At a glance
- Tools & Safety: Gather the right tools and prioritise safety gear for a smooth UHMWPE lining installation.
- Prep for Success: Prepare the surface, address rust if needed, and ensure a tight, secure fit for long-lasting results.
- Installation Steps: Follow precise steps for measuring, cutting, aligning, and securing UHMWPE sheets in your truck bed or body.
When it comes to optimising your truck’s SAFETY, reducing wear and reducing tipping, consider the installation of UHMWPE lining, such as the OKUSLIDE® composite truck bed liner. The installation process, along with professional consultation, plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal results.
Quality Control: A Global Commitment
Before we delve into the installation process, it’s essential to understand that OKUSLIDE® liners are produced under stringent quality control in Germany and proudly supported by a network of Australian engineers and distributors across the country. This global partnership guarantees that you’re getting a product of the highest quality, along with professional guidance when you need it.
Prioritising Safety and Performance
In the world of trucking, safety and performance are paramount. OKUSLIDE® liners excel in reducing tipping angles and ensuring stability during the transportation of various materials. They’re also UV stable and capable of withstanding all Australian environmental conditions, providing further peace of mind for truck operators.
Abrasion Resistance: The Key to Longevity
One of the standout features of OKUSLIDE® liners is their exceptional abrasion resistance. Laboratory tests have shown that these liners outwear steel by a factor of 2 and aluminium by more than 5 times. This durability is the key to prolonging your truck’s lifespan and enhancing its commercial resale value.
Installation Tailored to Your Truck
The installation process for UHMWPE lining is versatile and can be customised to various truck types. Whether you have a new truck, an older model, or even an excavator bucket, customisation options are readily available.
New Trucks
Newer trucks might require the addition of aluminium cover strips to protect decals from potential thermal damage.
Older Trucks
For older trucks with thin aluminium skin, welding along the length is often necessary to ensure a secure fit.
Specialised Trucks
Trucks with unique features, such as rock ribs or steel bodies, can also benefit from OKUSLIDE® installation.
When it comes to applications beyond truck beds and bodies, OKUSLIDE® ‘s versatility shines. Excavator buckets, chutes, hoppers, and conveyors benefit from OKUSLIDE® installations. These installations involve various mechanisms like stud welds, fanged bolts, and weld washers tailored to the parent material and accessibility.
Consultation with Experts
While some installations can be carried out with basic hand tools and non-trade-specific labour, it’s always advisable to consult with experts and leverage the network of installers across Australia. These professionals can guide you through the installation process, ensuring that the UHMWPE lining is precisely tailored to your truck’s needs.
Tools Required for UHMWPE Lining Installation
Before you begin the UHMWPE lining installation project, gather the necessary tools and materials for a hassle-free process:
- Safety Gear: Prioritise safety with personal protective equipment like gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Use a respirator for confined spaces.
- UHMWPE Sheets: Ensure you have enough sheets cut to fit your truck bed or body.
- Measuring and Cutting Tools: Use a measuring tape, straightedge, and a utility knife or plastic-cutting saw.
- Fasteners: Secure the sheets with self-tapping screws, nuts, bolts, or other suitable fasteners.
- Drill or Driver: Drill holes for fasteners with the appropriate bits.
- Clamps or Braces: Hold the sheets in place during installation.
- Cleaning Supplies: Use a degreaser, solvent, rags, and a scraper to prepare the surface.
- Workshop or Installation Area: Choose a well-ventilated, well-lit space for the job.
UHMWPE Lining Pre-Installation Preparation
To ensure a successful UHMWPE lining installation, follow these steps:
- Inspect the Truck Bed: Check for damage, rust, or issues, especially if there’s an existing liner.
- Surface Cleaning and Preparation: Remove dirt and debris using a broom or vacuum.
- Remove Debris or Old Lining: If needed, remove old lining materials by scraping, sanding, or using solvent.
- Rust Treatment: Address rust issues with a rust converter or inhibitor.
- Test Fit UHMWPE Sheets (Optional): Before fastening, fit the sheets to ensure proper alignment.
UHMWPE Lining Installation Steps
Measuring and Cutting UHMWPE Sheets
- Measure accurately.
- Transfer measurements to UHMWPE sheets.
- Cut with a sharp utility knife or plastic-cutting saw.
Fitting and Aligning UHMWPE Sheets in the Truck Bed
- Dry fit the sheets to ensure they fit snugly and align properly.
- Make necessary adjustments for corners and curves.
Securing the UHMWPE Lining in Place
- Fasten the sheets using self-tapping screws, nuts, bolts, or suitable fasteners.
Ensuring a Tight and Secure Fit
- Tighten fasteners to prevent movement or shifting of the lining.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfl3L1znX9s
Additional Tips for a Professional Installation
- Align seams for a seamless appearance.
- Seal joints if required to prevent material spillage.
- Perform a final inspection for security and uniformity.
Versatile Thickness Options
OKUSLIDE® liners come in different thicknesses, ranging from 6mm to 40mm. The most common thickness is 12.5mm, known to last up to 4 times longer than the original aluminium material.
Applications Across Industries
These UHMWPE liners are versatile and find applications across a range of industries. In agriculture, they are used in various thicknesses, such as 6mm, for light-duty tasks like mulch transportation.
In the building material sector, thicknesses range from 12.5mm up to 20mm, catering to different requirements. Customisation options are available for specialised applications, reaching up to a thickness of 40mm.
In the excavation industry, the non-stick surface of OKUSLIDE® is a significant advantage. While it provides wear protection, its primary benefit is minimising material hang-ups and streamlining cleanup processes.
Maximising Your Investment with Professional Guidance
In conclusion, the installation of UHMWPE lining, such as the OKUSLIDE® composite truck bed liner, is a wise investment for truck owners looking for safety and longevity and improving their commercial resale value. With remarkable abrasion resistance and the support of a professional network of installers, these liners are perfectly suited for all Australian conditions. Whether you operate in agriculture, construction, or excavation, OKUSLIDE® can enhance the performance and safety of your trucks, reducing wear and streamlining operations.
We believe that the UHMWPE lining in your trucks can last four to five times longer than traditional materials. It’s worth noting that OKUSLIDE® ‘s adaptability isn’t limited to trucks alone. Whether you have a wide body, drop deck tippers or even side tippers, OKUSLIDE® can be seamlessly installed on various truck bodies, further enhancing their performance and longevity.
Make the choice that not only benefits your bottom line but also the longevity and performance of your trucks, with the added assurance of professional guidance throughout the installation process.
