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The CUB Clydesdale team found a novel way to get more "horsepower" in their latest semi-trailer combination with a Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved horse float.
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Chief Executive, Sal Petroccitto, said the vehicle combination shows that PBS is not just about productivity gains but also innovative and optimised vehicle design.
"The PBS Scheme is about getting the right vehicles on the right roads, while offering industry the potential to achieve higher productivity and safety through better vehicle design," Mr Petroccitto said.
"In this case, while the overall length of the vehicle combination was within the prescribed dimension regulations, some of the internal dimensions of the trailer were outside of those requirements.
"By utilising the PBS Scheme, the layout of the trailer was optimised to achieve an improved design for the transportation of valuable and delicate livestock.
"The NHVR worked with both the CUB Clydesdale team and Maxitrans Australia to ensure that the trailer was produced on time to the appropriate PBS safety standards," said Mr Petroccitto.
CUB Clydesdale Team Manager, Glen Pate was pleased that the trailer was finished in time to show it off at the EKKA and other events across Australia.
"The CUB Clydesdale team has been around since 1864 and this semi-trailer combination is the latest in a long line of horse transporters we have owned and developed," Mr Pate said.
"The current trailer can fit 4 Clydesdales and with advice from the NHVR and Maxitrans Australia we used the PBS Scheme to design the best possible layout for horses, beer lorry, harness, horse feed and other utilities that are required," said Mr Pate.
With 60 events this year and the horses needing to be rested and fed along the way, the Clydesdale team's journey required many jurisdictions to be approached for access.
"In addition to PBS approval, the NHVR also worked hard to get us all the necessary access permits we required for our travel to events throughout Victoria, NSW and Queensland," said Mr Pate.
Mr Petroccitto said NHVR staff are available for heavy vehicle advice and support, from design and production right through to driving on the road.
"Whether it's for 1 or 100 vehicles we will help any operator who is looking to develop and produce a PBS vehicle, to get it built and out on the road" Mr Petroccitto said.
For more information on the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Scheme visit www.nhvr.gov.au/pbs or call 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487).
Media contact: Orla Thompson - 0419 092 510