Heavy Vehicle Study Guide Resource Material for Class 2 Heavy Rigid Vehicle Class 4 Heavy Rigid Vehicle Class 5 Heavy Combination Vehicle
REV:010110 WEIGHT DEFINITIONS Tare Weight The weight of the vehicle un-laden (without the driver) Gross Weight The weight of the truck and the load at the time. i.e. What it would weigh now if you put it on the weighbridge GVM or GLW GCM or GCW MTM Gross Vehicle Mass The maximum permitted mass of the truck and its load Gross Laden Weight The maximum permitted weight of the truck and its load Gross Combination Mass The maximum permitted mass of the truck, trailer and the loads Gross Combination Weight The maximum permitted weight of the truck, trailer and the loads Maximum Towed Mass The maximum permitted mass the truck can tow behind it What I can drive on my licence? Class 1 full a vehicle that has a GLW or GCW of no more than 6,000kg Class 2 full a ridged vehicle with a GLW of more than 6,000kg, but not more than 18,000kg; a combination vehicle with a GCW of not more than 12,000kg; a combination vehicle consisting of rigid vehicle not more than 18,000kg towing a light trailer (GLW of not more than 3500kg); a rigid vehicle with a GLW of more than 18,000kg but only two axles. Class 3 full - a combination vehicle with a GCW of more than 12,000kg but not more than 25,000kg Class 4 full a rigid vehicle with a GLW of more than 18,000kg: a combination vehicle consisting of a rigid vehicle with a GLW of more than 18,000kg towing a light trailer. Class 5 full - a combination vehicle with a GCW of more than 25,000kg Note: If you are being assessed for a Class 2 Licence, you need to learn ALL the information in the first part of this booklet, and there are self-test questions within this section with answers at the back of study guide. If you are being assessed for a Class 4 Licence, you need to learn ALL the information in the first and second parts of this booklet, and there are self-test questions within these sections with answers at the back of study guide. If you are being assessed for a Class 5 Licence, you need to learn ALL the information in this entire booklet, and there are self-test questions within these sections with answers at the back of study guide.
VEHICLE DYNAMICS Keeping a heavy motor vehicle on the road is dependent on the good observational skills of the driver and how the vehicle behaves when moving in a straight line and cornering. A moving vehicle is governed by a set of rules that will predict its behaviour. Rule 1: The vehicle will resist changes of speed and direction. Rule 2: How much resistance depends on mass (weight), the height of the centre of gravity and the speed. Rule 3: The more resistance there is to changes of speed and direction the greater the weight transfer which lessens traction on the wheels opposite to the weight transfer. Rule 4: To change the speed and direction a force must be applied to the vehicle that is greater than the vehicles resistance. Rule 5: To apply this force we need good traction. Good traction is when the tyres are able to grip the road and it is affected by speed, road condition and weight transfer. When your truck is moving along the road the tyres are doing work on the road, the faster you go the more work being done causing the tyres to lift. So the faster you go the less traction you have. Water between the road and the tyres loosens the tyres grip even more. Weight transfer is when the weight of a vehicle moves forward, sideways or backwards because the body of the vehicle is still trying to go in the original direction or move at the original speed. Even though being stationary isn t a speed the vehicle will still resist moving. Braking Accelerating weight Centre of mass or weight Centre of mass or If the centre of mass moves in the direction of the red arrow; mark on these trucks where the traction will be reduced. Turning
If we double our speed, our weight transfer and stopping distance is multiplied by four. This truck is moving at 30kph and the resistance to changing direction reflects its speed and mass. 30kph The same vehicle moving at double the speed now has 4 times the resistance to changing direction and therefore 4 times the weight transfer 60kph This time the truck is doing 3 times the original speed and now has 9 times the resistance to changing direction and 9 times the weight transfer. 90kph Y our driving is not the only influence on available traction; how you load your vehicle plays a large part. Is the load balanced across and along its length? Is it tied down correctly and have you made sure the weight limits are not exceeded.
CORRECT & INCORRECT LOAD DISTRIBUTION INCORRECT High centre of gravity Overloading on front axle CORRECT Lower centre of gravity Even load distribution Is your vehicle balanced EVENLY between left and right sides limits Is your vehicle balanced EVENLY between front and rear and within the axle weight If it is not loaded evenly the weight transfer will be even greater and the traction even less meaning you might not stop in time or turn the corner without rolling over. The higher the Centre of Gravity the more your truck doesn t want to go around the corner or stop Every loaded truck has a high Centre of Gravity so to keep your truck stable and on the road. Keep the speed down to reduce the weight transfer that is trying to tip the vehicle over Try to avoid turning across steep slopes Centre of Gravity Be alert to the camber of the road and the way it makes your vehicle lean over Avoid sudden swerves to the side (e.g. sharp lane changes) Draw the boxes below onto the tray of this truck to show you understand how to load a truck evenly in all directions
Draw the boxes below onto the tray of this truck to show you understand how to load a truck evenly in all directions Front axle rating- 6,300kg Rear set axle rating- 16,000kg 1,000kg 4,000kg 1,000kg 40L 40L 40L LOAD RESTRAINING FORCE REQUIREMENTS Direction load will travel if unrestrained Forward Value given to that direction 1 x load weight + Sideways ½ load weight + Backwards ½ load weight = 2 x load weight Add the values for all three directions if the load is unsupported. If the load will not move forward because it is supported, add only the values for sideways and backwards. = 1 x load weight NOTE: The up and down movement is calculated into the values for the other 3 directions. Alone its value is 1/5 the load weight. Anchor Points The strength of the anchor points must be at least equal to the rated strength of the load restraints attached to them. The strength of the anchor points will be specified on the Anchorage Certification Plate attached to the vehicle chassis. Restraints 6 Tonne Packet Load Anchorage Plate Anchor point
Anchorage Certification Plate NOTE: We recommend that you read the Truck Loading Code section of your road code. LOAD ANCHORAGE PLATE LOAD RESTRAINTS A load restraint is designed to stop the load from moving, they come in many forms. Chains and strops going over the load and secured to anchor points on the truck By securing the restraint to anchor points you make the anchor point part of the restraint system. Even the mechanisms that attach the chain or strop to the anchor points are included, such as twitches. The above are all rated, which means they have been tested to their breaking point and the safe rating is written or etched on the restraint, or in the case of the anchor point on the load anchorage plate. Some other restraints contain the load to stop it moving significantly such as the curtain of a curtain sider which is also rated with the anchor points for the curtain displayed on the load anchorage plate. Stanchion poles are designed along with chains to keep logs contained, these are also rated The body of the truck as either a box or tray while not rated separately is part of the design strength of the truck and if you exceed the GVM you exceed the ability of the body and tray to contain the load. The headboard is also included in the design strength of the truck. Using the load anchorage plate above, circle the set of chains you can use to restrain your load? 4,250 4,750 Combined Restraints Where more than one restraint is used, the combined rated strength of the lashings must meet the minimum restraint requirement. Example: a load requiring 10T worth of restraint could use 4 2.5T restraints or any combination that is not less than the requirement and does not exceed the anchor points.
Packets supported by the headboard What will the combined rated strength need to be to restrain this load? 6000Kg Upper packet not supported by the Headboard The combined strength of the restraints must be rated at 1½ the total weight of the packets. 2000 Kg Packet What will the combined rated strength need to be to restrain this load? 4000 Kg Packets not supported by the headboard The combined strength of restraints must be at least twice times the weight of both the packet. What will the combined rated strength need to be to restrain this load? 6000 Kg Loose packages Products which are not bound together in packets must be transported as if they were packaged, except that suitable centre or side posts and side gates must also be used. Loose bulk loads Loose bulk loads that are liable to fall from the vehicle must be no higher than 100 mm below the sides of the vehicle body
100 mm Question What is the combined rated strength of the lashings needed to restrain this load? 950kg 1,000kg 1,500kg 1,000kg REASONS WHY THE LOAD NEEDS TO BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED 1. Prevent the load being lost off the vehicle 2. Prevent the load moving 3. Prevent damage to the load 4. Prevent damage to the vehicle 5. Prevent vehicle instability TRUCK LOADING ERRORS THAT CAN RESULT IN A FINE 1. Load falls off truck 2. Over truck G.V.M 3. Not enough restraint 4. Over truck front or rear axle rating 5. Over dimensional loads without permits 6. Having an unrestrained load 7. Having an uncovered load which could fall
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PLACING LOADS 1. Stay within maximum legal axle weight limits 2. Place or spread the load so there is even weight distribution 3. Load heavier items at the bottom, lighter items on top, to create a lower centre of gravity 4. Load down the centre of truck 5. As a general guide the height of the load should not be more than the length of the load or twice the width of the load DRIVING TECHNIQUES TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF A HIGH CENTRE OF GRAVITY 1. Be aware of the road camber 2. Avoid sudden swerves to the side (e.g. sharp lane changes) 3. Try to avoid turning across steep slopes 4. Complete all gear changes and speed reductions before the turn 5. Keep speed constant, don t decelerate or brake in the turn Entry: This is where you begin to turn the steering wheel to enter the corner. You must have completed all deceleration, braking and downshifts by this point. Apex Exit Apex: This is the point where your vehicle is closest to the inside of the turn. Your speed should be constant. Steering into the corner should be complete. Begin accelerating at this point. Exit: Gently accelerate from the apex to the exit. Hold your steering line to prevent oversteer. The exit is the point where you complete the turn and the vehicle continues in a straight line at road speed. Entry Straightest line around a corner using the out-inout technique
Driving Hazards Listed below are 3 examples of each of the 5 common risk factors that cause driving hazards. 1 Other road users Animals Pedestrians Vehicles 2 Vehicle condition Brakes Tyres High centre of gravity 3 Environmental conditions Bends Wet road Intersections 4 Reduced visibility Dust Fog Rain 5 Driver performance limitations In-experienced Sick Tired NOTE: Preparation for your Assessment Think about each of the hazards listed here, and work out the following: 1. How will it effect your driving? 2. What can you do to reduce the risk? Don t look for complicated answers. In most cases the answer is simple and obvious. In the questions that are part of your assessment, you will be asked to name the three risk factors and give an example of each. You will also be asked to explain what you can do to reduce the risk: For example: Risk Factor Example of Hazard Actions Driving at night Reduced visibility Drive at a speed that allows you to stop in the distance you see. Use demister Self Test Choose a different risk factor and then an example of a hazard from that risk factor and describe your actions to reduce that risk. Risk Factor Example of Hazard Actions
Getting in and out of trucks Whenever you are getting into or out of a truck you must use all the steps and handholds provided by the manufacturer. THEY ARE THERE FOR YOUR SAFETY. When you are climbing out of a truck you must face inwards to the cab. DO NOT EVER JUMP OUT OF A TRUCK CAB WHILE FACING THE ROAD Labels Documentation Road User Licence Label. The important information that appears on this document is: Registration number of the vehicle Minimum Distance recorded Maximum Distance recorded Vehicle Type Maximum Gross weight permitted for the vehicle and its load that has been paid for which is calculated by the GVM Loading Certificate Page 1 The important information that appears on this document is: Registration Number Make and model of the vehicle Tare On this label 4,200 kg GVM On this label 9,250 kg GCM On this label 13,250 kg Other information that may be recorded on this document: Maximum trailer mass (braked) Maximum Trailer mass (un-braked) On this label 1,000 Kg Page 2 The important information that appears on this document is: Axle Ratings on this label Front 3,450 kg Rear 5,800 kg Wheelbase on this label 4,600 mm Occupants on this label 3 persons Registration Label The important information that appears on this document is: Date, Month and Year the registration is current to. Year, Make and Model of the vehicle
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspections Labels are up to date and belong to vehicle, COF, RUC, Rego, check windscreen for damage and cleanliness Windscreen wipers Start Mirrors, doors, tip cab Tyres, wheel nuts suspension, oil leaks, hoses Load plate, body, cargo doors, Engine oil, clutch fluid, water, power steering, wheel nuts, tyres, leaks, mirrors Cargo doors, brake fluid, Curtain buckles, fuel tank, Curtain buckles, batteries, air tanks Tyres, wheel nuts, spare Tyres, wheel nuts, spare, tool box Ring feeder, cargo doors, lights When the cab is re-positioned and secure, turn on ignition and check all warning lights, check headlights on all positions, indicators, hazards and brake lights. Check reverse light, horn and wipers and washers all stages.
Class 4: Using the gears on the Mitsubishi Shogun You must use each gear in sequence DO NOT JUMP UP THE STAIRCASE Normal stops in 3 L 2 L 3 L 4 L 4 H 5 L 3 H 90 O turns (e.g. left turn at intersections) 2 H Level take-off without the trailer 5 H Highway speeds only Level running at 50 KPH You can use whole gears in down shifts in the low range. If you are in a high range, down shift to the low range and then take whole gears down. Example: 5H-5L-4L-3L 1 Level H take-off with the trailer Uphill take-off at all times 1 L Gear Knob High Ratio Low Ratio Splitter Lever The green lines on the Rev Counter mark the Torque Range of the engine. That is its optimum operating range and the needle should not go above or below these lines. The truck engines Happy Place is in the middle of the torque range. It is your job to keep your truck in her Happy Place 10 15 20 25 5 The clutch only needs to be depressed once to change gear. The gearbox is a pre-select, meaning you select the high or low ratio before you push the clutch to engage the gear. This gives the truck time to know what it is doing which allows for a smooth change. Do not ride the clutch; only put your foot on the clutch when you need to disconnect the engine from the gearbox; such as changing gear and at the last metre when coming to a stop
Additional Resource Material for Class 5 Heavy Combination Vehicle (Unit Standard 17577) Night Driving Hazards Some examples of hazards that can be associated with night driving are: 1. Traffic Other vehicles headlights on Hi-beam Unlit vehicles 2. Vehicle Dirty windscreen Cracks or chips in the windscreen causing glare Faulty headlights 3. Road Narrow road Blind bends Blind brow of a hill Poor street lighting 4. Weather Heavy rain Fog Moonless night 5. You Fatigue Night vision problems Stress Assessment Procedures In the questions that are part of your driving assessment, you will be asked to select 1 example from each of the 5 risk factors. You will be asked to explain: For example: Factor Example Actions You Fatigue Have a good night s sleep before starting work Pull over and rest Choose a different risk factor and then an example of a hazard from that risk factor and describe your actions to reduce that risk. Risk Factor Example of Hazard Actions
STATIC ROLL THRESHOLD (SRT) SRT is the measure of the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over or the amount of sideways acceleration a heavy vehicle can handle without rolling over. The SRT is the lateral acceleration required to transfer all the weight to one side of the vehicle, and is a fraction of one g. (The weight of the vehicle) The minimum standard is 0.35g, which means a vehicle must be able to withstand 35% of its weight moving sideways and NOT roll over. The SRT of the most unstable unit in a heavy combination (the trailer) becomes the performance standard of the unit. SRT certification is required for any heavy trailer with a body or load height greater than 2.8 metres. A trailer s SRT certification is shown on its Certificate of Loading. This is the maximum weight to height ratio for this trailer Any other weight to height combinations that do not exceed the above, such as the height allowed if the load was 18t needs to be worked out on an SRT calculator. A 4 axle trailer 25t with an SRT of 0.5g will need to have 50% of its weight sideways to roll over 12.5t = 25t A 4 axle trailer 25t with an SRT of 0.3g will need to have only 30% of its weight sideways to roll over 7.5t = = 25t Advisory speed signs for corners have been calculated to only Connecting a trailer to a Prime Mover impose 0.22g of weight transfer on any vehicle following a constant steady path through the corner. As trucks have a greater mass this calculation won t work so truck drivers need to drive 10k under the advisory speed.
Connecting the trailer 1. Reverse up close to trailer 2. Switch on Hazard lights 3. Check mudguards are clear of the Semi-trailer 4. Check the height of the trailer is about mid-height of the turntable or, for a full trailer, the drawbar is at about mid-height of the ring feeder. 5. Visually check the turntable and jaws, or ring feeder, for grease and defects 6. Pull lever to set turntable jaws, or ring feeder pin, if necessary 7. Carry out a vehicle inspection of the trailer 8. Adjust the height of the trailer, or drawbar, if necessary 9. Reverse to connect the Trailer carefully 10. Test tug in a medium gear (This will confirm the trailer is securely connected without dragging it forwards) 11. Set park brake 12. Turn the park lights on 13. Connect electric cables 14. Visually inspect the turntable jaws lever is in the IN position, or the ring feeder pin is fully engaged with the bottom hole 15. Check the Hazard lights on trailer are operating 16. Check the side lights and tail lights are working 17. Retract Legs 18. Ensure leg lever is returned to disengage position once legs on the semi-trailer have been raised. 19. Connect Hydraulics ( If fitted) 20. Connect air hoses 21. Switch Hazard lights OFF 22. Check indicators are working in the correct sequence Note: The leg raising winch on a semi-trailer has two gear ratios: High Ratio - Pull the lever out Low Ratio - Push the lever in Disconnecting a trailer from a Prime Mover 1. Disconnect air hoses (this will lock trailer brakes ON) 2. Disconnect Electrical cable 3. Disconnect Hydraulic Hoses (if fitted) 4. Release turntable Rat Trap (this will release any pressure on Prime mover) 5. Lower legs and jack up the trailer until the tractor rear suspension is at the top but without any visible gap between the turntable and the trailer 6. Stow the winch handle 7. Move off slowly from under the trailer
Model Answers 4,750 Truck 1; What will the combined rated strength need to be to restrain this load? 6,000kg Truck 2; What will the combined rated strength need to be to restrain this load? 9,000kg Truck 3; What will the combined rated strength need to be to restrain this load? 12,000kg 1,00 1,500 950k 1,00 = 6,675kg Driving Hazards Risk Factor Example of Hazard Actions Weather wet road slow down, increase following distance Night Time Driving Hazards Class 5 Risk Factor Example of Hazard Actions Moonless night poor visibility drive at a speed that allows you to stop in the distance you can see
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