Admittedly, 2012-13 was a tough year for the world economy. However, York Transport Equipment is justifiably proud that it has stabilised its position as a world leader in transportation despite several odds.
For York, the biggest news in 2012-13 was Tata’s completion of its purchase of York Transport Equipment. TRF Ltd., a Tata enterprise, purchased 51 per cent of the York business way back in 2007 as a sign of faith in the worldwide potential of the York axles and suspensions. The buy-out of the remaining 49 per cent shareholding in May 2012 made York a full-fledged Tata subsidiary. For the Tata Group, it was simply a matter of taking the established and trusted brand of York and making it even better using the vast Tata experience in the automotive industry.
In essence, the driving force behind Tata’s acquisition was the quality of York’s core products, which saw York become Australia’s first ADR (Australian Design Rules) certified axle. York’s ‘Road Friendly Suspension’ certified products continue attracting demand. In fact, its wide range of axles are tailor-made for many countries and markets.
In 2012-13 York’s versatility was on display with the fabricated version of its popular YTE 75 for 12T applications, specially for the Indian market. The next step is the introduction of a new series of ‘Global Products’ with the flexibility for application in the Indian market. Of course, all these new high-tech products come with new features.
The other exciting product developments in the Indian R&D Centre revolve round the resources sector where York performs strongly. For example, York’s new reliable 13-tonne axle further strengthened its dominance in the Indian transport industry.
“I remain committed to strengthening York’s position in India and ensuring the business continues to grow. I look forward to visiting more Indian customers in the future, to ensure the York brand remains strong in the market”, Mr. P.V. Balasubramaniam, Director and Chief Executive Officer.
The new 13-tonne premium axle has been engineered with the minimum total life cycle cost in mind, to provide customers with the best in terms of reliability and cost efficiency. The axle features have been integrated to meet off-road and heavy-duty loading requirements of York’s growing customer base across India. For example, the reinforced beam (150 mm x 165 mm) has been proven to reduce the stress level and deflections, while the bigger and wider bearings ensure a higher load capacity and increased axle, thanks to the unique self-retaining design. Braking has been improved as well, with the ‘Q’ type brake shoe arrangement.
Another impressive York innovation is found in the form of the cleverly designed lubrication system that makes hub greasing possible without opening the hub. The benefit of this is noticeable immediately through the longer bearing life.
The other features of the new axle include its out-board drum for ease of assembly and maintenance, with coarse thread wheel bolts suitable for Indian operating condition; built provision for tyre inflation system (optional), reducing fuel consumption and tyre damages while enhancing road safety; and longer spigot in hub suitable for aluminium wheel rims also.
With an enhanced payload capacity of 13 tonnes, the premium axle has been tested and evaluated by York’s skilled engineering team. A combination of York’s virtual simulation of various load conditions and comprehensive fatigue analysis makes this a most preferred heavy-duty axle. The axle has been recently launched in the Punjab market where it is fast gaining popularity among customers.