Updated mechanical couplings standards for 2023

Standards Australia has published updated versions of mechanical couplings standards (AS/NZS 4968) for 2023.

The Australian/New Zealand Standard 4968 (Heavy road vehicles – Mechanical coupling between articulated vehicle combinations) comprises the following three individual parts, each of which has been received minor updates and improvements for 2023:

• 4968.1:2023 – Part 1: Design criteria and selection requirements for fifth-wheel, kingpin, and associated equipment
• 4968.2:2023 – Part 2: Testing and installation of fifth-wheel and associated equipment
• 4968.3:2023 – Part 3: Kingpins and associated equipment

The updates include various improvements to aid clarity and reduce ambiguity, particularly in relation to the D-value formula and calculation of design forces. All changes are listed in the ‘preface’ section of the individual documents.

HVIA would like to acknowledge the contribution of its members as subject matter experts for the Standards Australia working group that oversaw these changes.