J4 Tipper Code Extension Update
Sample hoist mounting analysis completed by BTT Engineering
Sample drawing provided by BTT Engineering (generic drawing - includes additional redundant sideplates)
For those catching up on industry changes over the last 12 months, the National Heavy Vehicle Regular (NHVR) in April 2023 proposed a new tipper body design code which was originally to come into force on July 1, 2023. After consultation with industry bodies, the NVHR has provided a series of extensions, with the most recent extension by the NHVR confirmed in writing by VicRoads to all VASS signatories on June 20, confirming suggestions of a further exemption from the scheduled July 1, 2024 implementation published by industry bodies weeks earlier. Stated reasons for the extension include concerns from industry that they wouldn’t have the appropriate systems in place to meet the previous deadline.
WHEN ARE THE new VSB6 J4 modification code implementation dates?
1 July 2024 publish revised J4 on the NHVR website, allowing AVEs and body builders to review the code and apply for J4 accreditation when applicable.
1 October 2024 tipper manufacturers who were not ready to comply with J4 should start to have designs certified under the J4 design code.
1 April 2025 J4 design code is mandated, and all new tipper certifications must be accompanied by a J4 design.
BTT ENgineering’s role in j4 compliance
BTT Engineering as an industry leader in the AVE space have been developing systems and packages to assist with providing tipper body manufacturers with easy to understand and low-stress J4 tipper design packages and were already in the process of issuing J4 certification to a number of manufacturers prior to the extension. The revised code is yet to be published but is only set to remove some requirements. As a result of this, BTT Engineering are proud to announce that our J4 tipper body certification packages and assessment systems are ready to implement for any tipper body manufacturer looking to get themselves up to speed and certified before the new April 1, 2025 deadline. Through development of their J4 analysis methods BTT has liaised with leading industry manufacturers to observe the differing tipper body designs currently on market in Australia along with completing extensive validation through various methods of calculation and simulation.
BTT Engineering’s J4 Tipper Design Code support can cover a number of possibilities depending on scenarios, including:
Reverse engineering of current or newly proposed unique designs and subsequent advice of any required changes to minimise disruption to a manufacturer’s current processes
Provision of a standardised tipper body design package for manufacturers flexible as to their design requirements but wanting the fastest possible J4 certification
This option still retains large amounts of customisation available, including user inputs for truck and body dimensions, preferred subframe sizes, hoist mounting preferences amongst many more!
All standardised design options include provision for 2D drawings showing all details required for a manufacturer to complete their build - making it easier for the workshop to understand their requirements and the package easy for J1 signatories to validate to
With many large government and private organisations set to include J4 as a mandatory requirement in upcoming tenders, manufacturers must be proactive in ensuring that they are ready well before the April 1st deadline next year and can factor any changes into their quotes. Don’t be caught out and contact BTT Engineering today to find out how we can help with your J4 requirements!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is j4 tipper body compliance?
The NHVR has Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6): National Code of Practice Heavy Vehicle Modifications as the national standard for common modifications made to heavy vehicles. In the latest revision, Version 3.2, they are proposing a new modification code to cover tipper body designs under code J4. More information on the code can be found on the NHVR’s website.
Why has the j4 code been implemented?
The J4 code has been implemented in response to several safety incidents reported by WorkSafe involving trucks with tipper bodies. The intent of the code is similar to the tilt tray design code (T2) and aims to ensure tipper bodies are designed to a higher standard
What does j4 compliance involve?
J4 compliance involves analysis of a number of systems on a tipper body and includes validation of structural integrity of key components such as hoist mounting, safety props, tailgates and rear pivot assemblies. Without these assemblies and systems being analysed no proof is present for manufacturers that their design was appropriate in the event of an incident involving their tipper body
do i need to get a j4 design certificate for each build?
No! A J4 design certificate is intended to be a one-off design certificate which can be used for an infinite number of builds providing these are all covered with the scope of the design. This means that while there might be some initial setup costs to get your J4 design code happening, the only cost for each subsequent build will be for the AVE certificate or “blue plate” which industry already requires. If you require different design options, these may require separate J4 approvals or be able to be completed as a design variation with some design aspects retained from the original design