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HOW IT WORKS – HYBRID 4X4S  

For the last 100 years or so the powertrains motoring us down the tracks haven’t changed a great deal. Sure, they’ve gotten more complex, but the same basic things are happening whether you’re cruising into camp in a Model T or a twin-turbo V6 Ranger Raptor. Fuel and air makes its way into a chamber, it’s combusted, pushes a piston down, spins a crank, goes through some sort of gearing arrangement to make the power usable, turns a diff, drives a wheel. You can look at a supercar and a flathead V8 and see the same basic principles.   But things are rapidly changing.  With the push for electric vehicles that paradigm has shifted so dramatically someone from 2004 could barely recognise the propulsion systems in an all-electric F-150 Lightning. But are hybrids much simpler? They promise to be the perfect middle ground between old and new, proven technology and the stuff of the future. But how do they actually work? We take a closer look at this often understood technology and do a deep dive to see its viability in a 4X4 landscape.   WHERE’S THE MOTOR?   When it comes to talking hybrid drivetrains the actual ‘how’ can be far more confusing than the ‘what’. Like any new technology there’s a whole host of different manufacturers trying to get a jump…

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From truly isolated to tourist destination, how the Old Tele’ Track came to be

The Old Telegraph Track in Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia, holds a rich history that dates back to the early days in the region. This iconic track, formerly known as the Cape York Telegraph Line, played a crucial role in connecting Australia to the rest of the world and served as a lifeline for those living in Cape York. In this yarn, we’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating history of the Old Telegraph Track, exploring its construction, the challenges faced by early pioneers, and the legacy it has left behind.  The construction of the Old Telegraph Track was part of a larger project known as the Overland Telegraph Line, which aimed to connect Brisbane with the northern outposts in the Cape, and then onto the rest of the world. Completed in 1887, the line stretched from Laura at the southern end of the Peninsula to Thursday Island. The northern section of the line, passing through the rugged terrain of Cape York Peninsula, presented significant challenges for the survey and construction teams.  Led by John Bradfield, the initial surveying expedition commenced in 1883, becoming only the fourth overland expedition to Cape York Peninsula. The construction work itself involved clearing a corridor approximately forty meters wide, with galvanized iron poles manufactured specifically to support the telegraph line. These poles, along…

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The only 4X4 accessory you’ll pass down to your grandkids

There’s no shortage of odds and ends, doo dad’s and what’s its we fit to our rigs, all with their own unique story and purpose. But some bits of 4X4 kit are a little more special than that. In fact, the Engel range of fridges may as well be considered family heirlooms. For a comparable price as their competitors, the Engel range of fridges have a track record 60 years long, with many of those early fridges still bouncing around the tracks in the back of 4X4s to this day. To find out what gives Engel their staying power, we sat down with tech-guru Peter from Engel, here’s what he had to say. Dan: Righto Peter, let’s cut right to the chase, what do you do at Engel and how long have you been doing it?  Peter: I’ve been with Engel for 29 years. I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years, everything from helping set up the business to sales rep., State Manager for several states, looking after our national accounts like Kenworth, etc., I’ve worked in our customer service division and done a lot of staff training internally as well as external retail training. Yeah, just about everything.   D: For those who have been living under a rock for the last 60 years, can you give us…

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Two Years on The Tracks – How the Everest held up

After two years on the road, the Everest beach tourer has not only proven its mettle across Australia’s varied landscapes but has proven that despite the huge popularity of 4X4 dual cab utes these days, trusty wagons can seriously hold their own as do-it-all rigs.   Straight out of the gate, Ford’s Next Gen Everest Sport is a marvel of modern 4X4 technology. Boasting a 3L V6 turbo-diesel engine, it overshadows its competitors with sheer power and a hefty 3.5 tonnes towing capacity. From an Electronic Brake Controller to a forward-facing camera complete with a lens cleaner as standard, Ford has thought of it all. As Ian Foston, Ford’s Chief Platform Engineer, puts it, the Everest is the “unsung hero” that now roars with 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque, meeting the customers’ call for more capability and power. Let’s dive into how this ultimate beach tourer has evolved.  New Gear for a New Season  First up, the Bushwakka Extreme Square 2m, now upgraded with gas struts, makes an appearance. It’s a piece of kit that’s been invaluable for beachside camping and quick stops in the bush. The awning’s design perfectly complements the Everest, ensuring the tailgate can swing open without interference, a critical consideration for beach tourers who rely on easy access to the rear for gear, food, and…

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Pat’s thoughts on the Next-Gen Ranger

In a world seemingly screaming for new electric vehicles, the new Ford Ranger is an unusual rockstar. Powered purely by diesel engines, it has attracted popularity hitherto unseen in this nation. Before a single vehicle was shipped to an owner, 17,000 orders were placed. This unprecedented demand is anyone’s guess, but by my estimation it comes for three good reasons. The last model, particularly in its latest incarnation, was incredibly popular and packed with good tech. Always number one or two on the best sellers list, it was great to look at and feature-packed. The new model features an even bolder look, which quite obviously appeals to the Australian market. It’s no ugly duckling. There’s a bold and striking front end with C-clamp headlamps that give little doubt as to its family resemblance. If it was a child. You’d say it’s a chip off the old man’s block (the old man being an F-Truck). And Aussies do like a tough-looking ute. But the killer blow in the new Ford Ranger. And the reason for so many confident pre-orders is the new 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine. The previous gen 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel was no slouch, but in Australia, V6 means sales. And with 600Nm on tap, Australia, your prayers have been answered. The most popular model thus far, is the Wildtrak…

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From one extreme… the story of Cecil Madigan

Sure, he has an iconic track named after him, but Cecil Madigan was no one-trick pony! Any 4wder and tourer worth their salt has at least heard of the infamous Madigan Line in the north of the Simpson Desert. It is one of those last remaining tracks here in Australia where you can truly be isolated and forging your own path. Where when the wind blows you have to rely on your navigational skills as the track disappears before your very eyes. We suspect that’s exactly how Mr Madigan would like it, being an explorer at heart as he was. Born in Renmark in South Australia in 1889. Madigan was raised by his Mother after his Father passed away in the Kalgoorlie goldfields. The early loss never held him back, particularly when it came to academic endeavours. Madigan attended Adelaide High School and earned a Scholarship to continue his education at the University of Adelaide. There he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1910. He studied mining engineering and geology but also had a keen interest in meteorology. In 1911 Madigan had moved to England after winning a Rhodes scholarship. He had planned to study Meteorology, however, fate intervened. An Australian explorer by the name of (Sir) Douglas Mawson (you know, that bloke off the old $100 note) was…

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