Keeping fleets running strong

In the world of commercial transportation, where downtime can be devastating, maintaining a fleet’s performance is paramount.
Gates, which states it is a leader in the manufacturing of Original Equipment (OE) parts, has reportedly established itself as a cornerstone for fleet maintenance.
It says its heavy-duty products, designed to fit and often exceed OE standards, are built to keep trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles on the road for the long haul.
Gates says it stands out in the market due to its comprehensive coverage of replacement parts, stating that “whether you’re managing a fleet of trucks or buses, or handling the upkeep of commercial vehicles, Gates has the solutions you need, when you need them.”
The extensive product range includes high-efficiency belts, cooling/heating hoses, brake hoses, turbocharger hoses, and air conditioning hoses – each crafted to deliver durability and reliability under the toughest conditions.
“One of the standout offerings from Gates is our Problem Solver Kits,” Gates Australia Product Manager – Automotive Replacement, Scott Johnson, said.
“These kits address common issues found in OE designs, providing not just replacements but improvements.
“By integrating components that offer superior longevity, Gates ensures fleets can reduce maintenance intervals and lower overall costs, a critical advantage in the competitive transportation industry.”
Scott said fleet managers are particularly drawn to Gates for its high-efficiency Accessory Belt Drive System (ABDS) components, which include the FleetRunner Heavy-Duty Belts and DriveAlign Heavy-Duty Tensioner ranges.
“These products are engineered to maintain belt tension for the life of the components, significantly cutting down on maintenance time and costs,” Scott said.
“Additionally, Gates belts are designed to reduce energy costs, contributing to both economic and environmental goals – an increasingly important factor as companies strive to meet sustainability targets.”
Cooling systems are another area where Gates says it excels, with heavy-duty water pumps, radiator hoses, and thermostats engineered to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures of heavy-duty applications.
“These components are vital in preventing overheating and ensuring that engines perform efficiently over long distances,” Scott said.

Gates offers the popular, high-quality, four-ply silicone coolant/heater hose (in straight and elbow sections) in the industry standard blue colour to perform in high-temperature conditions.
Straight sections are available in two varieties of recommended operating temperatures (176°C and 260°C); while elbow (45° and 90°) sections are engineered to perform at a recommended operating temperature of 176°C.
Further, Gates says it understands the critical nature of brake systems in commercial vehicles.
“Our GreenStripe Vacuum Brake Hose and AB Series Brake Hose are designed to meet the rigorous demands of heavy-duty use, providing reliable braking performance even in challenging conditions,” Scott said.
In the turbocharger sector, Gates offers the Ring Retained Turbocharger Hose and Sprinter Turbocharger Hoses and Assemblies, which are tailored to handle the high pressures and temperatures of turbocharged engines.
“These products are essential for maintaining engine efficiency and performance in modern heavy-duty vehicles,” Scott said.
For air conditioning systems, Gates Polarseal II hoses and clamp kits reportedly ensure that even in the hottest environments, drivers and passengers can rely on a comfortable cabin environment.
“This attention to detail in every component underscores Gates’ commitment to quality and performance,” Scott said.
“Gates heavy-duty parts are more than just replacements; they are enhancements that extend the life of your fleet’s vehicles, reduce downtime, and lower maintenance costs.
“By choosing Gates, fleet managers and maintenance professionals can ensure their vehicles are always ready for the road ahead.
“For those looking to optimise their fleet’s performance and reliability, Gates provides the solutions that keep the wheels of industry turning.”

For more information, go to visit.gates.com/hd-24