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My thoughts, findings and rants.

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Disclaimer

The words and opinions expressed here are my own, and do not, in any way, represent the views of my employer (OnCourse).

Releasing Axle Wind-Up

Published February 2, 2023 By Mick Farmer

Axle windup is the build-up of drivetrain tension when cornering with 4wd engaged (part-time) or centre diff locked (full-time). Possibly damaging. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation Tagged With: off-road driving

Example of Tyre Delamination and Tread Separation

Published February 1, 2023 By Mick Farmer

The picture is of one of our tyres after experiencing tread separation while driving at 90kph on the expressway. I first noticed the vehicle wandering with a slight pull to the left. Then realised that we were throwing up debris (not mud). So pulled over to have a look. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mechanical, Rants and Raves Tagged With: tyres

Avoid Fitting HF Aerial Like This

Published November 11, 2022 By Mick Farmer

Local modification to fit HF aerial. Destroyed the approach angle. I’ve always been of opinion that a front aerial creates a forward blind spot. Would be better to purchase a rear antenna mount. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: HF Radio, modifications

Under Pressure – Armoured Vehicle Tyres

Published April 8, 2021 By Mick Farmer

Armoured Vehicles Tyre Pressure Rating

It’s not a good day when you have to drive on a run-flat ring. So, minimise risk by ensuring the tyres fitted are up to the job. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation Tagged With: armoured vehicles

Still got split rims on your 70 Series Landcruiser?

Published April 8, 2021 By Mick Farmer

Make sure that the tyre is suitable to take a tube. Most modern tubeless tyres are not finished internally and will damage a tube over time. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mechanical Tagged With: tyres

Managing Available Traction

Published July 31, 2019 By Mick Farmer

Driving Low Range - Example

Wheel printing and the ability to identify when to drive as slow as possible but as fast as necessary. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation, Snapshots Tagged With: 4wd, off-road driving

Low Traction Road Surface

Published February 11, 2019 By Mick Farmer

Unsealed roads, particularly when dry, need to be treated as a low traction surface. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Snapshots Tagged With: Low Traction, off-road driving

Anticipating Hazards from a Distance

Published February 4, 2019 By Mick Farmer

Anticipating road hazards

This is a photo I took a while back and highlights the importance of identifying /anticipating hazards from a distance. In this case, change in road, weather and light conditions. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Driving, Snapshots Tagged With: driving, hazards, snapshot

Tyre Max Pressure Ratings for Armoured Vehicles.

Published July 12, 2018 By Mick Farmer

Armoured Vehicles Tyre Pressure Rating

Ensure that the tyres fitted to Up Armoured Vehicles have the correct pressure rating. These tyres (photo below) have a max pressured 44 psi where the tyre pressures have to be 55 front and 60 rear.  … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Vehicles Tagged With: armoured vehicles, tyres

Has Your 4wd’s Approach Angle Been Compromised?

Published July 31, 2017 By Mick Farmer

Bull bar - For Aesthetic Purpose Only

Whenever you fit something to a 4wd vehicle, there will be a trade off. Understanding this compromise is essential to managing not only your off road capability but also for driving defensively. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: Equipment, off-road driving

If You Have Free Wheeling Hubs; Consider Pro-active Operation

Published May 17, 2017 By Mick Farmer

Free Wheeling Hub

Just to add on a few points to an earlier article I wrote about the purpose of free wheeling hubs and my thoughts on them. Lock and Go … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation Tagged With: free wheeling hubs

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Recent Posts

  • Releasing Axle Wind-Up
  • Example of Tyre Delamination and Tread Separation
  • Avoid Fitting HF Aerial Like This
  • Under Pressure – Armoured Vehicle Tyres
  • Still got split rims on your 70 Series Landcruiser?
  • Managing Available Traction

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