• About
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • List Stock
Monday, June 16, 2025
Newsletter
SUBSCRIBE
MARKETPLACE
  • News
    • Mobile Assets
    • Corporate Affairs
    • Logistics & Supply Chain
    • Compliance/Risk Management
    • Truck drivers
    • Global Transport News
    • New Technology
  • Features
    • Fleets in Focus
    • Truck Builds
    • New Power Generation
    • Fuels & Lubricants
    • Telematics
  • Industry
    • Editor Note
    • Events
    • Product of the Month
  • Test Drive
    • Heavy Duty
    • Medium Duty
    • Light Duty
    • Vans
  • Profiles
    • Personality Q&A
    • Movers & Shakers
  • PBS
    • Roadtrains
    • A-doubles
    • B-triple
    • HPVs
  • Industry insiders
    • ARTSA Insight
    • TIC Insight
    • VTA Insight
    • NatRoad Insight
    • ATA Insight
    • NHVR Insight
  • Delivery
    • Last mile logistics
    • E-commerce
No Results
View All Results
  • News
    • Mobile Assets
    • Corporate Affairs
    • Logistics & Supply Chain
    • Compliance/Risk Management
    • Truck drivers
    • Global Transport News
    • New Technology
  • Features
    • Fleets in Focus
    • Truck Builds
    • New Power Generation
    • Fuels & Lubricants
    • Telematics
  • Industry
    • Editor Note
    • Events
    • Product of the Month
  • Test Drive
    • Heavy Duty
    • Medium Duty
    • Light Duty
    • Vans
  • Profiles
    • Personality Q&A
    • Movers & Shakers
  • PBS
    • Roadtrains
    • A-doubles
    • B-triple
    • HPVs
  • Industry insiders
    • ARTSA Insight
    • TIC Insight
    • VTA Insight
    • NatRoad Insight
    • ATA Insight
    • NHVR Insight
  • Delivery
    • Last mile logistics
    • E-commerce
No Results
View All Results
Home

The Fifth Element

The ELI-te fifth wheel assistant from SAF-Holland offers increased productivity through better safety practice. Dyers Transport has been one of the first formidable freight operations to put it to use across the entirety of its fleet.

by Staff Writer
June 29, 2020
in Industry, Product of the Month
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Efficiency and ease of operation remain primary considerations for heavy vehicle operators whose tasks are many and enduring in a society so currently reliant on their safe arrivals and departures.

While the exceeding prioritisation of best practice management in road transport operations has been greatly beneficial to driver health it has also brought with it fleet efficiencies thanks to reductions in disruptive events like the unsuccessful coupling of trailers.

Dropped loads can cost thousands of dollars and as commercial vehicle equipment specialist, SAF-Holland, recognises, there’s no room for failure. With better safety also comes a healthier bottom line. To help promote consistent and thorough driver coupling inspections, it offers a fifth wheel coupling assistant it calls ELI-te, an abbreviation for electronic lock indicator — technology enhanced.

It offers a significant advantage to fleets looking to provide their drivers with user friendly assistance that enhances coupling efficiency, driver confidence and safety.

The optional system, offered on the popular FW35 series of Holland fifth wheels, is highly versatile. At present it can be supplied as factory fit on the new FW351. The FW331 fifth wheels are also part of a retrofit kit that includes instruction manual, drilling template, drill bits and ELI-te system components.

Dyers first trialled the technology on a couple of units in 2018. Soon welcomed by the drivers it was initially foisted upon, ELI-te later became a mandatory tool to augment driver safety protocols according to Dyers Workshop Manager Troy Malcholm.

“It was originally adopted by us here for the drivers so that if there was a safety issue they’d soon know about it,” he says. “Once they all got used to it they started bringing it up in conversation and they certainly noticed, during the initial introductory phase, its absence.”

Based in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Dyers has installed the ELI-te across its entire operation. Since 1997 the company has increased its contract distribution fleet to 150 dedicated trucks across three states.

A preferred carrier for the likes of IGA and Foodland, its Bairnsdale-based operations run primarily DAF commercial vehicles fulfilling demanding cold chain orders for supermarkets as a direct result of the forced closure of many restaurants, bistros and pub dining rooms under social distancing regulations.

Like most transport companies currently operating on the surging grocery supply chain, Dyers has never been busier.

No Christmas peak, at least in recent memory, can rival the sheer scale of pressures derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has many freight specialists stretched thin. Under these circumstances the entire supply chain is put under additional pressure.

Even more reason then, at this sustained pace, for safety procedures to be adhered to closely including trailer coupling, a routine which must be completed daily, often multiple times.

“The ELI-te provides an extra situational awareness that is always welcome in this line of work where everyone is so pressed for time. Especially given how busy things have gotten in recent weeks with the current situation,” says Troy.

Gone are the days with which a driver points a flashlight to validate the coupling. When the kingpin is properly seeded in the fifth wheels lock jaws, ELI-te shines four glowing white LED lights into the lock.

This assists the driver in confirming the connection is solid and secure. These high-intensity LED lights are strategically aimed at the kingpin and lock for enhanced visibility during the inspection process, especially in poor weather and low-light conditions.

Red lights, however, flash on the side of the coupling to assist the driver in quickly recognising what might be a potentially costly mistake before attempting a tug test or driving away.

As it helps prevent potential mistakes before they happen, the ELI-te system also increases confidence levels of drivers who are often required do to much more than just drive busy schedules.

For Dyers the ELI-te forms part of a three-check system required of all drivers at the point of departure.

“It serves as one of the preventative measures we have put in place and invested in,” says Troy. “The more back-ups and risk mitigation we can introduce to our trailer coupling the better. If it’s better for our drivers then its better, in all likelihood, for the business.”

Dyers has not shirked on their investment either having decided last month to install ELI-te on it’s A-trailers going forward.

“The first two of these are now in operation and we’re working through some design elements with regard to power and exhaust for the moment,” Troy says. “ELI-te functions as part of our overarching goal to create further awareness among staff and drivers across the organisation in accident prevention. It’s another simple-to-use safety aspect for the driver in his pretrips.”

Just as the LED lights and sensors are strategically positioned under the top plate for maximum function, reliability and protection, all of the electronics are mounted on the fifth wheel itself.

The sealed one-piece harness connects the LED lamps, cables, sensors and logic module and the entire system is joined to the prime mover through a simple one cable connection.

Dyers favours DAF commercial vehicles in its refrigeration applications. Reduced repair costs remain one of the key factors for Troy who confirms the business has recently ordered nine of the new Euro 6 DAF trucks from the Gippsland Truck Centre. Their arrival is imminent.

“We’ve always gone with DAF. From a costing side we like their value proposition and new generation offering is replete with the latest safety features which we highly value.”

The ELI-te option for the FW35 series requires minimal maintenance and is backed, according to SAF-Holland by a 2-year warranty.

With scalable connectivity for local or remote performance monitoring, SAF-Holland’s fifth wheel assistant, what’s more, permits the user to expand the system capabilities and includes the likes of audible alerts and GPS, dash cam or telematics integration.

Trend analyses also offers actionable data for informed fleets such as Dyers.

Built to withstand real world environments so that the circuitry and components are not impacted by the grease contamination that affect common sensors, ELI-te is a robust system according to Troy.

“We’ve found it extremely reliable,” he says. “All of our trucks have it fitted now regardless.”

Rare incidents of a failed coupling have dropped in step with its use across the fleet. Troy says it has assisted in making operations more productive.

“Less accidents naturally mean less costs,” he says.

Explore refrigerated trailers for efficient cold chain logistics.
Premium Ad
27
Dealer Advertiser

$71,950

2013 MAXITRANS 12P ROLL BACK FREEZER VAN

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Salisbury, QLD

0731774839
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
38

$44,500

2012 MAXITRANS FREEZER VAN

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Derrimut, VIC

03 9998 4712
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
24

$29,500

2008 VAWDREY 22P FREEZER VAN

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Derrimut, VIC

03 9998 4712
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
30
Dealer Advertiser

$83,500

2016 MAXITRANS 24P FREEZER VAN

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Salisbury, QLD

0731774839
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
27
Dealer Advertiser

$145,000

2013 MAXITRANS 34P FREEZER B DOUBLE

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Salisbury, QLD

0731774839
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
25
Dealer Advertiser

$86,500

2016 MAXITRANS 24P FREEZER VAN

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Wetherill Park, NSW

03 9999 8519
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
35
Dealer Advertiser

$49,500

2011 MAXITRANS 22P FREEZER VAN

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Wetherill Park, NSW

03 9999 8519
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
27
Dealer Advertiser

$32,500

2007 MAXITRANS 24P CHILLER VAN

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Wetherill Park, NSW

03 9999 8519
MORE DETAILS
17

$27,990

2008 MAXITRANS 20 PALLET BOGIE REFRIGERATED PANTECH

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Bendigo, VIC

03 8373 7106
MORE DETAILS
27

$49,500

2006 MAXITRANS 24P FREEZER VAN

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Derrimut, VIC

03 9998 4712
MORE DETAILS
35

$22,950

2007 MAXITRANS 2008 MAXI TRANS 22P FREEZER VAN C/W RT

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Derrimut, VIC

03 9998 4712
MORE DETAILS
24

$37,500

2008 FTE 22P FREEZER VAN

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Class: Refrigerated
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Derrimut, VIC

03 9998 4712
MORE DETAILS

Related Posts

The driver is alerted they are at the maximum tilt limit.

Ex Machina

by Sean Gustini
May 19, 2025

Since 2003, MTData has worked to service Australia’s transport operators and logistics providers with telematics and safety services, adapting to...

A truck moves along the highway with a jet approaching the airport.

Nominate an innovation for upcoming Endeavour Awards

by Staff Writer
May 16, 2025

Nominations for the ‘Innovation in Transport’ category at the 2025 Endeavour Awards are now open. This awards program provides a...

Attendees at the Women in Industry awards.

Final Call: last week to nominate trailblazing women

by Staff Writer
May 14, 2025

There’s still time to become the next Woman of the Year - nominations for the 2025 Women in Industry Awards...

Please login to join discussion

Join our newsletter

View our privacy policy, collection notice and terms and conditions to understand how we use your personal information.
As a prominent platform in Australian commercial road transport, Prime Mover showcases the trailblazing operators, products and personalities across an wide-reaching national industry and provides exposure to executives, fleet managers and other key decision makers on the supply chain who have the buying power to help grow your business.

Subscribe to our newsletter

View our privacy policy, collection notice and terms and conditions to understand how we use your personal information.

About Prime Mover

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Latest Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Collection Notice
  • Privacy Policy

Popular Topics

  • Industry News
  • Features
  • Test Drive
  • Mindset
  • Product
  • Profile
  • Insight
  • Resources

Our TraderAds Network

  • Arbor Age
  • Australian Car Mechanic
  • Australian Mining
  • Australian Resources & Investment
  • Big Rigs
  • Bulk Handling Review
  • Bus News
  • Cranes & Lifting
  • Earthmoving Equipment Magazine
  • EcoGeneration
  • Energy Today
  • Food & Beverage
  • Fully Loaded
  • Global Trailer
  • Inside Construction
  • Inside Waste
  • Inside Water
  • Landscape Contractor Magazine
  • Manufacturers' Monthly
  • MHD Supply Chain
  • National Collision Repairer
  • OwnerDriver
  • Power Torque
  • Prime Mover Magazine
  • Quarry
  • Roads Online
  • Rail Express
  • Safe To Work
  • The Australian Pipeliner
  • Trade Earthmovers
  • Trade Farm Machinery
  • Trade Plant Equipment
  • Trade Trucks
  • Trade Unique Cars
  • Tradie Magazine
  • Trailer Magazine
  • Trenchless Australasia
  • Waste Management Review

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited

No Results
View All Results
NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE
MARKETPLACE
  • News
    • Mobile Assets
    • Corporate Affairs
    • Logistics & Supply Chain
    • Compliance/Risk Management
    • Truck drivers
    • Global Transport News
    • New Technology
  • Features
    • Fleets in Focus
    • Truck Builds
    • New Power Generation
    • Fuels & Lubricants
    • Telematics
  • Industry
    • Editor Note
    • Events
    • Product of the Month
  • Test Drive
    • Heavy Duty
    • Medium Duty
    • Light Duty
    • Vans
  • Profiles
    • Personality Q&A
    • Movers & Shakers
  • PBS
    • Roadtrains
    • A-doubles
    • B-triple
    • HPVs
  • Industry insiders
    • ARTSA Insight
    • TIC Insight
    • VTA Insight
    • NatRoad Insight
    • ATA Insight
    • NHVR Insight
  • Delivery
    • Last mile logistics
    • E-commerce
  • About Us
  • Advertise with Prime Mover
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Prime Mover
  • Sell and Hire Trucks

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited

  1. Australian Truck Radio Listen Live