BHP has recently changed suspension suppliers, fitting Terrain Tamer parabolic leaf springs to the fleet of Toyota Hilux servicing its light vehicle needs in the Western Australia iron ore mining hubs in the Pilbara.
Having tested the springs in its facilities for the past two years, BHP has confirmed preference for the Terrain Tamer parabolic leaf springs and, having started with an initial 25 new Hilux utes, intends to fit more to both its future and existing fleet. Tie Rod
Containing fewer leaves than standard leaf packs, Terrain Tamer’s parabolic springs were released in 2018 and get their name from their tapered ‘parabolic’ design, which is thicker in the centre and thinner toward the ends, rather than the usual linear style.
The design directly addresses issues that come with traditional leaf packs being thick, heavy, and clunky, essentially making them more difficult to fit to a hoisted vehicle and adding to the weight of vehicles that are often dangerously close to their GVM limit.
Reducing the unsprung weight of the vehicle not only frees up weight for practical use, but also acts to create a quieter and more comfortable ride whether the vehicle is empty or loaded.
Traditional leaf springs can also be uncomfortable, loud and can create a safety issue, offering little to no flex when a driver hits a bump, or finds themselves in a rough situation, with the rigidity of the pack causing the opposite wheel to lift and lose traction, effectively endangering the driver.
The flex afforded with a parabolic spring allows it to give a little, allowing the differential housing to rotate with the springs and effectively providing a smoother ride, reducing the shock transferred to the crown wheel and pinion, stopping the wheel from spinning, and maintaining safety and drive. The same force with a standard leaf pack would almost certainly cause more shock to the vehicle and driver.
Essentially, Terrain Tamer parabolic springs use new technology on an old trucking design idea to provide a quieter, more comfortable ride with a strength not afforded to traditional springs.
The springs are available for a range of popular Hilux and Landcruiser vehicles, as well as Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Holden and Isuzu models, and have become so popular in recent times that the range has been expanded to include heavy duty, extra heavy duty and armoured versions, for vehicles used in military and mining applications requiring a load of up to, and in some cases upward of 700kg.
Premium Ad Video marker The shape of a video play button HITACHI ZX670LCH-3 $450,000 Location marker The shape of a location marker Angle Park, SA Premium Ad 2004 CATERPILLAR 330CL $85,000 Location marker The shape of a location marker Big Hill, VIC Premium Ad KUBOTA KX080-3S $79,900 Location marker The shape of a location marker Trafalgar, VIC Premium Ad 2010 KOBELCO SK250 $70,000 Location marker The shape of a location marker Gracemere, QLD Premium Ad KOMATSU PC138US-8 $99,000 Location marker The shape of a location marker Stapylton, QLD Premium Ad 2017 KOBELCO SK135SR-3 $95,000 Location marker The shape of a location marker Trafalgar, VIC Premium Ad 2018 CASE CX145C TILTING QUICK HITCH $119,000 Location marker The shape of a location marker Glencoe, QLD Premium Ad 2014 KOMATSU PC270LC - 8 $124,000 Location marker The shape of a location marker Mooloolaba, QLD Premium Ad 2022 CATERPILLAR 323GC NEXT GEN 07E $257,950 Location marker The shape of a location marker Glenvale, QLD Premium Ad 2010 KOMATSU PC228US_8 $127,600 Location marker The shape of a location marker Campbellfield, VIC Premium Ad 2018 DOOSAN DX235CR $175,000 Location marker The shape of a location marker Premium Ad 2001 HITACHI EX1800-3 $240,000 Location marker The shape of a location marker Big Hill, VIC
2018 CASE CX145C TILTING QUICK HITCH
2022 CATERPILLAR 323GC NEXT GEN 07E
Shocks And Struts Replacement Cost Since 1908, Australian Mining has informed the industry on the latest news and technologies from across the mining sector. Comprising of a monthly print magazine, website and e-newsletter, Australian Mining is a leading resource showcasing the latest in mining innovation.