Fleetcrew is a leading provider of mine spec light vehicles, delivering hire vehicles for short and long term hire to the eastern states from our branches in Brisbane, Dysart, Mackay and Mt Isa. Fleetcrew offers market leading 4WD hire vehicles and maintenance services for mining, construction, commercial and recreational use, as well as upgrades to vehicle GVM.
Its fleet includes GVM upgraded Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series vehicles. The upgrade provides extra carrying capacity, within legal limits, safety, and an increase in clearance, combined with the versatility of a normal 4WD vehicle.
The purchase of already upgraded vehicles allows mining companies to send their vehicles out to remote sites with the confidence that they are safe and compliant.
Fleetcrew initially purchase the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series as a Cab Chassis directly from Toyota. The team of qualified, experienced technicians then proceed to install a Lovells GVM upgrade suspension kit.
All the Fleetcrew team have a deep understanding of the complex technology behind GVM upgrades and bring experience and quality workmanship to the task. Once the GVM upgrade suspension kit is fitted a thorough testing regime is carried out on-site at the fully equipped workshop. This includes testing brakes and weights and ensuring that the vehicle is compliant with all safety standards and compliances.
Once the vehicle is meticulously tested it can then be certificated.
The new suspension allows a greater ratio of energy and increases the load carrying ability of the vehicle from 3.3t to 4.2t.
With a large in-house crew on-site, Fleetcrew have the capability to upgrade large fleets for mining companies, as well as providing their own hire vehicles.
Private Upgrades
Surpassing the GVM is easy to do in modern vehicles. The Gross Vehicle Mass is the maximum weight legally allowed for a vehicle when it is fully loaded and is the amount specified by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Exceeding this weight nullifies insurance and creates a safety hazard for the driver and other road users.
The measurement is inclusive of all the passengers and fuel, as well as all the commonly added extras to 4WD vehicles, such as long-range fuel tanks, bull & tow bars, roof racks, winches and recovery gear. Most vehicles today have a low GVM which is easily reached after adding a steel tray, tool-boxes and passengers.
Pre engineering The Lovells GVM upgrade suspension kits undergo a rigorous testing and government compliance process before being approved for sale and fitting by an authorised fitter such as Fleet Crew, to ensure the upgrade suspension kits meets all safety standards and is safe to use in industrial applications.
Lovells hold Compliance Plate Approval’s as a Second Stage Manufacturer of GVM Upgrades for Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, Ford and Mazda.
The vehicle will need to stay in its upgraded state including maintaining tyre rims that are rated for the upgraded GVM. As for new vehicles, GVM upgrades are granted by the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
GVM upgrades are a bit more straightforward on unregistered vehicles but can be done on registered vehicles through the process of consulting an engineer who is approved to assess and certify vehicle modifications.
New vehicles need to be fitted prior to registration and are then certified under their new GVM as per the new compliance plate, meaning that the vehicle is registered federally with the GVM upgrade.
Once a light vehicle has been supplied to the market for use in transport it is considered to be ‘in-service’ and matters such as registration, roadworthiness and combinations of vehicles (eg Gross Combination Mass, or GCM) are regulated by the applicable State/Territory authority.
Fleetcrew have a complete and up-to-date knowledge of all legal requirements for each state and territory in Australia. Legislation is continuously being amended and each state has its own legislations.
What is Involved?
When a customer first comes to Fleetcrew requesting a GVM upgrade, checks are made on the vehicle’s axles and brakes to ensure they are in good condition. An approved engineer will check the compliance plate and individual axle weights on your vehicle before any modifications can be done. Suspension upgrades are usually suggested for a load limit increase that is under 10 percent. For any upgrades beyond this fitting a GVM upgrade kit is recommended which includes new suspensions and parts, which are available and completed by Fleetcrews approved partners.
As well as upgrades, an extensive workshop facility in Brisbane offers light vehicle maintenance services, GVM and suspension upgrades to companies, dealerships and the public.
Beyond Upgrades
Drawing on industry-leading maintenance expertise, FleetCrew technicians perform consistent, quality, preventative maintenance to reduce cost, minimise risk of breakdowns and prevent easily fixed issues becoming major issues.
Built on the foundation of our knowledge of maintaining its own fleet, the company provides quality maintenance program its own fleet receives. Services include preventative maintenance checks, vehicle detailing, weed and seed washes, suspension repairs and upgrades including GVM upgrades.
