Steve Murphy Ltd enhances fleet performance with TRT Traction Air System

Steve Murphy has been a trusted name in transport and logistics for over 40 years. The company has a fleet of 44 trucks – 40 of which are log trucks – and approximately 90% are equipped with the advanced TRT Traction Air System. 

The Traction Air central tire inflation system was designed to make on and off-highway vehicle operations safer and more efficient. The benefits of the system include improved vehicle and driver safety, greater fuel efficiency, improved traction, reduced tire wear and reduced damage to road surfaces.

On and off-highway vehicle operations that regularly use Traction Air CTI include forestry haulage, construction and equipment transport, agriculture, tractors, stock trucks and spreading, tanker operations, access equipment, construction and infrastructure. It is ideal for tractor, prime mover and trailer units. 

Steve Murphy Ltd managing director Chris Murphy says the adoption of the TRT Traction Air system has brought numerous benefits to the fleet.

“The commonality really stands out. It simplifies our operations and makes maintenance easier,” he says. 

Chris says the compact design of the TRT system allows for efficient mounting and installation, which is crucial for a company operating in challenging environments. “The TRT system is incredibly reliable, especially for our off-road applications,” he says. 

This reliability is essential for the forestry and bulk commodity sectors where Steve Murphy Ltd specialises, ensuring that its trucks can handle rough terrain without compromising performance.

TRT’s Traction Air national sales representative, Craig Burton says, “In the logging sector, it’s all about having the right tire pressure for the load and terrain, and when those vehicles are going off-highway, all the features and safety backup are at hand to ensure both assets and people are protected.”

Moreover, the innovative features of the Traction Air system enhance overall vehicle handling. The simplified manifold design 
optimises airflow and improves pressure distribution, resulting in a smoother ride and better load management. 

TRT Traction Air is reliable in tough conditions.

Partnership with TRT

The partnership between Steve Murphy Ltd and TRT has proven to be fruitful. Chris says, “TRT has been great to deal 
with. They maintain excellent lines of communication, and their backup and support are top-notch.” 

He appreciates the competitive pricing as well, stating, “We find them competitively priced, which is a big plus in today’s market.” 
TRT’s general manager of sales, Gavin Halley, says, “I first established the relationship with both Steve and Chris back in 2010. At that time, Steve was steering the business, while Chris was moving up through the company. It has been an exceptional partnership, and I am immensely proud to have witnessed its growth and evolution over the years. 

“SML is a forward-thinking, highly organised company, always seeking new and innovative approaches. This undoubtedly made their decision to adopt TRT’s Traction Air easier, as we’ve continuously refined and enhanced the product over time. It’s a valued partnership that we proudly celebrate at TRT.”

Chris says the reliability of the products, combined with the strong support network, reinforces Steve Murphy Ltd’s commitment to delivering high-quality logistics solutions across New Zealand.

TRT

TRT specialises in the design, manufacture, sales and delivery of products and services within New Zealand and Australia’s road transport and construction industries. Its key areas of business include manufacturing, design and engineering, truck and trailer parts, truck and trailer mechanical service and repair, crane sales, service and parts, trailer sales, and heavy transport and equipment design and manufacture.

The new Traction Air EM Series provides fleet owners with unparalleled reliability, precision and convenience. Its simplified and improved manifold design optimises airflow and improves pressure distribution. The innovative pressure cell design is 50% more compact than the existing model, allowing for enhanced 
installation flexibility in tight spaces.

Housed in a robust yet lightweight composite cover, it provides the necessary protection against environmental elements without adding unnecessary weight to the vehicle.