“Australia needs to embrace advanced commercial vehicle technologies more whole heartedly and sooner. It doesn’t make sense waiting around until these technologies and systems are made mandatory by government or other authorities. We have these systems on offer, here and now, with exceptional manufacturer backing, and experienced service technicians there to ensure that the systems and vehicles are in motion again,” says Bruno Pisanelli, owner and principal contractor of Jevs Diesel’s.
Bruno, who has worked in the industry for over 27 years and as a contractor for 18 years, is one of Knorr-Bremse’s ‘prized’ partners in its TruckServices network. The nationwide network includes a range of businesses including independent service centres, OEM dealerships, and mobile ‘man-in-a-van’ operations like Bruno’s. He joined TruckServices four years ago, but he has been working on electronic braking systems (EBS) for a lot longer than that.
Bruno specialises in service and repairs of all trailers and trucks, but he is trying to shift focus to just trailers and EBS systems because he believes there is going to be a bigger market for it in the coming years. He is currently setting up his own factory in Sunshine West.
However, Bruno’s current mobile breakdown vehicle gives him the flexibility to visit a site and get any vehicle back in action in no time.
TruckServices partners are highly trained and qualified service technicians who are accredited by Knorr-Bremse to undertake hardware and software maintenance and repairs.
Like all TruckServices partners, Bruno has access to diagnostics, needs-based maintenance and repair services. Expert in all trailer configurations including single trailers, B-doubles, road trains, draw bar trailers and low loaders, Bruno can carry out complete diagnostics, perform preventive maintenance, and also retrofit existing trailers with the latest technology.
“Knorr-Bremse products are right up there in terms of quality and durability. They have all the latest technology and are very easy to work with. Durability is so much better compared to other brands. Where different brands have failed at an early age, Knorr-Bremse products last much longer. The technology they use is second to none, the products have more add ons than competitor brands and they can basically set out a programme for basically whatever you need,” he says.
Apart from braking systems, Knorr-Bremse specialises in dampers, compressors, air treatment, engine air, transmission management, electronic systems, valves, air disc brakes, drum brakes, actuators, and tools and diagnostics. All these products operate in perfect harmony which enhances the overall competence of these systems.
“Knorr-Bremse products are excellent and there is exceptional backing behind it. Knorr-Bremse EBS systems make an astonishing difference to drives. Once people start driving, they realise how EBS fitted vehicles are completely different and much safer to conventional braking systems. They are suited to all types of trailers three-axle singles, to B-doubles, and A-doubles.
“We still have some hesitation in the industry when it comes to getting onboard with these technologies, but really there shouldn’t be any. Take a city like Melbourne for instance, when you think of these heavy vehicles passing through busy suburbs and how electronic braking systems, advanced mechanics and control engineering can help make the drive easy and safe, it becomes a no-brainer to adapt these technologies. Then there are technicians like us to make sure everything is working efficiently.
“With Knorr-Bremse you’ve got the full backing of engineers all over the state so if there is an issue with anything, you’ve got field guys who know their products, and also the team of Knorr-Bremse there to provide support. Rob, Luke, and Darren are really good at the job. They have been around braking systems for a long time and if there has been any issue that I needed to work out, these guys have been there to give me a hand and guide me. Our aim is to get the vehicles fixed as fast as possible every time.
“Compared to EU we are lagging a bit in EBS adoption, but once we have installed it people will have much more safer trucks on the roads, along with improved tyre wear.
”We have this safety technology right here, so we should be using it.”
