Starting off supplying components to the Western Australian mining and transport sector, FUWA K-Hitch has become a renowned force in Australia’s commercial road transport industry. But, there is no sign of gearing down – the striving brand just introduced a fifth wheel fit up service in the Melbourne metropolitan area.
According to National Sales Manager, Chris Barrett, the new service will be offered through Fuwa’s vast dealer network to ensure both maximum flexibility and minimal downtime for the company’s ever- growing Victorian clientele.
“Let’s face it, time is money,” says Chris. “Fuwa K-Hitch can assist you in reducing this cost impost by offering this new, flexible fitting service. Our manufacturing capabilities insure that our range of fifth wheels will provide a durable and competitive alternative to costly repairs and labour downtime in maintaining your current fifth wheel.
“Simply specify K-Hitch and your model requirements to your local dealer and for an inclusive price we will build the fifth wheel and arrange a time install to your vehicle at our facility in Derrimut or onsite at your premises within our defined Melbourne Metro area.”
Fuwa K-Hitch offers a range of fifth wheel products to suit almost any task, whether it be metropolitan, country or even the toughest mining applications, including a 12 or 24 month (dependant on model) structural guarantee on each product. The range includes mining application fifth wheels, heavy-duty fifth wheels, adjustable jaw fifth wheels and fabricated pressed top fifth wheels such as the Highway Master range.
Rated to 174kN D value, the Highway Master series has been designed for on highway line haul applications. It features replaceable steel or polyethylene (greaseless version) inserts and enables parts to be easily replaced. Available in 50 mm king pin size and variable mount eights, the Highway Master range suits single or B-double trailers. In addition, it features ISO standard feet with bolt or weld on capabilities and again complies with Australian Standard AS1773-1996.
The Fleet Master, meanwhile, is an adjustable jaw fifth wheel that provides a tight lock regardless of kingpin wear, thus reducing overall maintenance and the frequency of jaw replacement. “It has been designed to suit Australian conditions including the harsh outback on and off road,” says Chris. Available in 50 mm and 90 mm jaws, various mounting heights and in a greaseless version, it is suitable for use in single, B-double, double and triple road trains as well as volume loading applications.
“As a market leader in fifth wheels, we are committed to providing the market with quality products that are designed to go the distance in Australia’s harsh operating landscape,” says Chris. “But, we also want to provide a product that helps our clientele maintain a flawless corporate identity. That’s why all our fifth wheels are available in both black or red enamel as standard – and if you require a specific colour, this can be arranged as well.”
All fifth wheels can be supplied in either fixed plate format or low profile and double row ball race assemblies and cover a varying degree of chassis widths. “We take an extreme amount of pride in every product carrying the Fuwa K-Hitch logo,” says Chris. “But, we always strive for improvement, and our new fit up service is just another milestone on this journey.”