Don't throw stones
OPINION: The debate over whether it's okay to drive a petrol guzzling ute polluting our environment with carbon dioxide is getting personal.
The question of load restraint can be an issue on any ute used for work.
Various makers have their own solutions, normally anchor points built into the well-deck floor, which have limitations if the deck is full, or if the load sits higher than the sides -- perhaps in the case of a loaded pallet.
A clever solution from Transhold Systems in the shape of their Rope Grip kit might be the answer.
Each Rope Grip fitting is made from high grade alloy and serves two purposes: first, via a cleverly shaped profile, a rope can be pulled over the load and ‘wedged’ into the fitting, removing the need for loops or truckers’ knots to keep things secure; second, the fitting acts as a mount for the side rails which run the length of the well-deck.
The combination of the grip and the side rail means users can choose whether to use rope or ratchet tie-downs for added security, or use both together.
Each Rope Grip is NZS certified to 215kg, and the system is said to be suitable to use with tonneau covers.
Each kit includes two side rails, each carrying five Rope Grip grips; mounting is straightforward, requiring 6mm holes drilled along the edge of the well-side and secured with a Nyloc nut.
Dairy News is also reliably informed that in the spirit of Kiwi ingenuity the Rope Grips make perfect bottle openers.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.