How KS Easter’s Maintain Their Shine to Stay Ahead of The Rest

KS Easter is one of Australia’s most well-respected road transport businesses, providing time sensitive road transporting solutions.

It was started back in 1976 in Newcastle by Ken Easter Jnr, as an owner-driver.

The very first truck Ken bought belonged to a friend of his father’s. It was a G88 Volvo with a tri-axle tipper on it and with a single axle pusher.

An International 4200 Transtar was the next truck Ken invested in, and then an ’81 Kenworth.

All three prime movers were pulling tippers around Newcastle, and when the Kenworth truck started to add some versatility to his small business, Ken opened his route up to running Sydney-Brisbane with time sensitive and refrigerated freight.

1988, when his base in Newcastle had became unsuitable for future growth, and Ken was faced with making the choice between moving operations south to Sydney, or north to Brisbane because it made sense to be at either end of the haulage route, he chose Brisbane.

Backend of a white 26 pallet FTE trailer on Alcoa wheels with red signage saying Ron Finemore Transport — KS Easter’s well known Pegasus logo originated back in 1981 when Ken took his brand new Kenworth to the sign writer, where he happened to spot the Steve Miller Band album cover ‘Book of Dreams’ that depicted a Pegasus. Since then, it’s become an iconic logo around Brisbane and along the haulage route to Sydney.

Ken recalls his father, an owner-operator himself, coming home in the afternoons and 5-year-old Ken hopping up onto the running board of the truck and riding up the driveway.

That’s where it all started, he says, and he has passed this tradition of growing up around trucks to his two sons to create a true family owned and operated business, with Ken’s oldest son, Kenny, as General Manager, and Ken’s wife, Karlie, as Compliance Manager, while younger son, Matthew, is Paymaster.

Today, the KS Easter fleet runs across most of the Australian east coast, South Australia and Melbourne, and comprises about 120 prime movers and roughly 260 trailers consisting of curtainsided drop decks, refrigerated units and B-Triples, with 12 B-Doubles sold to Easter’s by Trailer Sales being added to the fleet in 2021 alone.

MAINTAINING THE KS EASTER FLEET

With a fleet the size of Ken’s, it pays to have your own in-house repair, servicing and tyre fitting setup, which they do.

KS Easter is self-regulated, so they don’t have to present their trucks for inspection.

They have on site the same brake roller testing and shaker machine as the authorities have, as well as their own hoists. It may come as no surprise that they have a proven record in that particular area of maintenance and servicing.

Easter’s have a strict maintenance programme that sees the trucks over the shaker and brake testing machine at every service to test brake performance and efficiency, and to diagnose steering and suspension components of the trucks.

In addition, computer downloads and other compliance related measures ensures their commitment to road safety.

When it comes to cleaning their trucks and trailers, Easter’s have a wash bay at their Brisbane depot where a team of in-house detailers take care of the washing of the trucks inside and out – down to the wheels.

When asked how they keep their combinations so polished by a follower on their Facebook page, the reply was:

“There’s not much to polish when you have Dura-Bright rims and protective coating on the tanks and bumpers. Not that hard if you keep on top of it. And a team of detailers to help.”

Some of the drivers take pride in keeping their trucks clean themselves, while having the choice to have the detailer crews take care of it if they wish.

Backend of a white KS Easter B-Double trailer on Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels — *One of KS Easter’s newest B-Doubles supplied by Trailer Sales and on Alcoa^® Dura-Bright^® wheels.*

“To be honest, Dura-Bright was a life saver when they came on the market,” says Matthew Easter. “Polishing means down time. Saving on that down time means we can get our trucks back on the road sooner and making sure our customers are given the standard of service we promise.”

When Ken bought his first Kenworth back in 1981, Alcoa Wheels were not a common commodity in a world where steel wheels were the go-to. The new aluminium wheels stood out to Ken as something special, and he put Alcoas on his tipper trailer too, which was an even more rare practice in the early 80’s Australian trucking world!

Since the early 1990’s K S Easter has 100% spec’d Alcoa wheels on their trucks and trailers and switched to 100% standard spec of Dura-Bright® wheels when they arrived on the market.

“Every single piece of equipment we purchase is on Alcoa Dura-Bright^® wheels,” says Matthew.

“The patented technology offered by the Alcoa Dura-Bright^® surface treatment allows the wheels to stand strong against dirt and road grime, while keeping their shine,” adds Shannon Girard, Marketing Manager for Howmet Wheel Systems, distributor of Alcoa Wheels products in Australia.

“While K S Easters are living out the Dura-Bright^® wheels slogan, ‘No More Polishing’, they are also reaping all of the premium benefits offered by Alcoa Wheels, such as their light weight for improved fuel efficiency, their unmatched strength from our proprietary MagnaForce^® alloy, which is 17% stronger than any other alloy in the industry, and of course their excellent heat dissipation resulting in extended tyre and brake life.”

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa^® Wheel

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.

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November 15, 2021

FTE is Paying Forward Durability, Reliability and Fuel Efficiency to Customers

In 1976, Grant Smyth and Gunte Janke’s one year old business, Fiberglass Transport Equipment (FTE), built their first temperature-controlled unit for Castlemaine Bacon who wanted a cash sales van to sell bacon and smallgoods direct to public.

Over 40 years later, and building close to 300 units per year, Victoria-based FTE has become known as the market leader in the Australian temperature-controlled road transport equipment environment, manufacturing and supplying lead trailers, semi-trailers and rigid vans for the food industry, mainly.

Carting fresh produce, groceries and meat products, as well as pharmaceuticals and other temperature sensitive products, FTE’s customers from all over Australia rely on what makes the company the most sought after in the industry: superior thermal efficiency with their unique bonded construction of bodies that provides fewer thermal bridges.

Fully bonded or moulded, the bodies of FTE’s temperature-controlled units are free of any mechanical type fasteners, which means no thermal ‘leakage’ from drilling of holes to hold panels together.

For food product companies who need to travel in temperatures in the high 30s and often 40s, it is imperative that the produce is kept at a steady temperature without risk of this thermal leakage compromising the refrigeration.

The unique bonded construction of all FTE equipment also results in outstanding fuel efficiency and a K value that surpasses the Australian Standard.

What makes a company like FTE retain their market leader status is their commitment to the highest quality, which means continuously assessing the body strength, durability and design of equipment across all parts of production, including the wheels.

One thing that hasn’t changed for a couple of decades, is FTE’s preferred wheel of choice: The Alcoa^® Wheel.

A match to their exceptional equipment standards with not only its strength, durability, and fuel efficiency, Alcoa wheels are but backed by over 75 years of innovation and commitment to equally high standards.

This pride in their customer service and in the upkeep of their modern fleet of over 120 prime movers and wide range of trailing equipment is evident in their choice to rely on Alcoa wheels for 15+ years, and to now standard spec Alcoa Dura-Bright^® wheels.

According to Andrew, they present well, they suit the tough, remote environments Corbet’s equipment work in and they add value to their fleet.

Martin Brower commissions temperature-controlled equipment on Alcoa wheels from FTE for their deliveries into McDonalds stores.

“Alcoa have been a staple to the transport industry and our business,” says Jason Cunningham, National Sales Manager for FTE. “The reliability and consistency we get from their product range helps provide the best possible equipment for our customers.”

With fuel efficiency being one of the hottest topics right now, and FTE’s equipment built to run efficiently, Alcoa wheels are an integral addition to the mix as they are relied on by companies like FTE to help their customers save more fuel, improve tyre performance, carry more load, and reduce maintenance costs.

The Alcoa wheels and FTE partnership goes back well over 25 years, with FTE becoming one of Alcoa’s earliest customers when aluminium wheels were first introduced to Australia.

Customers of FTE today specify a combination of polished Alcoa wheels and Dura-Bright^® wheels, according to their preference:

The Alcoa Ultra ONE^® 22.5” x 8.25” wheel is the lightest and strongest in the market, weighing in at just 18kg, compared with an average 23kg of other standard aluminium wheels, while being able to carry the same load, which means the equipment produces better fuel efficiency and more payload.
Alcoa Dura-Bright^® wheels wheels take lowering maintenance to another level with their patented surface treatment that actually penetrates the surface of the aluminium and forms one composite to prevent filiform corrosion and ultimately, won’t peel or crack, which is often seen in coated wheels.

Close up of an Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheel label on an aluminium alloy rim inside a tyre

For fleets that uphold an impeccable image, like many who commission FTE to build their temperature-controlled equipment, Dura-Bright^® wheels make it easier by saving labour and time with their consistent shine without the need to polish.

Available across the Alcoa Wheel range, including the 18kg Ultra ONE^® wheel, Dura-Bright^® wheels combine strength, light weight and low maintenance for an all-round solution to support the bottom line.

“FTE and Alcoa Wheels have been a good match for decades, and our commitment to innovating to give our customers the best products in the market continue to align,” says Ross Simmons, Managing Director of Howmet Wheel Systems, distributor of Alcoa Wheels in Australia.

Backend of a white PBS 26 pallet FTE trailer on Alcoa wheels — *26 Pallet PBS unit custom-built for Jim Pearson Transport by FTE for their line-haul of large freight volumes of refrigerated goods between Sydney and Brisbane.*

What’s FTE bringing into the market right now? As PBS vehicles are the hot topic, FTE is using its expertise in the temperature-controlled equipment space to trial different combinations and axle configurations to further meet their customers’ requirements.

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa^® Wheel

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.

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October 1, 2021

Custom Denning Electric Bus on Alcoa® Wheels Approved by TfNSW Procurement Panel

Custom Denning (whom many know by their previous name, Custom Bus) are driving public transport with their Element electric buses with a mission to build innovative high-quality buses made by Australians and using advanced manufacturing techniques to continually improve their processes.

The Custom Denning Element Battery Electric Bus (BEB) has been recently fully approved on the Transport for (TfNSW) procurement panel in the Zero Emission Bus category, as the NSW Government executes plans to transition the state’s fleet of 8,000 buses to zero emission technology.

Four prototypes of the Element BEB have been in service since November 2020, and initial orders have been placed with operators to enter service in the coming months.

“The Element BEB has been designed to replace standard diesel buses across Australia with as little as possible need for change to their operations,” says Grant Mascord, National Contracts Manager for Custom Denning.

“Electrical infrastructure may be required to be upgraded at the depots to enable the chargers to be installed.”

There are a number of features that make the Element BEB stand out from the rest:

BATTERIES BUILT TO SAVE ENERGY IN HARSH CONDITIONS

Solid-State Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP) batteries were fitted on the Element buses. This was done after extensive overseas trials were conducted on this type of battery.

The batteries feature a higher energy density per kilogram compared with standard lithium Ion batteries in use on other BEB’s. This allows for reduced weight of the overall bus.

This weight saving is transferred into better efficiency in operation of the bus and also allows for a potential higher load of passengers due to the overall weight of the bus being lighter.

The LMP batteries operate without the need for cooling systems, saving more weight. They also operate in a higher temperature window and this allows them to perform well in the harsher climates that are evident in Australia. This equates to a range on average in excess of 400km (~20 hours) on a full charge dependent on operation / application.

AUSTRALIAN MADE FROM START TO END

With Custom Denning building the bus from start to end, they were able to integrate the chassis and body into one complete structure and combine it with a stainless-steel frame to retain the strength required to accommodate the added weight of the roof mounted batteries.

The complete bus is built at the St Marys plant in NSW, creating local jobs.

White Custom Denning Element Electric Bus with australia

“Because we build the complete bus in NSW whilst complying with Australian made accreditation, Custom Denning may have the highest Australian content of any Electric bus currently in the country, making this truly Australia’s Electric Bus,” acknowledges Grant.

LIGHTWEIGHT

“What we have is a bus that gives the lowest weight while maintaining the capability of enduring a 25-year life that is expected of a city bus, and meeting all ADR requirements,” says Grant.

By specifying Alcoa forged aluminium wheels instead of steel wheels, the weight of the batteries is further offset to enable the Element BEB to have a ~70 passenger capacity in addition to its lightweight integral design.

Calculations show up to 79kg weight saving with Alcoa Wheels compared to heavier steel wheel weights with the same dimensions and load rates.

The lighter Alcoa wheels not only offset the added weight of the battery, but they help extend battery life and improve range. According to US bus manufacturer, Proterra, it has been shown that for every ~150lbs (68kg) reduced, one extra passenger can be added, for example.

Alternatively, with battery energy density of 160 kwh, ~3 miles (4.8km) of range could be added.

SUSTAINABLE

1. Cleaner Air

With the Custom Denning Element battery electric buses being zero emissions vehicles, they will be helping NSW transport sector by reducing harmful air pollution that diesel exhaust emissions are known for.

Because zero emission vehicles don’t produce any tailpipe exhaust, smog and acid rain caused by the toxins in gasoline and diesel-fuelled ones is significantly reduced.

Cleaner air means better health for the community as a whole, as asthma and other health issues aggravated by poor quality air can be reduced, which in turn lowers the demand on government health resources.

It’s not only air pollution that’s considered in sustainable practice and important to community health; noise is a serious factor, too.

2. Less Noise

According to the World Health Organization, sound levels less than 70 dB are not damaging to people, regardless of how long or consistent the exposure is, however if we are exposed for more than 8 hours to constant noise beyond 85 dB we could be putting our health at risk.

Zero emissions vehicles like the Custom Dunning Element play an important role in reducing environmental noise in inner cities, where there can be a cacophony of sounds at any given time – from building works, traffic, emergency response vehicles, for example.

3. Recyclability

The environmentally friendly solid-state batteries on the Elemental contain no solvents, cobalt or rare minerals and capable of being recycled.

Alcoa Wheels are 100% recyclable. Recycling an Alcoa^® Wheel at the end of its useful life will generate a piece of metal with exactly the same properties as the metal used to manufacture the recycled wheel. In the recycling process, almost all of the quantity of the material is preserved – and this process can be repeated almost infinitely.

4. Water Saving and Less Harsh Chemicals Put into The Environment

“What ties in really well with the sustainability of Custom Denning’s zero-emissions buses is not only the recyclability of Alcoa Wheels, but the choice to specify Alcoa Dura-Bright^® wheels,” says Michael Nichols, National Sales Manager for Howmet Wheel Systems, distributor of Alcoa Wheels in Australia.

“Dura-Bright^® wheels clean with a simple soap and water wash, and not only do they take less time to clean than standard brushed aluminium wheels, they don’t need to be polished, so there are less chemicals going into the environment and less water used.”

The patented technology offered by the Dura-Bright^® surface treatment allows the wheels to stand strong against dirt and road grime, while keeping their shine.

Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheel in a tyre with label facing outward

Alcoa Dura-Bright^® is available across most of the Alcoa wheel range, the premium Alcoa wheel benefits stay the same:

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

“Through local testing via the four prototype buses on the road since November 2020, we have been able to design and build a bus that meets the specifications required for operations in Australia, that suits the Australian conditions and that will benefit the transport sector for many years to come,” says Grant.

Take 20 minutes to listen to the Alcoa Wheels experts talk about how they broke into the bus (transit) market when it was all steel wheels, and how through listening to what their customers’ concerns were they were able to come up with the best solutions on the Behind the Wheels Podcast below.

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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.

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September 16, 2021

Tipping in Favour of Bigger Payloads With Lighter Wheels

When the Fenix Newhaul JV (Fenix Resources and Newhaul) partnered up to move 1.3 million tonnes per annum of high-grade ore from their Iron Ridge project to the Geraldton port, they needed reliable and durable equipment for the project.

At some 490km, the haul distance is longer than other mines. And a longer haul distance means more maintenance and increased costs.

Elevated operating costs across the mining industry due to those long distances on tough roads and in harsh conditions makes optimising payload capacity an important decision.

Bruce Rock Engineering are no stranger to servicing this industry and were contracted by the Fenix Newhaul JV to build for them a fleet of PBS approved side tipping quad axle triple road trains.

With a payload up to 120t carried on 3 trailers per truck, these road trains haul iron ore from their Iron Ridge Mine, 67 kilometres north of Cue (in the Merchison), to the port of Geraldton.

Road train of side tipping trailers with Alcoa Ultra ONE wheels

Designed and tested in the tough conditions of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Bruce Rock’s side tippers are fitted with Alcoa Ultra ONE wheels for their durability.

The trailers are engineered to keep payloads up and maintenance down, and boast quick and easy operation with simple, accessible hydraulic systems that help keep trailers on the road and down time to a minimum. With tare weights ranging from 6.5-8.5 tonnes, the tippers have been customised to suit what Fenix Newhaul JV were looking for.

Bruce Rock’s road train trailers are built and rigorously tested to weather some of the harshest environments encountered by the heavy hauling industry, especially the mining sector, and this is factored into every aspect of their design and build – right down to the wheels.

Lightening the Wheel to Increase the Load

Howmet Wheel Systems, the Australian Distributor for Alcoa® Wheels, who have recently released their lightest wheel in the market, the Ultra ONE^® wheel, were approached to supply the 18kg wheels for the trailer build.

This is a great fit with Bruce Rock Engineering’s dedication to manufacturing trailers and other custom transport equipment with some of the lowest tare weights in Australia.

The only way to boost payload capacity is to take weight off the trailer, and using lighter wheels that meet gross axle weight rating requirements can make a difference by a couple of hundred kilos, depending on the number of axles (and therefore, wheels) on the rig.

“Optimizing tare weight of our trailers is a cornerstone of what we do at BRE,” says Keenan Verhoogt, Bruce Rock Engineering’s Tyre & Mechanical Manager. “Using lighter, stronger materials like Alcoa’s Ultra series of wheels means significant productivity gains for our customers”.

Added Strength to Match Added Payload

Combining lightweight, strength and durability is behind Howmet’s commitment to helping fleet owners and OEMs optimise their bottom line. Alcoa Wheels are forged with MagnaForce^® alloy – the strongest alloy on the market yet – making them 17 percent stronger than the industry standard alloy, which allows for lighter wheels without compromising on their strength.

The wheels’ patent-pending ‘Hub Bore Technology’, which reduces the hub-to-wheel contact area by up to 64% versus other aluminium wheels on the market, means there is less surface area exposed for corrosion to form, therefore adding to the equipment’s reduced maintenance labour cost, with wheel removal becoming quicker and easier, too.

Teaming up with OEMs like Bruce Rock Engineering to bring reliable equipment to market supports Howmet Wheel Systems’ drive to help fleet owners and OEMs optimise their and their customers’ bottom line.

This article has also been published in Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper (Issue: 5 March 2021)

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa^® Wheel

Alcoa Ultra ONE Wheel with hub cover casting a shadow

Our customers range from large OEMs like Bruce Rock Engineering to small-medium fleet owners. When buying a new trailer for your operation, consider Alcoa Wheels as a long term option.

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.

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