A Proud New Zealand Company with a Vision for Innovation
Built on History, Driven by Future-Focused Thinking
TRT, or Tidd Ross Todd Limited, is not just another transport engineering company. It is a homegrown success story that continues to innovate from its base in Hamilton, New Zealand.
What began over five decades ago as a specialist in trailer manufacturing has grown into a full-spectrum engineering firm known across Australasia. TRT now serves a wide range of sectors including transport, construction, logistics, and heavy lifting.
The company’s evolution into a leader in trucking and crane technology has not happened by chance. It is the result of consistent investment in R&D, a commitment to solving complex operational problems, and an internal culture that rewards curiosity and creativity.
While many companies in the heavy transport space are content to follow industry norms, TRT has continually questioned how things can be done better.
Innovation as a Strategic Foundation
For TRT, innovation is not simply a matter of adopting the latest trends. It is a foundational strategy that shapes every aspect of the business. From advanced manufacturing practices to next-generation vehicle systems, TRT prioritises solutions that make real-world improvements. Every product or service released by TRT reflects a careful balance of performance, safety, and practicality.
This philosophy has allowed the company to consistently deliver products that are ahead of the curve. Whether developing safer cranes or creating smarter vehicle systems, TRT’s approach to innovation is methodical, practical, and results-oriented.
Revolutionising Transport Efficiency with the Traction Air CTI System
Understanding Central Tire Inflation and Its Role in Fleet Management
The Traction Air Central Tire Inflation (CTI) system is a prime example of how TRT has turned technical insight into a practical, high-value solution. CTI allows drivers to adjust tire pressures on the move based on the terrain and load. This ability to respond dynamically to road conditions is not just a convenience, it is a strategic advantage for operators who need maximum uptime and minimal wear and tear.
CTI systems have been around in theory for some time, but TRT has perfected it through robust design, intuitive controls, and durable construction. Their proprietary Traction Air system has become the gold standard for fleets operating in mixed terrain environments, such as logging roads, unsealed haul routes, or rural construction sites.
Key Benefits: Safety, Longevity, and Cost Savings
The Traction Air CTI system improves traction, reduces the likelihood of tire blowouts, and extends tire lifespan. Lower pressures on rough or loose surfaces improve grip and reduce suspension shock, which in turn decreases vehicle wear. When back on the highway, increasing pressure improves fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance.
These operational improvements result in direct cost savings and fewer service disruptions. In a highly competitive transport industry, those advantages can make all the difference. TRT’s innovation with CTI has proven so successful that it is now being exported globally, with a growing number of international fleets adopting the technology.
TIDD Cranes: Raising the Bar for Mobile Crane Safety
Safety by Design: The PC28’s Industry-Leading Features
In the world of mobile lifting, few products have generated as much recognition as the TIDD PC28 crane. Designed and manufactured by TRT in New Zealand, the PC28 reflects a deep understanding of operator needs, jobsite risks, and compliance challenges.
The crane is packed with intelligent safety systems such as a dynamic load moment indicator (LMI), slewing lock, and a high-capacity boom that offers exceptional stability even under challenging load conditions. The engineering behind the PC28 reflects TRT’s total commitment to reducing risk while enhancing productivity.
A Trusted Solution in High-Risk Environments
Whether it is used in civil construction, mining, port logistics, or infrastructure projects, the PC28 is trusted by operators who value both safety and versatility. Its ergonomic cab design, real-time feedback systems, and strong build quality allow crews to work confidently in demanding conditions.
TRT has managed to achieve the rare combination of mobility and lifting strength without sacrificing safety, a feat that has earned the TIDD crane a strong reputation both locally and abroad.
An Engineering Culture That Fosters Real-World Solutions
R&D as a Core Competency
What sets TRT apart from other manufacturers is its in-house engineering capability. The company employs a dedicated team of engineers and technicians who are given the resources and autonomy to experiment, improve, and optimise. The design and development process is highly iterative and involves extensive collaboration between departments.
By controlling the entire manufacturing process, from CAD design to welding and final assembly, TRT maintains a high level of quality assurance. This also allows for rapid prototyping and quick iteration, which accelerates the innovation cycle significantly.
Collaboration with Industry and End-Users
Innovation at TRT is informed by continuous feedback from the field. Mechanics, fleet managers, crane operators, and transport companies provide input on design elements, usability, and performance. These insights are translated directly into product improvements. This responsive model ensures that TRT’s innovations are always aligned with real-world demands.
Hamilton: The Centre of TRT’s Engineering Excellence
New Zealand-Made with Global Reach
TRT’s headquarters in Hamilton is more than just an office and workshop. It is a manufacturing campus where ideas become prototypes and prototypes become industry-standard equipment. With CNC machines, fabrication bays, testing labs, and warehousing all on site, the Hamilton facility is uniquely equipped to produce both custom and high-volume builds.
This centralised structure ensures tight quality control and enables rapid scaling of successful innovations. It also means that any issues can be addressed quickly and directly, without the red tape of outsourcing or fragmented production lines.
Supplying Truck Parts That Keep NZ Moving
Hamilton is also home to TRT’s extensive truck parts division, which services fleets throughout the region and beyond. TRT is recognised as one of the few companies in New Zealand that can offer both advanced transport systems and a robust supply chain for critical truck components.
Operators looking for truck parts in Hamilton can rely on TRT’s expert team and well-stocked inventory. Their parts division is not just about selling products, it is about offering complete support. From hard-to-find components to urgent replacements, TRT is the local partner that many transport businesses trust to keep them on the road. Visit the dedicated Hamilton truck parts page here for more information.
Driving Change Across the Trucking and Crane Industries
Setting Higher Standards Through Engineering Excellence
TRT’s influence is not confined to its own customers. The company’s emphasis on performance, safety, and adaptability is helping to set new expectations across the entire industry. As regulatory standards rise and operational costs climb, other manufacturers and suppliers are looking to TRT’s example of forward-thinking innovation.
The flow-on effects include better-engineered products, safer workplaces, and more sustainable business practices throughout the heavy transport ecosystem. TRT’s leadership has created a ripple effect that raises the bar for everyone involved.
Supporting Fleet Transition and Sustainability Goals
With growing interest in fuel efficiency and lower emissions, many fleet operators are seeking ways to modernise without complete overhauls. TRT’s innovations, such as CTI and lightweight component design, provide practical solutions that can be implemented incrementally. This supports the broader industry move toward smarter, more responsible transport systems without compromising performance.
The Road Ahead: Where TRT’s Innovation Is Headed Next
Ongoing Product Development and Global Expansion
Looking forward, TRT is focused on expanding its product offering and entering new markets. With global supply chains under pressure and local demand for high-quality transport solutions increasing, TRT’s vertically integrated model is more valuable than ever. The company is exploring further applications for its CTI technology, enhancing its crane platforms, and investigating new materials to improve durability and reduce vehicle weight.
Continued Investment in Talent and Technology
TRT recognises that innovation is only possible with the right people and tools. The company continues to invest in training programs, recruitment, and advanced machinery to stay ahead of the curve. This includes AI-assisted design, automated welding systems, and digital diagnostics that feed directly into maintenance strategies for clients.
The next chapter in TRT’s story is already being written, and it promises to bring even greater advancements in transport engineering.
Innovation With Purpose: Why TRT Continues to Lead
Innovation That Builds Trust, Not Just Products
For TRT, innovation is not just a marketing phrase or a goal on a vision board. It is a daily practice, rooted in listening to customers, observing industry trends, and solving complex challenges with precision and care. The result is a company that consistently delivers equipment and services that operators genuinely trust.
A Partner in Performance for New Zealand and Beyond
Whether supplying world-class truck parts, engineering the safest cranes, or revolutionising transport systems with technologies like Traction Air, TRT continues to shape the future of the industry. Their innovations improve lives, save time, reduce costs, and most importantly, set a higher standard for what is possible in trucking and heavy lifting.
As the transport sector evolves, TRT will remain a key player in that journey, bringing innovation you can trust, one engineered solution at a time.
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