

Contact us at the Howmet Wheel system at 1800 955 191. You can also drop us an email at alcoawheels.sales@howmet.com or visit alcoawheels.com.au. Also, don’t forget to follow Alcoa on Facebook at alcoawheelsaustralia for all the latest updates

September 19, 2024

Boomerang Engineering and Alcoa Wheels: Ensuring Stability and Safety in Trailer Design

In the dynamic world of mining and transport industries, stability isn’t just a desirable trait – it’s an absolute necessity. Boomerang Engineering, a pioneering force in Australia’s mining and transport sectors, understands this fundamental requirement like no other. With their unwavering commitment to safety and innovation, they stand as a beacon of reliability in an industry fraught with risks.

Founded in the early 60s by Sam De Filippis and Pasco Travaglini, Boomerang Engineering has steadily risen to prominence, riding the waves of the mining boom in the 70s.

Today, with over 60 dedicated employees at their Belmont premises, they continue to set the benchmark for trailer design and manufacturing excellence.

At the heart of Boomerang Engineering’s success lies its ‘Can Do’ attitude and relentless pursuit of groundbreaking solutions. Their patented load-sharing heavy off-highway cable suspension system stands as a testament to their innovative spirit, offering unparalleled stability and safety in demanding environments.

The unsung heroes of mobility

Boomerang Engineering’s product lineup spans a diverse range of equipment tailored to meet the industry’s exacting needs. From side and end tippers to low loaders and bespoke mining equipment, their offerings epitomise quality, strength, and durability.

Central to the performance of Boomerang Engineering’s trailers are the wheels – the unsung heroes of mobility. While often relegated to the realm of aesthetics, the choice of wheels plays a pivotal role in determining a trailer’s performance, efficiency, and safety. And when it comes to wheels, there’s one name that stands head and shoulders above the rest – Alcoa Wheels. Daniel Hoschke, sales & technical support from Boomerang Engineering, reinforce saying:

“They are simply the best wheels on the market, constantly innovating and leading the market as well as second to none service”

Boomerang Engineering’s enduring partnership with Alcoa Wheels is a testament to their commitment to excellence. With Alcoa Wheels, they have found a reliable ally renowned for innovation and unparalleled service. With approximately 500 pieces of trailing equipment manufactured each year, Boomerang Engineering relies on Alcoa Wheels to deliver performance, durability, and peace of mind.

In the grand symphony of trailer design, where every component plays a crucial role, Alcoa Wheels take center stage. As the literal foundation of mobility, they bear the weight of responsibility with unwavering reliability, ensuring smooth rides and safe stops when it matters most. Read More

So, if you’re in the mining and transport industries and value stability and safety above all else, look no further than Boomerang Engineering and Alcoa Wheels. Together, they epitomise excellence, setting the standard for stability and safety in trailer design.

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel

Contact us at the Howmet Wheel system at 1800 955 191. You can also drop us an email at alcoawheels.sales@howmet.com or visit alcoawheels.com.au. Also, don’t forget to follow Alcoa on Facebook at alcoawheelsaustralia for all the latest updates

July 22, 2024

How can we survive for more than 70 years in the transport industry? Alcoa Wheels and Holmwood Highgate’s Testament to Reliability and Innovation

Surviving more than seventy years in the transport business is no easy feat. It takes a mix of toughness, smarts, and a strong dedication to doing things right. With the crazy challenges the threw at businesses worldwide, companies had to shake things up, adapt, and figure out new ways to do stuff. But among those that not only kept going but actually did better, Alcoa Wheels and Holmwood Highgate really shine as examples of reliability and fresh ideas.

One big reason they’ve stayed successful is that they listen hard to what customers want, teamed up with good partners, and keep coming up with new ideas. Even when things get tough, Alcoa Wheels and Holmwood Highgate stay ahead of the game, setting high standards and showing what’s possible.

Great things evolve from humble beginnings

The story of these companies is all about bouncing back, especially in the rough and tumble world of transportation. Since the 1950s, Holmwood Highgate has been all about changing how we move liquids in bulk.

Starting small with fuel, they’ve now got tankers for all sorts of markets, including military and aviation use. Ian Williamson, who works in sales at Holmwood Highgate, says,

Our steadfast dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has resulted in a fleet of Holmwood tankers still in operation across the globe, a testament to their durability and longevity”

Ian Williamson, Holmwood Highgate

You can see Holmwood Highgate’s drive to keep things fresh in how they’ve expanded into other kinds of tankers, like for dry goods and LPG. Plus, they’ve got this huge laser cutter that makes production faster and more precise—proof they’re all about being the best.

Alcoa Wheels began its journey in 1948 by revolutionizing the industry with aluminium wheels. But their innovation didn’t stop there. Today, they continue to advance, crafting lightweight wheels for trucks, trailers, and buses that enhance fuel efficiency and overall performance. Their commitment to improvement has resulted in numerous breakthroughs, including the development of the Dura-Bright® Surface Treatment.

Partnering with Excellence: Building Strong Collaborations

A big part of what’s kept both Alcoa Wheels and Holmwood Highgate going strong is their knack for making great partnerships. Teaming up with top brands like Alcoa has been key to their success. Ian Williamson says,

“I’ve always gone with Alcoa wheels because they’re top-notch, reliable, and leaders in the field.”

Ian Williamson, Holmwood Highgate

Looking back on more than seventy years of hard work, we can see the values that kept Alcoa Wheels and Holmwood Highgate going strong. In a business where things can change fast, they’re like anchors, always dependable and full of new ideas. Their story shows us the power of bouncing back, being flexible, and never settling for anything less than excellence.

In a changing world, Alcoa Wheels and Holmwood Highgate’s story inspires us: dream, invent, aim high amidst adversity. They push forward, break new ground, showing us how to strive for greatness despite any challenges that arise

bulk liquids
Two Alcoa Ultra ONE Wheels next to each other facing straight and side on

To spec your wheels, ring 

1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

April 22, 2024

Focus on quality has aligned Sloanebuilt and Alcoa Wheels for years

In the world of heavy vehicle manufacturing, where reliability, durability, and safety are non-negotiable, the importance of quality components cannot be overstated. Among these crucial components, wheels stand out as the foundation upon which the entire vehicle rests. Recognizing this, industry leaders like Sloanebuilt and Alcoa Wheels have forged a partnership rooted in a shared commitment to excellence.

Driving Excellence: The Enduring Partnership Between Sloanebuilt and Alcoa Wheels

At the heart of this partnership lies a dedication to quality that has endured for years. Sloanebuilt, a reputable name in heavy vehicle manufacturing, understands that every aspect of a vehicle must meet the highest standards to ensure performance, safety, and customer satisfaction. Alcoa Wheels, renowned for its superior wheel solutions, shares this ethos wholeheartedly. Together, they exemplify how a focus on quality can drive success and foster enduring relationships built on trust.

Sloanebuilt’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a powerhouse in the tipper market is a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.

Sloanebuilt, renowned for premium trailer bodies, blends community service, a top-notch facility, and longevity, ensuring superior performance. Hannah Elborough, Sloanebuilt’s executive marketing representative, said:

Our market differentiation results from our quality consciousness, passion to make a difference and responsiveness to the needs of our local market, customers, and suppliers. This adaptability and customer-centric approach have been instrumental in our growth and sustainability.”

Hannah Elborough, Sloanebuilt’s executive marketing representative

At its core success lies partnership with Alcoa® Wheels, a trusted ally for global heavy vehicle manufacturers.

Sloanebuilt’s Trailblazing Production and Enduring Partnership with Alcoa® Wheels

Sloanebuilt builds approximately 350 trailers per year. In 2023 specifically, they had a productive year, constructing a total of 392 trailers, including rigid bodies and trailers. They hold the majority of the market share in the tipper segment, showcasing their expertise in this area.

At the heart of Sloanebuilt’s success lies its dedication to excellence in its operations. From its robust manufacturing processes to its customer-centric approach, Sloanebuilt strives to exceed expectations. Central to this commitment is its longstanding partnership with Alcoa® Wheels.

The alignment of Sloanebuilt and Alcoa Wheels goes beyond mere business transactions; it is a testament to a shared vision for the future of heavy vehicle manufacturing. Alcoa Wheels prioritizes quality, ensuring Sloanebuilt and customers rely on durable, long-lasting wheels for peace of mind.

Alcoa® Wheels, a global leader renowned for its innovative products and exceptional customer support, perfectly complements Sloanebuilt’s ethos.

“The partnership between Sloanebuilt and Alcoa® Wheels is not just about products; it’s about shared values and a mutual commitment to excellence”,

Remarked Hannah Elborough.

Sloanebuilt and Alcoa Wheels embody integrity and excellence in a fast-paced world where individuals cut corners for short-term gains. It reminds us that quality cannot be compromised when ensuring safety and performance on the road.

As we envision heavy vehicle manufacturing’s future, let’s recall Sloanebuilt and Alcoa Wheels’ guiding lessons. Prioritize quality above all; it’s not just our responsibility to customers but a commitment to road safety.

Read More about how your choice of wheels has an important impact on your business

April 16, 2024

Ausway Transport’s light, bright wheel of choice

Family owned and operated, Ausway Transport was started in 2003 by the Sooch family. Based in Melbourne, it operates a fleet of over 50 trucks and more than 100 trailers, which run predominantly as B-doubles; though plans are currently in motion to extend into triple and quad road trains too. 

Operations manager Bobby Sooch says the business transports general and refrigerated freight across the eastern seaboard, into Adelaide, as well as occasional runs into WA. 

His family has a long history in transport, beginning with his grandfather who started up a transport business in northern India in 1962. 

ausway-1

When the family migrated to Australia in the early 1970s, they continued in the transport game. Though Ausway Transport was officially started in 2003, its origins extend much earlier.

Sooch says the company likes to stay loyal to its suppliers. Trucks have been Kenworth and Volvo since day one, with Scania added into the mix more recently due to supply. Refrigerated trailers come from FTE and tautliners are manufactured by Vawdrey. And when it comes to wheels, Alcoa Wheels is the number one choice.

“We like to stick to the same suppliers where we can and stay loyal. We’ve used Alcoa wheels on all our trucks from day one, so it’s a 19-year partnership. Our trucks are 100 per cent on Alcoa wheels, and the trailers are now above 50 per cent on Alcoa – but it’s now being rolled out as standard on all our trailers coming out of FTE and Vawdrey too,” Sooch explained.

“The other big advantage with sticking to one brand is that you can keep a few wheels handy as spare parts. We keep polished and unpolished truck rims handy in the workshop so we can do a quick changeover whenever we need to, which is really time saving. That’s only possible when you’re using the same rims on all the trucks and trailers.”

Sooch explained that he prefers to have his trailers built as strong as possible. “We always build heavier trailers because when you build them too light, there can be ongoing concerns with cracks in the chassis and gooseneck. The only way to prevent that is through extra bracing, which we always request.”

ausway-2
Refrigerated B-double from Fibreglass Transport Equipment

“When you push to build a trailer too much lighter, you have to cut corners to take the weight from somewhere. As we tell our trailer builders to build heavier and more solid, by using Alcoa, it means the extra weight they’re putting on is balanced out by the lighter wheels.”

“Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels are lighter and more solid when compared to many other brands. If a driver does hit a kerb or something, they have that impact resistance.”

“The other main concern we’ve found with some other brands is cracking. You just don’t get the cracks with Alcoa that you can get with some of the other brands. Yes, there are some brands that are cheaper at the start, but they cost you more in the long term.”

And when it comes to cleaning, Sooch says Dura Bright is immaculate. “All they need is some water to make them shiny again. We take pride in our fleet and like to keep it looking flashy. Dura-Bright® rims are a big part of that.”

Over the past 19 years, the business has grown significantly, with Sooch revealing plans to add 14 triple road trains into the fleet. “We are waiting on the permits, as they’d need to run on PBS and IAP. There are only a couple of companies running triples here. There’s no current PBS triple network in Victoria but one is due to be released this year I’ve been told. We’re hoping to get triples running Melbourne to Brisbane.”

This article has been published elsewhere. Read it over at bigrigs.com.au.

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
ult39-two-wheels-straight-right

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

October 31, 2022

Robuk and Alcoa Turning the Wheels to Increase Payloads

When higher payloads equate to higher returns on each trip, it pays to choose weight saving options that don’t compromise on quality, wherever possible, right down to the wheels.

In order to help customers increase payload capacity, Brisbane based trailer manufacturer, Robuk Engineering’s custom built, low tare weight aluminium trailers cater to the bulk haulage market, while specialising in lightweighting. “Tare weight is critical for us, hence the reason we use Alcoa,” said Robuk managing director James Yerbury, adding that the Alcoa Dura-Bright is the wheel of choice.

As Yerbury explained, the payload gains achieved are impressive. “Dura-Bright wheels are 5kg lighter per rim. On a PBS A-double you can save almost 200kg on the combination’s tare weight just by using these Alcoa rims. On an AB-triple, you’re looking at 240kg in weight savings, which is incredible.”

Based in the suburb of Hemmant, Robuk was started by Yerbury in June 2020. Working for a fellow trailer builder, he began his career in the trailer industry on the production side, before progressing into drafting and engineering roles, and then finally taking on the position of managing director at a well-known Queensland trailer builder. Eventually the time felt right to go out on his own, and with that, Robuk was born.

Starting out with just three staff living in a tiny shed in rural Queensland, in a very short period of time, Robuk has experienced solid growth and now employs 46 people. “We’ve just had our best month ever and are continuously hitting our production targets,” said Yerbury.

“An aluminium tipper can be anywhere from a tonne lighter compared to a steel bodied tipper. Our customers enjoy looking after their gear, and invest in spectacular prime movers, and it’s an absolute treat to manufacture premium quality trailers to make the entire combinations amazing. Along with using Alcoa rims, to keep our tare weights to a minimum we use high-end materials including 700 grade steel chassis and then it’s down to the design and engineering that keeps the weight down,” Yerbury added.

“All of our trailers are fully custom built – every single one. So, we’re not going through a production line and putting together pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. We invest in using the best products, taking the time to build our trailers correctly, and ensuring everything is complete with absolute precision. That goes right down to our choice of suppliers.”

robuk-trailer-backend

Robuk has been specifying Alcoa wheels since the beginning, though management have developed lasting relationships with Alcoa through previous roles, which extend over a decade.

“It’s great working with suppliers like Alcoa who invest in new materials and being at the forefront of new technologies,” says Yerbury.

According to Yerbury, Alcoa’s product quality is equally matched by the experience and aftersales service it provides. “Alcoa is great at always thinking ahead and always looking at ways to deliver better and lighter wheels. The useability, sustainability and visibility of Alcoa rims set them apart,” he said.

“Our trailers are predominantly servicing the grain industry, which is having another great season. Payloads are the money maker, so tare weight is critical – and up to 240kg in tare weight savings, just from the rims, goes a really long way.”

Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels are an innovation that no competing wheel has been able to provide a competitive answer to because it is a surface treatment and not a coating.

The patented surface treatment penetrates the surface of the aluminium to form one composite that becomes an integral part of the wheel so cracking, corrosion and filiform can’t get underneath as is seen with acrylic and other coatings.

maintenance-db

“Dura-Bright® EVO wheels are Alcoa’s easiest-to-maintain wheels,” says Michael Nichols | National Sales Manager for Howmet Wheel Systems, Distributor of Alcoa Wheels in Australia. “They can stand up against the harshest weather, road grime and cleaning agents that are known to corrode and dull standard commercial truck, trailer and bus wheels.”

It also offers up to 3 times more resistance to chemicals, including hydrofluoric acid found in the toughest truck wash cleaning agents, and with the ability to be cleaned in a Ph environment 2-12, they stay shiny with regular truck cleaning products and even just soap and water – even after hundreds of washes and thousands of kilometres.

This, and Dura-Bright® wheels’ consistent shine without the need to polish are just two of their very attractive prospects for large fleets where well-presented equipment mean maintenance labour and time costs can be considerable.

Alcoa Dura-Bright® is available across most of the Alcoa wheel range, which means the premium benefits they are known for are not compromised:

  • their light weight (to increase payload and for better fuel efficiency),
  • their unmatched strength (proprietary MagnaForce® alloy is exclusive to Alcoa wheels and is 17% stronger than other standard alloys in the industry),
  • their improved heat dissipation results in extended tyre and brake life.

This article has been published elsewhere. Read it over at bigrigs.com.au.

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
ult39-two-wheels-straight-right

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

October 1, 2022

Over 10,000 Wheels On the Ground at MGM Bulk

When you’re running some of the biggest quad road trains in the country, with a whopping 110 wheels under each set-up, you’d want to be sure that those wheels can go the distance.

From its depots at Bunbury, Perth and Port Hedland, MGM Bulk provides bulk haulage and material handling services to a wide range of mining clients across WA. It manages the logistics of mineral sands, iron ore, lithium, salt, gravel, limestone, sand and more.

The roots of the business date back 60 years, when Mario Giacci and his family started a small business specialising in transport and logistics in the 1950s. From these humble beginnings, the family business grew into a national business called Giacci Bros. Then in 2004, Mario Giacci also founded MGM Group, together with his daughter Giuditta and son Michael. Initially established as a supplier of reconstituted blocks, concrete and premium quarry materials, the ensuing decade saw MGM Group expand its operations, equipment and resources.

mgm-bulk-road-train

After the sale of Giacci Bros in 2014, MGM added a bulk division to the group, known as MGM Bulk.

Today, MGM Bulk’s impressive fleet is made up of 130 prime movers and over 400 trailers, which include a mixture of side and end tippers, tautliners, flat decks and tankers.

But the biggest combinations of all are its 60-metre ultra-quad side tipper combinations, which can achieve a whopping Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 210 tonne. There are 66 of these impressive set-ups in the fleet, all based at the Port Hedland operation, and used to transport various products from the mines to the port.

In addition, MGM Bulk also runs 17 additional 60-metre super quads, with a GVM of 195 tonne.

mgm-bulk-loading

MGM Bulk fleet manager Allan Thomas explains, “Our ultra quads feature a tri drive single steer prime mover, then the first trailer is a tri axle trailer, and then you have three trailers behind that with tri axle dollies with four axles.”

Thomas has been with the company for close to a decade, working across various roles before taking on his current position two years ago. “As fleet manager, I order all the gear and also oversee maintenance too. At MGM Bulk, we buy the best components we can when we set up our new equipment, and we believe Alcoa is the best wheel on the market – they are better than anything else out there,” he said.

“We’re very specific in what we purchase. We buy Kenworth trucks, Bruce Rock trailers, BPW axles, Jost turntables – and Alcoa wheels. Since 2014, all the new equipment we purchase is on Alcoa wheels,” says Thomas.

Before chatting with Big Rigs, where this article was initially published, Thomas did some homework. “I’ve gone through my lists and I reckon we’ve now got over 10,000 Alcoa wheels on the ground,” he said.

Given the number of wheels sitting under many combinations in the MGM fleet, going for a lighter weight wheel can quickly add to the bottom line.

As Thomas explained, Alcoa’s Ultra ONE® wheel (ULT39x) is the wheel of choice:

“We prefer to go for the Ultra ONE®s wherever we can. When you have 110 wheels under a super quad, the weight saving quickly adds up. By using the Ultra ONE®, it’s nearly a one tonne weight saving across each ultra quad, which means more payload.”

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
ult39-two-wheels-straight-right

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

August 30, 2022

Partnering for Lightweighting Win

It’s a partnership that spans 40 years or more, and that partnership is built on the shared values of quality, durability and reliability.

For over four decades, J&F have been commissioning trailer builds from Muscat Trailers, with Alcoa® as the wheel of choice.

This was the case with their latest slider and chassis tip wedge trailer they commissioned.

Designed and built out of the lightest componentry, the key objective of this combination was to ensure complete utilisation of the equipment and versatility in such a very unpredictable market.

muscat-J-F-logo
IMAGE CREDIT: Inlights Photography

Previously, the market would be such where a driver/company would deliver specific commodities, whether it be grain, rock or even steel. Over time, things have changed and the structure of businesses who have lasted the mile have had to become versatile to survive and thrive, thus altering the requirements of their trailers to accommodate the competitive and changing industry.

J&F Transport has done exactly that.

While lightweighting is not new, with many transport companies recognising the payload gains and fuel efficiency benefits, it has become a hot topic in the transport industry in recent years as things turn to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

More and more lightweighting components are becoming available for trucks and trailing equipment in areas such as the powertrain, axles and suspensions, wheel ends, drive shaft, chassis, 5th wheel, right down to the wheels.

muscat-ult397
IMAGE CREDIT: Inlights Photography

“We went with the Ultra ONE® wheel on this combination because we wanted the most lightweight wheel option available, along with the strength and durability Alcoa guarantees,” says Troy Azzopardi, CEO of Muscat Trailers.

The Alcoa Ultra ONE® wheel is the lightest in the range of 22.5” x 8.25” Alcoa wheels. Weighing in at just 18kg, a 22-wheeler combination gains an extra 110kg when compared to specifying a standard aluminium 23kg wheel.

Over the lifetime of the equipment, this can add tens of thousands in payload dollars and save thousands on fuel costs.

Switching from steel wheels to Alcoa Ultra ONE® wheels saves upwards of 330kg in weight on a 22-wheeler combination.

Muscat Trailers has built a solid reputation in the trailer manufacturing industry. Their equipment is built to last the test of time and an extensive repeat customer portfolio is a testament to this.

Muscat Trailers dates back to the 1960’s with the company improving its designs and manufacturing techniques year by year, and in the process becoming well known for producing some of the most durable and innovative trailers available in Australia.

Today, run by Troy Azzopardi and his team, Muscat Trailers has kept its reputation for being unpretentious and modest, keeping costs down and making the trailers strong and reliable to meet customer needs whilst continually seeking the opportunity for innovation and exciting new developments.

“Every trailer we build has its own story and no two trailers are the same,” says Troy. “Each trailer is designed to do its job properly, so if it means coming up with a completely new design, then that’s what we provide.”

Take a listen to the Behind the Wheels Podcast where the Alcoa wheels experts talk about lightweighting with Mike Roeth of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE):

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Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
ult39-two-wheels-straight-right

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

July 1, 2022

JJ’s Waste Lead with Lowered Tare Mass for their Innovative Waste Management Technology Vehicles

No strangers to innovation, JJ’s Waste & Recycling are known for leading the way when it comes to providing Total Waste Management Solutions across their extensive range of commercial and domestic services – with operations throughout every state and territory in Australia, as well as in New Zealand and USA.

The company, then known as J.J. Richards and Sons Pty Ltd, had humble beginnings in 1932, when Joseph John Richards won his first refuse and sanitary kerbside collection contract in Murwillumbah Shire.

Many innovations have been introduced by the Company in their 90-year history including the very first side loading waste collection vehicle which would lead to the automated SOLO truck, designed to collect standard 240L bins while the driver remained in the vehicle, revolutionising domestic collections in Australia.

The innovations continued when they introduced the first split recycling vehicle in the 1990s, and then in 2003 commenced a joint venture with Veolia for the development of the Ti-Tree Bio-Reactor Landfill. This was the first of its kind in Australia.

jj-waste-management-truck-side
IMAGE CREDIT: @K.Shepherd_Photography

Their commitment to providing the latest in waste management technology with reliability, safety and environmental benefits at the forefront, JJ’s Waste partnered in 2016 with Volvo to develop the first dual-control Euro VI side load waste collection vehicle in Australasia.

There are over 200 Euro VI Volvos operating in their fleet today.

The JJ’s Waste fleet of 1,800 vehicles work hard to perform a variety of solid, hazardous and liquid waste collection services for over 110,000 commercial customers and performs 2.5 million domestic garbage, recycling and organics collections services per week under contract for 56 local authorities.

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IMAGE CREDIT: @K.Shepherd_Photography

With hard working equipment comes a need for durable and reliable vehicle components.

JJ’s Waste took another giant leap for the waste removal industry when they decided to switch their entire fleet over from steel wheels to aluminium. The Company’s Fleet Team are dedicated to sourcing the best in vehicles and components, which is why they made the decision to specify Alcoa® wheels.

“We wanted a wheel that was a reputable brand with proven quality as wheels are such a critical item, you cannot chance unknown brands or cheap quality,” says Owen Burton | National Fleet Manager for JJ’s Waste and Recycling.

The rewards have been worthwhile, too, according to Owen:

“We found a reduction in vehicle tare mass, as well as better presentation for the vehicles. Most importantly, we found we could rely on Alcoa wheels to do what they were designed to do.”

Aluminium wheels have long been known to have a number of benefits over steel, such as:

Aluminium is much lighter than steel, so it can help reduce fuel costs and increase payload gains by reducing the weight of the truck.

The lighter the truck, the more cargo it can legally carry. The weight of an Alcoa forged aluminium 22.5” x 8.25” hub piloted wheel is 18kg vs an equivalent steel wheel at 40kg. With larger payloads due to the weight savings, trips – and therefore fuel emissions – are reduced.

Aluminium does not rust like steel does so costs less to maintain. Alcoa wheels are more resistant to corrosion that can build up on wheels, and there is no need to spend money refurbishing or repainting tired looking wheels.

Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels don’t even need to be polished – the proprietary surface treatment allows them to be cleaned with just soap and water, reducing lifetime maintenance costs significantly without losing the Alcoa wheel well-known durability and strength. Other companies who specify Dura-Bright wheels for their fleets are Corbet’s Group and KS Easter, both for different reasons.

Aluminium conducts heat better than steel, so it helps keep brakes cooler and can extend their life.

When a refuse truck stops-and-goes 600 to 800 times a day, often in already high Australian temperatures, the benefit of aluminium giving up heat faster means heat is dissipated away from the brakes – thus keeping them from wearing out.

Heading toward the future with still more innovations, JJ’s Waste & Recycling are continually looking at ways to provide our customers with the latest in waste management technology, with reliability, safety and environmental benefits at the forefront.

Trials are currently underway of their first electric vehicle and later this year they will commence trials of Australia’s first-ever hydrogen fuelled garbage truck.

MORE ON STEEL vs ALUMINIUM WHEELS:
LISTEN TO THE ALCOA WHEELS EXPERTS SHARE THEIR ALMOST 100 YEARS OF WHEEL EXPERIENCE ON ALL THINGS AXLE-ENDS

To hear more from Alcoa Wheels experts on aluminium vs. steel wheels, check out this Behind the Wheels Podcast episode Aluminium Wheels vs. Steel Wheels: An Age-Old Debate.

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To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

June 1, 2022