Kenworth Down Under - Issue 15

DOWN UNDER

COLLECTORS’ ISSUE 15 Aust $9.95 (inc GST) NZ $15.00 (inc GST)

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New Breed ROAD TRANSPORT’S NEXT GENERATION Abood’s T909 • PACCAR MX-13 T409SAR Ross T9 Harvest • Tough T3 Twin-Steers Makin’ Market • Livestock T909, T659 & K200 Print Post Approved PP424022/1744 Specialised Publishing • ISSN 1449-3489

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BUSINESS CLASS INTERIOR NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE RANGE. For a hands on experience of the new Kenworth Business Class interior, call your local Kenworth Dealer today, or for more information go to www.kenworth.com.au.

Available in every Kenworth; a Business Class interior designed to deliver maximum driver confidence, with comfort and control in perfect harmony.

editorial

ROAD AHEAD journey from the past

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“When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight” It used to be that only air-freight had to be delivered door-to-door overnight. Nowadays that famous maxim applies to just about everything. The world is moving faster, and our expectation for service is shifting the bar higher.

Not only does the freight need to be delivered the next day, but we need to know where it is and at exactly what time it will be on the doorstep, or freight dock.

More and more trucks are running to stricter schedules, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to ease off anytime soon. The transport of goods and services is closely linked to both technological innovation and consumer behaviour. It’s this dynamic that drives road transport’s constant reinvention.

In this issue we explore the Kenworth truck operators that are at the coalface of this change. Almost all are successful family businesses that are well into their own first decade of intergenerational change.

Now all grown up, the next generation are taking on more responsibility in the businesses their parents built. This new breed doesn’t necessarily have to do the hard yards, but they have embraced their Mum and Dad’s work ethic – a dedication to getting the job done right in the first place, using the best equipment available.

With many of these family-owned trucking companies, there’s a concentration of specialised knowledge and expertise that can only be taught at the school of hard knocks.

These are second or even third generation family enterprises that have the benefit of being able to call on the practical knowledge of their parents, as well as, the guidance from experienced staff.

On the surface, the level of professionalism the drivers, fleet managers and owners featured in this issue (and previous issues) doesn’t seem like too much of a big deal. It’s expected, especially if you have grown up within a trucking family.

But from the outside looking in, the view can be very different.

For the most part the movement of goods and services around the country runs like clockwork, and the general public don’t really have to think too much about the process.

Fresh fruit and veges magically appear on 4 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

their supermarket shelves. Petrol stations always seem to have fuel at the bowser.

Livestock assembles in the saleyards on market days. Their local butcher always has a supply of fresh meat. Anyone can pick up a phone, or go online and order a new front lawn, cement, landscaping supplies, overnight parcels, even your groceries or prepacked meals, and expect it to be on the doorstep the next day.

Nobody really stops to think, ‘how does it happen?’ because it just does.

When they do, and that almost always never happens, the general public will acknowledge the important role road transport has in keeping the wheels of commerce well-oiled. But beyond that they haven’t a clue what it takes, or what skills need to be applied, to provide that service.

Kenworth knows.

It’s part of the company’s DNA. That’s why they provide drivers with trucks that reward them for their hard won knowledge and experience. That’s why they build trucks best suited to Australian regulations and conditions. That’s why they offer a range of wheelbase options and cabs to match the task with a comfortable work environment well above industry standards.

While the next generation may be taking over, their choice of truck remains the same.

Like their parents, they love the industry, enjoy its challenges and they appreciate their trucks. And, just like their parents, they understand that their trucks are first and foremost a business tool.

These Kenworths are the heart and soul of their company, and a major chunk of their capital assets. They have to look good on the road and better on the bottom line.

Kenworth offer a range of premium build, productive workhorses that are designed to handle our extreme operating conditions. We may be living in a digital age, but it’s the fast pace of modern life that’s increasing the mechanical demands on transport equipment.

A modern fleet expects its trucks to be available to run day and night, hauling maximum payloads with minimum service requirements. Kenworth has been building exactly this type of truck for more than 40 years.

A no compromise truck built for purpose.

Nobody does it better ...

Mark Gibson

Editor Mark Gibson mgibson@specialisedpublishing.com.au Design + Production Helene Thorp production@specialisedpublishing.com.au Contributors Peter Schlenk Editorial Enquiries mgibson@specialisedpublishing.com.au Advertising Enquiries Phone 07 3194 1751 sales@specialisedpublishing.com.au www.kenworthdownunder.com.au Mailing Address Kenworth Down Under PO Box 5349 • Manly Qld 4179 • Australia Website + Back Issues www.kenworthdownunder.com.au

KENWORTH DOWN UNDER

Proudly designed and printed in Australia Published by Specialised Publishing Pty Ltd ABN 91 099 929 156 SPECIALISED All Rights Reserved © 2015 PUBLISHING The publishers of Kenworth Down Under Magazine would like to acknowledge Kenworth Australia for its advice and assistance in the production of this magazine.

All material in Kenworth Down Under magazine is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The advice offered by our writers should be treated as opinion only and all care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. Articles in this magazine are published only as a service to the reader and should not be substituted for specific advice in respect of any project undertaken by that reader. Feature articles are written from information received from each truck owner or manufacturer. The magazine does not accept responsibility for inaccuracies resulting from information supplied.

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This product is sourced from well-managed forests & other controlled sources

issue fifteen

CONTENTS features

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30

50

70

Family Ties

Every Drop Counts ...

Hoofs & Horns

Grass is Greener...

The Abood family is linked to Australian road transport’s pioneering days. Sixty years later, the famous name continues ... adorning a smart fleet of Kenworths and DAFs

At Evans Petroleum, PACCAR’s MX-13 engine combines with Kenworth’s T409SAR to win the tare weight challenge

Dulacca Transport puts its Kenworth T659s to the extreme test hauling cattle roadtrains through outback Queensland

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Local Talent

Living the Dream

Charlie Muscat knew that one day he would own a Kenworth. It’s taken a little longer than he thought but with his son, Ben they’ve put one of the smartest T359 to work in the family turf operation

Bramstedt’s PBS certified 8x4 K200 livestock truck and dog outfit is proving it can do more, and haul more, with less ... now everyone wants to know his secret

Two young men discover they share the same big truck dream.They combine talents and resources to form Betts Bower Heavy Haulage ... one of the smartest fleets on the road

16 Good Things ... in Small Packages When Kenworth first launched its T3 range, Mawson’s Concrete and Quarries were quick to recognise the new truck’s potential

24 Style, Comfort ... Power Carting livestock has always been a tough business. At least the beasts travel first class in Shanahan’s T909s

44 Pride & Performance Through two generations the Ross family’s formula for survival in the transport industry has remained the same ... keep the big wheels rollin’

64 Time & Temperature For Matthew Valance there are three vital considerations to the smooth operation of a fleet ... time, temperature and Kenworth K200s

KENWORTH DOWN UNDER

ISSN 1449-3489

BONUS PULL OUT POSTERS

04

on the road From the Editor

06

kenworth news In Brief

77

order on-line Your Collection

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national Dealer Network

82

on the job Quick Hitch

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 5

open road

KENWORTH NEWS PACCAR world

Dealer winners

Heart of Australia

From left to right: Andrew Hadjikakou, Director of Sales & Marketing, PACCAR Australia; Matt Innes, Dealer Principal, Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Toowoomba; Tony Hurley, former Dealer Principal, Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Toowoomba; Mike Dozier, Managing Director, PACCAR Australia

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PACCAR Australia is helping to save lives with the donation of a K200 cabover to the Heart of Australia project. The Kenworth K200 is being used to deliver specialist medical services to remote communities in rural south-west Queensland.

The truck hauls a 19m custom trailer outfitted with more than $500,000 worth of state-of-the-art medical equipment.

The Heart of Australia project is the brainchild of 41-year-old Queensland cardiologist, Dr. Rolf Gomes, and is the most ambitious mobile medical service of its kind anywhere in the world.

Cardiovascular disease is Australia’s leading cause of death, hitting hardest in rural and farming regions.

“Many of these communities do not have specialist cardiac health services,” Dr. Gomes said. “That’s the reason I founded Heart of Australia – to give people in the bush access to the same services the rest of Australia takes for granted.”

Heart of Australia has attracted widespread support, including State and Federal government funding.

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Above: Dr Rolf Gomes helping a truck driver inside the KW K200 Heart of Australia

PACCAR Australia was the first to back the program with the provision of the K200 cabover, with Brown and Hurley providing truck service and maintenance support.

PACCAR Australia’s Managing Director, Mike Dozier, said he was excited about supporting a very worthy and much-needed service.

“We’re delighted to be contributing to this unique initiative, and looking forward to the possibility of a longer-term relationship.

Heart of Australia is an important medical resource which will improve life in many communities and, no doubt, save lives as well.” For more information, visit heartofaustralia.com

Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Toowoomba has taken out the prestigious Kenworth Dealer of the Year award for 2014.

The award was presented at PACCAR’s annual dealer event, with Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Toowoomba being announced victors from a field of over 55 dealerships throughout Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

The Barry Maney Group (BMG) Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier was awarded the title of ‘DAF Dealer of the Year’ for 2014, at the PACCAR dealer event.

The Kenworth and the DAF Dealer of the Year accolades are awarded to the dealership with the highest ranking across five main areas: customer service, dealership performance, truck sales, finance and parts and service support.

Presenting the award was PACCAR Australia’s Managing Director, Mike Dozier, who congratulated the 2014 winners for achieving consistently high standards across all dealership operations.

Toowoomba Dealer Principal, Matt Innes said the award recognised the staff’s dedication to supporting their customers in every way possible.

The Brown and Hurley Group celebrated its half century as a Kenworth dealer with the announcement that it has commence construction work on its new Caboolture, Qld Kenworth DAF dealership.

open road

KENWORTH NEWS PACCAR world

KW legends

High vis hero Above: Gordon Martin (left) and Mick Travlos swap stories at the Kenworth Legends Lunch

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Caught in a traffic jam south of Waterfall, NSW during a November heat wave, Phil Beger noticed Debra Tropea leave her car to sit in the shade with her son, Cruz. With temperatures nudging 40 degrees, the three-yearold was suffering from severe heatstroke and dehydration.

“His face was bright red and he had sweat pouring off him,” Ms Tropea told the Moruya Examiner. “I was in panic mode when he walked towards us and took control of the situation … he is our hero for life.”

Phil put Cruz in the cab of his air conditioned Kenworth, feeding him his fresh grapes and cold water. When the hold-up cleared, he made sure Ms Tropea was safely back in her car so that she could rushed Cruz to the Wollongong hospital.

Phil received the ‘Highway Guardian’ award from Andrew Moffat, managing director of Bridgestone Australia, at the ATA’s 2015 Trucking Australia conference.

“Phil’s actions helped save a little boy’s life,” Mr Moffat said at the ceremony. “As a proud supporter of this ATA initiative, Bridgestone is enormously pleased that Phil has been inducted as a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian.”

For more information about the award, go to highwayguardian.com.au.

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Phil Berger of Kerin Kay Transport, Moruya, NSW has been acknowledged as the latest recipient of the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian award (photo courtesy - Illawarra Mercury)

Bridgestone also announced a ‘breakthrough’ drive tyre at the recent ATA conference. The new M766, which is standard on new Kenworths, features an advanced compound developed for Australian conditions.

The compound offers increased wear resistance and a major improvement in traction on wet roads. The Bridgestone Multi Trans M766 is available through Bridgestone’s dealer network Australia-wide.

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The trucking industry celebrated the trials and triumphs of two of the transport industry’s trailblazing operators at the Kenworth Legends Lunch held at the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) recent Trucking Australia 2015 conference.

This year’s legends were Gordon Martin from the livestock carriers, Martin Group of Companies and Mick Travlos from the express freight specialists, Victoria Trucking Co. “It’s just been a fantastic journey,” Gordon Martin said.

“And you know the best part about it? It’s still going on!”

Also at the ATA conference, PACCAR confirmed its continuing support of trucking’s peak body, with PACCAR Australia Managing Director Mike Dozier and Rob Brown from the PACCAR & Dealer Industry Fund presenting ATA Chair Noelene Watson with a $120,000 sponsorship cheque.

Blenners 200th Kenworth – A Milestone Achievement

Australia’s premier heavy-duty truck supplier, Kenworth Trucks has presented Blenners Transport’s Managing Director, Les Blennerhassett, with the keys to his company’s 200th Australian designed and built Kenworth. Mike Dozier, Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, handed-over the keys of the Brown and Hurley 50th Anniversary K200 to Les Blennerhassett and son, Roger (right) at a recent ceremony held at the Kenworth Bayswater plant in Melbourne. Mr Dozier congratulated Les Blennerhassett on the achievement saying that Blenners Transport’s 200th Kenworth was a major accomplishment, and a proud milestone for the family-owned transport company.

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Family Ties The Abood family will be forever linked to Australian road transport’s pioneering days.

Sixty years later, the famous name continues … adorning a smart fleet of Kenworths and DAFs story + photos

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australian truck photography

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Back in the 50s and 60s road transport was busy blazing a trail across the country. Hardy operators were forging new links to interstate markets for industry, miners and farmers on a non-existent road network. Adding to the challenge, the trucks available at the time were imported and mostly designed for short haul work in European climates.

Survival in those early days meant adapting to the conditions and, in this harsh environment, Cedric Abood stood out as one of nature’s true gentlemen of the road. A quietly spoken achiever, Cedric opened up inland trucking routes from Sydney as far west as Birdsville.

Today the Abood name adorns the trucks owned by Cedric’s son, Tony Abood, from Tweed Heads on NSW’s northern holiday coast. Tony trades as Abood’s Crane Trucks and his 26 truck fleet wears the traditional Abood livery that his father Cedric and uncles, Brian and John, were known for.

While Tony is exceptionally proud of the trailblazing role his family has played in Australian transport history, his business focus remains forward looking. All the same though, like his father, Tony needs trucks that are reliable, versatile and can adapt to a wide variety of applications.

Tony’s first Kenworth arrived in 2004 when he added a K104 to the fleet.

“Our work is so varied,” Tony explains.

“We could do a job in Sydney tomorrow and that same truck could pick up a load in that city and end up in Normanton and then be doing suburban roof trusses the following week.”

It was that desire to find and operate the best trucks for the job that people remember about Abood’s Transport when they operated out of Sydney in the 50s.

According to Tony, the brothers were originally market gardeners and operated trucks to carry their produce to market.

“Somehow they went from carting vegies to carting cement for Blue Circle. Around 1955, they started carrying building materials out into the Simpson Desert for the Kidman cattle stations,” recalled Tony.

“It was a bit different back then. I mean, it would’ve been like going to the moon and back! No roads, and the first trucks they used were Leylands and AECs; heavy cumbersome things that were continually getting bogged.”

“Anyway they did four or five trips for the Kidman’s, setting up stations all the way along the Diamantina River (in Central Western Queensland and northern SA) so they could drove cattle from Queensland KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 11

Right: Tony Abood proudly continuing the family tradition

down to Adelaide. The brothers pioneered that work until others thought they could do it.

“After four years, there wasn’t any money in it anymore, but by that time they’d done very well out of it.”

The Aboods then turned to the eastern seaboard and began carting for metal manufacturers out of Port Kembla.

These were the days Tony remembers, that as a young boy all he wanted to do, was go with his father and be a truck driver.

Tony would travel with Cedric every school holidays and, later, worked at the yard. Like all truck drivers, Cedric wanted Tony to do something else, However, transport has been my life and even now if I have a bad day, I don’t think I would rather be doing anything else,” mused Tony.

The first truck Tony drove for his father was an ex-Brambles Kenworth K123 with a 230hp GM6/71. Cedric actually fitted a 15-speed RoadRanger in it, because it used to run out of gears going up the Moonbi’s. Tony recalls it was a single drive rig with a Page and Page pusher axle, which made it more than a handful in the wet!

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“That was the first truck I drove interstate.

You could hear her coming for three days,” laughed Tony. “Later Dad took that cab and put it on a 1962 Foden chassis with a 340hp Rolls Royce engine in it!

“That truck became very well-known up the east coast as “the Fodsworth” and was the last truck I drove for Dad,” recalls Tony.

Tony worked in the family business for a number of years and then like many, Tony and Cedric had a disagreement. They both stood their ground and neither would back down.

“I started walking out the front gate thinking he would call me back. He watched me walk to the front gate thinking I would turn around and come back. I made the split and being a keen surfer, I moved up to the north coast.”

By chance, Tony ended up working for Bob Shackle at Pottsville. Bob and Cedric had helped each other out from time to time, and his depot was near the beach.

“I learnt a lot working with my family, but working for Bob was a whole new ball game.

Bob was a fair, but hard man. He taught me

“Sometimes you can send a man out to do a boy’s job but it doesn’t work the other way around.” how to be more efficient. Those three years were a steep learning curve. A lot of things I learnt from Bob helped me get going when I bought my first truck.”

After 16 years on linehaul and with his wife, Jill expecting their second child Tony decided he needed to be closer to home and grabbed a job driving for a local roof truss company in Currumbin, on the Gold Coast for three years.

By that time, Tony and Cedric were back on talking terms and Tony was offered an old Fruehauf trailer and a wrecked Mack/ Renault. Tony purchased them and, with his father’s help, then bought himself a new Palfinger crane.

“I kicked off with that one truck and two years later, in 1996, I added a Haulmark extendable trailer and a small tray truck. The companies I started working for back then in the 90s ... I’m still working for now. We’ve picked up other work, but as our clients expanded and diversified, I’ve followed suit ... adding trucks to suit the job,” explained Tony.

Price was a major influence on vehicle purchase in the early days and, back then,

he never thought he would ever be able to afford a Kenworth.

However, when Bruce Barnes, the truck salesman he worked with moved to the local Kenworth dealership in 2004, Tony made the change as well.

“That’s when I purchased the K104. I was able to do it because Bruce knew my history and went to Kenworth and they came up with a deal I could afford. In the early days I thought I couldn’t afford a Kenworth, but after purchasing that first one (I had such a good run out of it) I thought to myself how can I afford not to buy a Kenworth?

The after sales service and backup are second to none,” said Tony.

Since then everything has either been Kenworth or DAF. Tony says that a crane truck can be fickle to set

up correctly and he likes that he can go to Kenworth, get the exact chassis length he wants, the combination he needs and they will design and build a truck to suit the application.

Because of the variety of work, Tony is not just looking for one particular type of truck.

His trucks need to carry some fuel, have plenty of horsepower, be able to operate over long distances and look after the drivers … while still being okay for local work.

“Sometimes you can send a man out to do a boy’s job but it doesn’t work the other way around. The T908 was my mid-life crisis vehicle! I remember the first trip I did down the Hume with my father and one of Wettenalls’ S2 Kenworths went past us. I fell in love with the bonneted Kenworth trucks then.

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 13

The Abood fleet is a mix of both Kenworths and DAFs. Each model has a specific application in the fleet

When the opportunity came around to purchase a T908, it was a great day!” grinned Tony.

There are five DAFs in the Abood fleet, three of which are CF 85s, an XF 105 and a LF 55.

“I’ve had a terrific run out of them. They’ve been such a reliable work horse. I call them the BPs; they just keep on keeping on! I must give credit where credit is due. The big DAF XF 105 is probably the best truck I have ever driven. If I was in the market for a linehaul highway truck, I’d probably get another one,” he continued Likewise Tony says the T403 is the perfect crane truck. “It’s big enough for linehaul as well as local, and is capable in both applications. It has an Eaton Autoshift and an ISX e5 Cummins, which is very economical. The drivers think it’s a great piece of kit and it’s not too heavy, we can send it across Australia or just down to Bryon Bay with no hesitation.

There are a couple of K200s in the fleet and Tony is pleased with the improvements over the older cabovers saying that the ride is much improved and the cabs are roomy and quiet.

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“If I was to get another road train truck, I’d be leaning towards the 2.8m K200, rather than a bonneted truck. The K200 gives the best of both worlds. You’ve got the versatility of a cabover and the room you associated with a bonneted truck and sleeper. From a driver’s perspective, both of our K200s have been great. They are good reliable workhorses,” said Tony.

Today, the Abood fleet wears the original Abood signage and colours.

When Tony rang Cedric and told him about the crane truck idea, at first he tried to talk him out of it.

“When I came up with the idea of a crane truck, Dad knew nothing about them. I said that I thought there would be a use for it. So we got together and rebuilt the old Mack.

While doing it I said to him that I was thinking about using the old livery and he replied that it would be fine,” chuckled Tony.

There were two reasons behind Tony using the old livery. Firstly, it incorporates the family name and he is very proud of it. The other reason was that the name is recognisable and widely respected … “People remember our name and our trucks, especially the old Fodsworth!”

Good Things ...

Mawsons Concrete and Quarries knew a good thing when Kenworth launched its T3 range. Since then that good thing has just got better and better ‌ story + photos

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australian truck photography

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According to Ross Salter, the first Kenworths to have one of Mawson’s concrete agitator bowls on their backs were some T450s purchased 30-years ago. The trucks were originally fitted with interchangeable tipper bodies, that could be swapped over to power-pack agitators as demand required.

These T450s went on to set the fleet standard for reliability and productivity.

Ross is Mawsons Concrete and Quarries fleet manager and recalls the support from Kenworth back then to make sure the T450s performed at peak productivity in their dual role.

“They were on Kenworth air bag suspension,” Ross remembers. “It was early days with air-bag suspensions in agitators and we had to get the OK from Kenworth engineering … as a safety precaution, we ended up fitting sway bars.”

After a period of working both in quarries and delivering cement, the T450s were brought into Mawson’s agitator fleet full time. They were lightened off as much as

in Small Packages KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 17

Below: Fleet manager, Ross Salter likes the productivity and vehicle longevity he gets from Kenworth trucks

Mawson’s subby, Anthony Cleary with his T409 SAR

possible and fitted with dedicated direct drive hydraulics.

“Those trucks are still operating in our fleet today; a testimony as to why we purchase and stick with Kenworth. The T450s have been great trucks and they led us to the T350s when they arrived on the scene.

Our T350s were fitted with six-cubic metre bowls and airbag suspensions, a setup that has been proven and successful for us, and we continue to rebuild and refurbish those original T350s today.

“That’s excellent value for money!”

Mawsons’ trucks are kept busy operating out of the company’s 29 batching plants across Victoria and southern NSW. Generally, the newer trucks are tasked to the busiest batching plants, while the older machines 1 8 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

“Kenworth are a premium truck and you can justify the cost by running them 24/7, or by rebuilding and refurbishing them. are cycled through the fleet to work in regions that are not so demanding.

“They must still be as reliable, start every time and not break down because some of our smaller plants don’t have many trucks,” Ross said of Mawson’s long service Kenworths. “Each one becomes vital to supplying a service to our customers exactly when they need it.”

If it’s not planning to refurbish its older Kenworths, Mawsons will trade them on newer models, although the T3 agitators are

sometimes sold to its subcontractors. Such is the faith the company has in its Kenworths, they will buy them back when the subbie upgrades to a newer truck.

It’s this longevity that put Kenworth at the top of the list when Mawsons went looking for a B-Double prime mover to haul bulk tanker loads of cement to its batching plants.

“Except for a couple of our plants, most have 24/7 access,” Ross said of the company’s B-Double operation. “The two tankers that operate around the clock, 52 weeks of

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 19

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The Traveller

The Traveller. Greg Peace with his hard working T359A

Easy cab access and outstanding visibility, are just a few of the features that make the T359A popular

the year with three drivers to each truck. We started the service with two T408s, one has since been replaced by a T609 The T408s covered an excess of a million kilometres and, with the truck engine also used to drive the compressor blowing the cement, those engines are never switched off.

“Kenworth are a premium truck and we can justify the cost by running them 24/7, or by rebuilding and refurbishing them. Of the Kenworths we’ve sold, the T408s and T608s 2 0 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

Greg Peace (pictured left) is what’s known at Mawsons as a ‘traveller’ and his new T359A is used as a top-up truck.

Greg is one of three ‘travellers’ who can be assigned to a different batching plant each day to ensure there’s enough trucks to fulfil localised demand.

He’s been a traveller for all of the 15 years he’s been with Mawsons.

“Every afternoon I get a text advising where and when I’m needed the following day,” Greg explains. ”I’m privileged to be able to take my truck home every night. “ Greg describes himself as being ‘very fussy’ about what he drives. He’d driven a T358A for three years previously, describing the Kenworth as ‘completely trouble free’, saying he was particularly impressed with the 110,000 kms he got out of the first set of factory fitted Bridgestone steer tyres.

“A pretty good effort considering all the screwing and turning they do,” he adds. “But I love the new truck; it drives well, it has the new dash and the smart wheel, but the best part is the extra leg room.”

This rig is Greg’s second SCR ISLe5 Cummins saying the 8.9 litre 320hp engine easily keeps up with the traffic and is “no slouch at the lights”.

“It feels smoother, it’s much quieter and, like my old T358, it’s all automated – auto gearbox and agi controls.

“I’m not a young man,” Greg admits.

“I had to learn to drive the auto correctly and was a bit sceptical at first, but I don’t think twice about it now.”

With remote agi controls, there’s no more manual pumping the back shoot up and down. His T359A has also

been fitted with a reversing camera, which he is trialling.

Greg rates the T359s driver vision highly, however he says the rear camera has proven itself when checking what’s happening directly behind the truck.

“You’ve got to be able to see what’s going on around you – safety is our priority. It’s interesting that today’s Kenworth 8x4s aren’t much longer than our older 6x4s, and the 8x4s have a great turning circle – it surprised me,” he continued.

When Greg transferred from the 6x4 to an 8x4, Mawsons sent him on a twin steer course, which at first he thought was a bit of an insult. After all, he’d been driving heavy equipment since he was 19. As it turned out he says he learned a lot.

“Yeah, it’s one of those things that when you actually get in and do it, it makes a lot of sense, particularly with the new regulations and road rules.

“I got an excellent report and was happy with the whole thing.”

Like the older T358A, his new T359A is fitted with Kenworth’s EBSS braking and stability program. “It’s a great system, agi trucks are notoriously top heavy and, although I have never put one over, any system that helps keep you upright must be a plus.”

Being fussy, Greg usually washes his T359A every day.

“You have to,” he explains. “Concrete just builds up on your truck, so you have to spend a lot of time getting rid of it.

It does have Alcoa wheels, which are easy to keep clean, but I love the truck and am looking forward to more trouble free years.”

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Kenworth T609 B-Double delivers to Mawson’s batching plants throughout NSW and Victoria

Kenworth have the ideal truck for all of Mawson’s diverse transport applications

have sold quickly and we get great trade-in values.

For Mawsons, the clean access to the chassis on a Kenworth is critical when fitting ancillary equipment like agitator bowls, PTOs and compressors. As well, the choice is made easier by Kenworth DAF Shepparton as all new Kenworths are delivered from the factory painted in Mawsons’ colours.

“When it comes to purchasing a new truck, if I have a trade-in, the dealer will inspect it and we’ll work it all out. They’re easy to deal with and after sales support is excellent. If I phone and need something done to a truck coming back from Bendigo, it’s a couple of hours away and its half past four, they’ll have someone waiting to look at it.”

Another crucial influence on Mawson’s equipment decisions is Kenworth’s focus on dedicated engineering solutions for local applications. From the T350 to the 8x4 T350s to the current T359A models, Kenworth has been adapting and refining its T3 range to maximise productivity.

Once the domain of lower priced, disposable machinery, the market for concrete agitators is now being led by Kenworth’s premium T3 chassis. For Mawsons, and for many other owners and operators, the combination of Kenworth’s build quality, lower

tare, and user-friendly operation makes the T3 range excellent value for money.

“When we were getting serious about purchasing T359As we also had a couple of our subbies interested in going to an 8x4,” Ross recalled. “So I asked Gary Nickson at Kenworth DAF Shepparton to get an 8x4 up here.”

They did just that and four subbies and a handful of company drivers got to try out the new T359A twin-steer. For Ross this was an ideal opportunity to shake-down Kenworth’s new agitator truck.

Mawson’s drivers came back with a wish list, which included power windows, pedestal gear selector, moving cruise control switches to the bottom RHS of the dash and a change to the diff ratio. These have all been incorporated into Mawson’s T359A spec.

“It was the same when Kenworth introduced its new braking system – they initially didn’t offer it on the T3. I asked Gary why I couldn’t get it fitted to our agitators. As a result, the new braking system was fitted. I think our T358A 8x4s were the first to have level two braking on an 8x4 spec.

“Things like that have made our Kenworths safer and user friendly,” Ross added. “That’s the advantage with Kenworth – they understand that these trucks have to be exceptionally driver-friendly and they listen to us, and build a product that suits our needs.

... Kenworth has been adapting and refining its T3 range to maximise equipment productivity.

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Carting livestock has always been a tough business, but nowadays the animals travel first class …

Style, Comfort ... Power

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Dom Shanahan remembers a time when all the flash mobs on the Hume were the overnight crew. Those express freight operators were liable to rate livestock hauliers a little lower on the pecking order than themselves, with some known to sniff a little at their slower, smellier cousins.

Sure, on a good day the freight would walk on, but it wasn’t a cushy pan load of air express running overnight on a depot-todepot delivery was it?

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The saleyard smell hasn’t changed all that much, but everything else about hauling stock has been transformed.

Better equipment and improved work practices has raised the bar, and today livestock haulage is at the front line pushing towards a more professional future.

“Livestock is such a valuable commodity now,” Dom says of the motive for change.

“They’re worth so much more, and it’s such a big investment that the stock has got to be

better looked after … and we had to become more specialised”.

Matching increasing client demand has meant that the last decade has seen Shanahans Livestock Transport develop into a more service driven business.

The company operates nine Kenworths from its base in Wodonga, Victoria. With the exception of a T601, the Shanahan fleet is based on Kenworth’s venerable T9 model range – two T908s and five T909s.

Dom has combined his family’s livestock agent background, with his love of trucks to start Shanahans Livestock Transport. His grandfather, Jack, his father, Tony and his brother Xavier, are all livestock agents, but Dom heard the beat of a different drum and completed an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner.

Not that he’d lost any interest in the livestock industry; it’s just that Dom had an itch to drive stock trucks.

“I’d been around stock trucks from a young age,” he said of his start in the trucking industry. “Dad used to drive ‘em part-time on the weekends and us boys were always pretty excited to go with him.

“Back then it was a huge job to get a big load of bullocks through Anthony’s Cutting in a 3070,” Dom laughed.

To get some more driving experience he headed to the Territory to haul general freight for Northline. He later returned to Albury to drive for Greenfreight, and then for Lewingtons to haul livestock.

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Right: Dom Shanahan has built his business with T9 Kenworths and a focus on reliable customer service

Below: (From L-R) Jeff McKane, Kade Ledger, Dom and Joh Burkhout

“With livestock it’s very hands on, going to farms and feed lots our drivers are our salesmen and they need to have the best available equipment.”

After completing two years at Lewingtons, Dom bought the T601 from Brown & Hurley Kenworth DAF Darra, and went to work as a subby.

“That was 12 years ago,” he laughs. “So, when it came to adding another truck, I couldn’t imagine anything but a Kenworth.

They speak for themselves … the T601 has covered 2.6 million kays. I bought it with a rebuilt Cummins and since then it’s been replaced with an exchange engine.

“All my boys drive the T908 and T909s, but every now and then they’ll get into the T601 while their truck is being serviced. They all come back saying she’s still a good old truck … it’s just beautiful to drive and the cab is still pretty solid. Not a rattle.”

That T601 helped Dom get his start, and it’s still creating opportunity within the Shanahan operation. The T6 Kenworth is used to help drivers better understand the requirements for professional livestock haulage.

According to Dom, it’s trained four young blokes so far, with two still in the driver’s seat for Shanahans.

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A Dunn’s Engineering convertible crate is reserved for the T601 allowing Dom to give young blokes a start, running local and he can see how they apply themselves.

“They really can’t tip the little one over,” he says throwing some light on the training scheme. “They can catch a gatepost or two, or catch a tyre but you’d be trying pretty hard to tip it over.

“I’ve got two good blokes who’ve come up through the T601. One has been with me for seven years now and drives a new T909 B-double while the other lad has been with me for four years and is now behind the wheel of a T908.

“Neither of these boys had a license when they started with me.”

Dom relishes the opportunity to train drivers up his way and describes livestock haulage as a “funny game”.

“With livestock it’s very hands on, going to farms and feed lots our drivers are our salesmen and they need to have the best available equipment.

“The T9s are an excellent truck for the

“As well, eighty-per cent of the cattle trucks around here are T909s with Cannon trailers … that’s no coincidence, it’s a proven combination.”

Above: Dom’s livestock combination. Kenworth trucks, Cummins engines and Cannon trailers

job. With their 50-inch bunks, we can fit TVs, inverters, air conditioning and fridges.

“As I’ve always said, most of the other brands are like dancing with your sister.

They’re just not the real thing! Seriously tho’, the drivers love ‘em.

That loyalty also extends to the company’s suppliers, particularly his local dealer, Kenworth DAF Wodonga.

“We’ve been Kenworth, Cummins and Can-

non all the way,” Dom said. “That old T601 has an N14, and the last three T909s are all powered by Cummins’ ISXe5 engines …

580hp on standard factory settings.”

“As well, eighty-per cent of the cattle trucks around here are T909s with Cannon trailers … that’s no coincidence, it’s a proven combination.”

For Shanahans Livestock, the Albury Wod-

onga region is strategically located close to its customers, as well as to several major saleyards. “It’s great, this has got to be one of the best areas in Australia to cart livestock.

“We’ve set up from scratch and I don’t think we could’ve done that anywhere else,” Dom adds. “It’s a good selling centre, and the sales are very solid and consistent …

Wodonga would be in the top three after Roma and Dubbo.”

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 27

“I purchase new gear because we need ultimate reliability with livestock.”

B

Freedom to Choose

Shanahan’s T9 Kenworths have proven themselves a rugged, stable platform for Dom’s Cannon B-Double cattle crates

With the exception of the T601, all of Shanahan’s Kenworths have been purchased through Kenworth DAF Wodonga. Dom deals with Justin Brooks and has high praise for the dealership. While Shanahans do the majority of its own maintenance, the Wodonga dealership operate two shifts in its workshops, and are able to quickly deal with any issues outside of routine maintenance.

“Like us, Kenworth DAF Wodonga is customer focussed,” he said of the dealership’s service. “I purchase new gear because we need ultimate reliability with livestock. You can’t afford to sit on the side of the road for ten hours with a load of cattle … and that’s why we choose Kenworth.”

Shanahans’ T9s mostly pull B-doubles, with Dom upgrading the fleet to a standard 106-tonne B-triple rating in anticipation of the more widespread adoption of B-triple routes. The long-term goal is to be ready to pull B-triples into Wodonga, with Shanahans already sending a couple of B-triples up north to Longreach.

“Kenworths are a really stable platform for B-triples and they’re pretty good with fuel economy. Basically, they’re a really good unit to operate … our drivers love ‘em.

“We’re customer service driven in our field of work and we want the same from our suppliers. We certainly get that from the team at Kenworth DAF Wodonga and by operating Kenworths.

It’s a good business package.”

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Back in 2011, Gavin (above) and Trish Kettner took the opportunity to purchase one of Dominic Shanahan’s T604s, they haven’t looked back ...

Gavin Kettner has driven trucks for most of his working life. For most of that time he was driving for someone else, starting back in 1996.

“I needed a change of scene,” Gavin said of his 16 years behind the wheel.

“When Dom rang and offered me a job … I took him up on the offer!

“Dom has only six trucks, so you’re more responsible for your own destiny plus there’s more gratification in getting the job done.

“Instead of dealing with forkies more concerned about smoko than loading, Dom’s customers always want to see their stock go off.”

Gavin ran the T604 for just on three years before upgrading to a Cummins ISX e5-powered T909. Having only ever driven Kenworths, he does admit to being biased, all the same he checked out the competition before deciding on the big bonneted T909.

Kenworth’s resale value was the dealmaker, although he does like the way the T909 will carry more fuel.

To date, Gavin’s T909 has covered 240,000 problem-free kms averaging between 1.36 and 1.66 litres per km.

“The boys at Kenworth DAF Wodonga were surprised at the amount of full throttle when they downloaded the computer – about 80 per cent of the time,” Gavin admitted. “With general trucks, it’s around 50-60 per cent but because of what we tow – not only is there the weight but there’s usually a lot of wind resistance.

“It’s hard work; like towing a parachute! You’re moving people’s livelihoods but it’s gratifying work and I enjoy it. The job’s made easier with good gear, and the T909 is proving to be a great truck … becoming an owner driver was probably the best decision we’ve made.”

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Every Drop Counts ...

PACCAR’s 510hp MX-13 engine combines with Kenworth’s popular custom-engineered T409SAR to win the tare weight challenge at Evans Petroleum ...

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If you think Hollywood moviestars and supermodels are weight obsessed you obviously haven’t been involved in the fuel haulage industry. It’s here where every kilogram counts; where less definitely equals more.

It’s where Kenworth’s mantra of ‘More Strength – Less Weight’ carries a message that Victorian fuel distributor, Evans Petroleum understands. The company added its first Kenworth to the fleet 16 years ago, with the T401 truck and dog combination impressing with both its low tare and appetite for work.

“I looked at a couple of other manufacturers and felt that Kenworth suited our job best,” Stuart Evans said of the purchase. “We wanted a truck and dog to our specifications and, with Kenworth being built locally to suit Australian conditions that appealed.”

Stuart is the managing director of his family-owned company, Evans Petroleum.

According to Stuart, the T401’s faultless performance over 2.3 million kilometres confirmed that he’d made the right choice. That first Kenworth was sold to a mate, where it’s still hard at work.

“When he bought the T401 he couldn’t believe how smooth it ran, or how good it was for its age. I’ve had people who I’ve sold trucks to and they immediately want to know when I’m due to sell the next one. People look out for them.

“You hear of other brands that have super deals and, I know when I purchased my first Kenworth there was a price difference. Then you start using the truck, and that’s when you start saving,” explained Stuart.

“Two point three million kilometres … that’s a good return on your investment.”

Stuart Evans’ father, Reg had been helping Gippsland residents put a tiger in their tanks as the region’s Esso rep for 13 years.

In 1970, he and wife, Mary took over Esso’s

Leongatha distributorship as the mainly farming region progressed.

Stuart and wife, Jenene took over when his Dad retired in 1989. This change of ownership was closely followed by the sale of Esso Australia to Mobil in 1990. With the support of Mobil, Evans Petroleum joined the oil company’s move into retail and installed convenience stores at several of its petrol stations.

In 1999, Mobil decided it was not interested in convenience stores after all and announced that it was pulling out of its retail sites. This forced Evans Petroleum into reconsidering its long-term options, with the company initiating its partnership with BP that same year.

In the meantime Stuart had also been expanding his company’s presence throughout Gippsland, taking over smaller distributorships and increasing Evans Petroleum’s territory along the way. The fuel company is now a leader in the Gippsland market, servicing retail fuel customers, and commercial and farming operators in South Gippsland, the Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland and wider Victoria.

In recognition of this, BP announced in 2013 that Evans Petroleum was now its BP/ Castrol distributor for the Gippsland region.

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 31

Still based in Leongatha, Evans Petroleum now boasts three depots and 12 service stations. It employs 110 staff and operates a fleet of nine linehaul tankers, seven local distribution trucks and two lube trucks. All of the larger trucks in the fleet are PACCAR products, with its linehaul trucks Kenworth T4 SARs and the fuel delivery trucks, a mix of T359s and DAFs. “All of our linehaul trucks are based here in Leongatha and, once they leave, they can deliver fuel anywhere from southern Victoria, through to the NSW border,” explained Stuart.

The fleet is a mix of four truck and quad dog combinations, and four 19m and one 25m B-Doubles. In 2005, the company added its first T4 SAR to pull a B-Double, it’s been the truck of choice ever since.

Stuart says he’s a firm believer in uniformity and has settled on Kenworth trucks and Holmwood Highgate tankers.

“I buy my trucks through Danny O’Hara at Kenworth DAF Melbourne East, ”Stuart said outlining the fleet’s loyalty. “We’ve a great working relationship and friendship.”

Not all the trucks are T409SARs. Evans also run with T359s and DAF CF for short haul and lower payloads

Above: Stuart Evans (left) with driver Dave Witherow who steers the new T4 SAR

Above left: A win-win situation.

The PACCAR 13-litre 510hp MX-13 has helped reduce tare weight in the company’s latest T409SAR truck and dog

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Today, Evans Petroleum’s Kenworths are turned over every five years, which generally equates to around 1.2 to 1.3 million kms. Evans don’t have any capital tied up in workshops, preferring to use the facilities at Hallam Trucks or, closer to home, at Gippsland Truck Mechanics in Leongatha.

Kenworth’s T409SARs with PACCAR’s MX-13 engines are the two most recent additions to the fleet. The first T4 fitted with the MX-13 is used as a B-Double prime mover and has over 80,000 kms on the clock. The latest MX-13 engine to join the fleet is in a new T409SAR truck and dog combination.

The two new SARs are nearly half a tonne lighter than Evans’ older T4s, with the 13-litre MX-13 consistently recording a reduced fuel burn compared to the 15-litre units.

“The drivers have come out of 550hp trucks down to 510hp and, with any driver, too much horsepower is never enough,” Stuart laughs. “At the end of the day, there might be five to seven minutes extra in a trip from Melbourne to here (Leongatha) – a couple of lights you could catch wrong.

“It’s all about efficiency. The fuel savings might be only point two of a litre, but if you have a dozen trucks and five of them have night drivers, or are double shifted, a small percentage soon becomes a big saving. Every little bit counts,” Stuart further explains.

“When added to the truck’s lower tare, the extra 300 to 400 litres of fuel each truck can haul soon adds up … especially when some are doing four trips a day into Melbourne.

“This is a very competitive business, so if you can find savings … that’s what it’s all about!”

When it’s necessary, Stuart will hop behind the wheel and jokes that he’s the ‘spare weekend driver’. However, when he has completed the occasional load he says he has been impressed by the T4’s new ‘Business Class’ cab.

“The smart steering wheels too are a big improvement. Kenworth continues to add more refinements to its product, while still retaining the trucks inherent strength and reliability.”

Dave Witherow is fulltime behind the wheel of Evans’ new truck and dog T4 SAR and he echoes Stuart’s positive opinion.

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 33

Right: Warren Evans, the next generation at Evans Petroleum

“This has taken a bit of getting used to,” Dave said of the PACCAR MX-13 engine. “It’s completely different to drive and operates in a different rev range. It’s 13-litres compared to 15-litres.

“It’s still surprising how it will hang on … it’s got some tenacity. It’s pretty good, even

coming up onto the Westgate Bridge fully loaded, and there’s less noise. It’s so quiet you don’t think the engine is doing anything, but in actual fact it’s going really well,” he explained.

Heading out of Leongatha towards Port Welshpool, Dave is quick to warn of the poor road conditions. It’s fairly undulated country

with the occasional steep hill and before driving the new truck he was concerned that the performance of the engine braking on the MX-13s might be an issue.

“Going down these hills it holds comfortably,” he explains. “I’ve found that it starts to cut in at 1500-1700rpm but, if you want the exhaust brake to work efficiently, you actually have to keep it up higher in the revs.

“That’s when it finds the sweet spot where it will hold on pretty much all day – all you have to do is dab the brakes a few times.”

A plumber by trade, Dave’s now been with Stu for four years and says he’s always been involved in the road transport industry; driving tankers for several Gippsland companies, as well as spending a few years on the coaches.

For Dave, one of the most enjoyable parts of his job is the variety. Some days he can be making deliveries in East Gippsland, other days could see him run west out to Cann

From fuel depots to farms and fishing fleets, Evans Petroleum supply to the Gippsland industries and communities

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“By cutting back a bit on power and by picking up on fuel economy and carrying capacity, it must help the bottom line.”

Below: Dave loves the space, comfort and driver ergonomics he gets from the new T4SAR cab

Built strong, Kenworth T4’s low tare and dependable service are an unbeatable combination

River or east of Melbourne to Warrnambool and south to Phillip Island.

“Our despatcher, Brian Hallyburton is good in that he tends to move the work around and put you in different places depending on how it works for your particular truck,” Dave explained. “Obviously the truck and dogs go to different places to the B-Doubles, but that’s the beauty of the job – you’re not doing the same thing every day.”

When it comes to his new T4 SAR, Dave says he likes the feeling of space and comfort he gets with the trucks larger ‘Business Class’ cab. He also reserves praise for Kenworth’s new smart multi-function steering wheel, saying that having cruise and exhaust brake controls at his finger tips makes concentrating on driving easier and safer.

Overall though, the truck gets top marks from its driver, with Dave impressed by the ‘Business Class’ cab layout and its easy-toreach controls.

Having four compartments on both the truck and trailer has allowed the fitment of a PTO, which gives the truck and dog outfit increased versatility; enabling deliveries at farms and work sites.

“I’m really happy with the truck,” Dave said of his PACCAR MX-powered T4 SAR.

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“You can’t have enough horsepower, but big horsepower costs a lot of money.

“If you’re careful, big horsepower can be driven economically, but I suppose that’s where you’ve got to reach this fine balance. I guess that’s what Stuey is trying to find here.

By cutting back a bit on power and by picking up on fuel economy and carrying capacity, it must help the bottom line.

“Also, we’re running empty half the time, so it’s a bit pointless having 600hp pulling empty tankers. And, when you multiply the whole thing by ten trucks with half of those doing four a day, those savings soon add up.”

There’s no magic trick to Evans Petroleum’s continual growth over the past 45 years. Its choice of Kenworth trucks has allowed the company to pursue higher levels of fleet productivity and the savings passed on to help restrict the impact of rising operating costs.

That’s over simplifying the years of hard work by this company and its staff and there’s a lot more to Evan’s formula to success than that … but it starts with the right tools for the job. And, when that’s trucking, that’s Kenworth.

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Local Talent Bramstedt’s PBS 8x4 K200 has got the locals talking. From farmers, to drivers and other truck operators everyone wants to know more about the family-owned livestock haulier’s new truck and trailer …

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Based in Warragul, Victoria, Bramstedt’s Livestock Transport is a second-generation family-owned enterprise that’s one year away from celebrating its 50-years of service to the local farming community. The company is owned and operated by Trevor and Tracey Bramstedt in conjunction with their two sons, Daniel and Taylor.

The founding Bramstedt was Trevor’s Dad, Allan who started out carrying milk cans before deciding there might be a better future for him and his truck if he started transporting the Gippsland farmers’ cows for them instead. It turned out to be the right choice.

“It was a different business back then.

There were many small dairy farms, and moving cows was a lot of work for a singleaxle tray truck and crate,” Trevor recalls.

The livestock side of the operation kicked off in 1966, and Trevor can remember loading cattle with his Dad when he was just a little tacker. Carting livestock is all he’d ever done and it’s what Trevor says he knows best.

“It’s in my blood! The business has changed and we’ve bought out other smaller operations, eventually growing to three B-doubles and some local vehicles.”

More recently the company downsized to one B-double and two local trucks, but when he decided to add another rig Trevor decided to think outside the box. Basically, he didn’t want another B-double as he says it would’ve been too big.

Maybe a unit that could carry three decks of sheep and one of cattle would do the trick.

Trevor had seen something similar on New Zealand rigs and went to Google to find the ultimate versatile stock truck and

possibly import it across the Tasman. The outfit needed to be capable of an excellent payload, while also completing farm pickups and deliveries.

“I was in Port Augusta loading off the road trains,” Trevor said of his eureka moment.

“I saw these crates and knew immediately they’d been built by a Kiwi. I made a couple of calls and made contact with Paul Arends.

“It turned out he’d been waiting to build a truck and dog combination like ours. The result is what we have today.”

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Above: Trevor Bramstedt was inspired by seeing New Zealand trucks

Right: Daniel Bramstedt steering the custom K200

Above: When farm access becomes an issue Bramstedt’s DAF CF 85.460 is called on to shuttle the livestock out to the waiting K200

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Paul Arends is the principal of Arends Trailers, based in Murray Bridge, SA. It’s a medium-sized local manufacturer, building road train dollies, livestock, and tipper and tanker trailers. Paul’s company specialises in custom building its trailers to their owner’s unique requirements and, like Kenworth Australia, is certified to design and build equipment to Performance Based Standards (PBS).

Trevor says the inspiration came from his determination to maintain high levels of productivity and he didn’t want the operation having five or six under utilised trucks. The company operates a single-axle tray truck and a six-month-old DAF CF 85.460 tray truck pulling a tri-axle pig trailer.

“We wanted a way to cart more sheep, but still required a tray truck to be part of the business. Paul (Arends) had a PBS solution for the crates, but what was going to carry them took some eliminating. We were mucking around with other truck manufacturers, but it got to the stage where they wouldn’t move things around … in the end my wife said why not go straight to Kenworth and be done with it!” laughed Trevor.

Kenworth Australia’s focus on custom engineering to application requirements meant that it could easily design and build a truck to Trevor’s specific demands.

Bramstedt has operated several Kenworths, initially running with second hand cabovers before switching to new trucks in 1997.

“We like the reliability we’ve seen in our T950s and T908s. One T950 did 1.85 million kms and still had the original jackshafts.”

According to Trevor dealing with Kenworth was excellent, with Gray Harris from Kenworth DAF Bairnsdale stepping in to liaise with the factory.

The 8x4 K200 and accompanying five-axle trailer tare in at 25.2tonne and gross at 56 tonne. The main PBS engineering changes required on the K200 were the addition of an extra front axle sway bar and the installation of of Hendrickson’s PRIMAAX EX severeduty air suspension on the drive.

Also, to meet within the PBS formula, the rear axles on the Arends trailer were located 100mm further to the rear.

“The whole concept can only be described as a huge success! We’re still feeling our way on some properties, but the rig is doing everything that we expected of it. Everyone enjoys using it,” he enthused.

The K200 was washed before leaving on a quick 50kms Sunday afternoon run through to the Victorian Livestock Exchange, in Pakenham.

“It’s an easy truck to operate and stands up well … it’s as stable as anything.”

According to Trevor, the 8x4 feels glued to Gippsland’s narrow, twisty roads.

“The ride, handling and comfort is exceptional … it’s a great truck and a pleasure to drive and operate.”

Once underway, Trevor explains that with the PBS regulations, 65 per cent of the cattle must be on the bottom deck and, with sheep, they can only use seven out of the eight pens.

Trevor specced the K200 with Eaton’s UltraShift automatic transmission, although through some hills and while running unloaded, he prefers to drive the truck in manual mode. Not that he needs to wind up the 550hp Cummins ISXe5, as the engine’s 1850lbft flattens most hills.

However, Trevor says that some of Gippsland’s undulating country roads are unpredictable and he prefers holding the box in manual for the tight turns and steeper sections.

Arriving at the Victorian Livestock Exchange, the truck is soon backed up to the ramp – the truck and pig trailer together – unloading. The lightweight alloy crates are designed to facilitate easy loading and unloading.

“These crates are amazingly well designed and very well thought out. They’re certainly generating a lot of interest,” Trevor added.

A little over an hour later and the truck is back in Warragul for another load.

On Monday morning, a driver swap puts Trevor’s son, Daniel behind the wheel for a trip up into the Victorian High County to load sheep. Daniel is the K200’s usual operator, and like his father has been impressed by the PBS unit’s performance.

“It’s a really comfortable truck to drive.”

Daniel said as the K200 made the short hop up the Princes Highway to Yarragon to top off its tanks. “It’s an easy truck to operate and stands up well … it’s as stable as anything.”

Victoria’s C-Class roads sit on the bottom rung of the State’s road classification ladder, and while they’re said to be two-lane bitumen standard with built-up shoulders that description must be open to wide interpretation.

Daniel prefers hauling sheep over cattle, saying that with sheep he can easily get in amongst them and manhandle them onto or off the crates. It’s a different matter though with High Country cattle, as many haven’t

really had too many civilising experiences during their time in the scrub.

“I’ve had some wild ones,” Daniel says of the High Country cattle. “It can get a bit hairy at times. These crates are great; they’re well designed, easy to use and easy to load … the animals just fly in. The aluminium is unreal inside the crates … the strength has surprised me a lot.

“Pigs are its greatest test though,” he adds.

“They’re inquisitive and will put themselves and their noses into everything!”

As the truck heads further into the High Country, the roads become more twisty and narrower but Daniel easily pilots the 20-metre unit over the obstacle course.

“This is very very nice. It’s easy to move around the cab and, with the automatic, driving is simple. It holds the road exceptionally well, and the vision all round is amazing. The new dash and smart steering wheel are great … user friendly. You can push a button and get cruise control.”

Once at the farm he lines the trailers up, pushes another button for the draw bar to slide under and two crates become virtually one. Like most people who see the Bramstedts PBS unit in action, the farmer

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 41

Bramstedt’s K200 PBS truck and dog carries more stock and is a more versatile unit compared to a traditional B-Double set-up

Being versatile is well and good, but ... the PBS rig saves Bramstedts a lot of money. is intrigued by their design and productivity advantages.

It’s not just the farmers who are interested in Bramstedts’ K200 PBS truck and dog and it almost always arouses the curiosity of other livestock carriers when they see it in action.

For many operators the second question is why? For Bramstedts the answer is simple.

“Compared to a T909 set-up, this is one hundred grand more,” Daniel explained. “But we’re getting a lot more stock on … and it’s a more versatile unit.”

Being versatile is well and good, but as Daniel explains the PBS rig saves Bramstedts a lot of money.

A lot of the Bramstedt work is made up of cattle or sheep from three or more customers on mostly small properties. Instead of using the smaller feeder trucks to shuttle the livestock off some of the more inaccessible properties, Daniel can get into most properties and load and unload himself.

“All of a sudden, you have two extra guys unloading and loading at an additional cost.

This rig is absolutely brilliant and takes no extra time to do it all myself,” continued 4 2 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

Daniel “We just need to focus on loading the animals correctly.”

While rural Victoria’s notoriously low power lines can sometimes restrict its movement, the 8x4 K200 has proven itself in tight spots.

“There’s a little dog leg on a rise just outside the property of one of our regular customers,” Daniel went on to explain. “With the B-Doubles, the drive would spin as it went over the rise. The weight pulls it back … and the B-Doubles would get stuck.

“At best we could only load 35-36 beasts depending on their size. I took this in, loaded 43 bullocks and headed out. I put the diff locks on just to make sure, but the truck just walked over the rise – it was a big test. and the wheels didn’t even spin.”

The truck trailer unit has also been classified to carry four-decks of pigs but weight restrictions keep the load to around 300 porkers. This is a similar number to a B-Double, with the added benefit of top loading on the crates.

Most B-Doubles units cannot top load pigs as they have a tendency to jump, but the

pigs can’t fly in the Arends trailers because their rolled edges on the top deck keep the pigs in.

This is Bramstedt’s first Cummins powered truck for a while and to date Daniel is very happy with its performance, saying its handling the work with ease claiming the C-Brake retardation is particularly useful in the hilly country.

“When you come over the top of hills, it holds itself. Going down a hill in fifth, you rarely have to touch the brakes.”

But it’s the K200’s cab that Daniel holds in highest praise saying the flat floor is a breakthrough. “It’s easy to move around, and when I need to take a break I can pull the curtains around and get a good sleep even during the day. These fridges are the best thing, we’ve fitted two and they’re so accessible … I can be driving along and easily grab a drink.

The nine-axle configuration is heading in a radically different direction for stock transport so its only fitting the last word goes to its creator.

“It’s somewhere half way between a B-Double and a four-decker, but with so much more versatility,” Trevor adds. “We were relying on Kenworth and Arends Trailers to make this a success and to date, it’s ticked all the boxes.

PRIMAAX EXTREME 速

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When CMV’s sales manager, Jarrod Dawson came knocking on Ross Contractors’ door the temptation to buy a new Kenworth was almost a done deal. Almost. With the family company values, the loyalty of its staff, customers and suppliers it decided to stay with the truck brand already in the fleet.

“He got his opportunity in 2001 when we added our first Kenworth to the fleet, a T404A,” Darren Ross recalled. “It was the first T404A in South Australia; since then we’ve bought 23 Kenworth’s straight after that.”

Darren has driven all of Ross’ new Ken– worths and it’s where his appreciation for the Australian-built truck first began.

“In that time we’ve certainly looked at other brands. I’m loyal, but not stupidly loyal; my priority is Ross Contractors and I make that quite clear, but CMV and Kenworth fit the bill and if buying 23 Kenworth’s straight

is what’s right for our business, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Ross Contractors is based in Golden Grove, on the northern outskirts of Adelaide, South Australia. It’s a traditional family-owned and operated business established by Eric and Maureen Ross in 1974 and now run by their son Darren and daughter Sharyn.

The fleet colours are easily recognisable, and are based on the PGH Bricks’ design from the early ‘70s when Eric used to subcontract for the company. Since then, the design has changed but the colours remain and have now become part of the Ross’ history.

These PGH-inspired colours adorn a T408, T408SAR, a couple of K200’s and four T909’s.

Over the past four decades the Ross’ trucking business has seen steady growth, mostly replacing and upgrading to larger vehicles.

The fleet now includes two road trains and a T909 PBS vehicle running with a five-axle trailer.

Purchasing the PBS vehicle was a stab in the dark, but it’s become Darren’s favourite combination.

“The payload is almost the same as a B-double but it’s easier to unload and very manoeuvrable. If I can get a crack at driving these days, I’d take the 5 axle any day. It has proven itself to be very economical,” states Darren.

“To be honest, road trains are something I thought would never become a part of our business, it was an opportunity that arose and has worked out remarkably well,” explained Darren “Dad would never let us have anything sitting around, never a spare

Pride & Performance story + photos

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Through two generations the Ross-family’s simple approach to managing its success in the road transport industry has remained the same … keep the big wheels rollin’ 4 4 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 45

Above: (L-R) Daughter Sharyn and son Darren with their father Eric Ross, still running their family-owned business

“We haven’t forgotten where we came from ... diversification has worked well and that’s seen in the different combinations that we operate.” trailer or spare prime mover, but I was able to convince Dad that we could have a dolly sitting around as long as the truck could continue to operate as a B-double when it wasn’t being used as a road train.”

Like his Dad, Darren is adamant that whatever the company buys has to earn its keep. The company have two Stoodley slider B-doubles that can be converted to road trains when required, and having the road train B-double unit gives the company the flexibility to meet different customer demands.

Kenworth’s diverse product range has allowed Darren to buy a Kenworth product for every aspect of his business, with a T350 the most recent addition. Darren describes the smallest Kenworth as a ‘great little truck’ and has put it to work carting out of the Ross’ clay and sand mine on local around Adelaide.

Also, there are two K200s in the fleet, with Darren saying the changes to Kenworth’s cab-over range with the latest model have been excellent.

4 6 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

“A lot of truck manufacturers make constant alterations with each new model they release, which are quite often no great improvement. Kenworth doesn’t make changes regularly but when they do, they’re well engineered and designed to improve driving and owning a Kenworth. For years we waited for the change to the hump in the middle of the cab-overs, when they finally made the change it was a huge improvement.

I really like the K200 to drive; it’s a very comfortable vehicle. I’m wrapped with them, I can’t fault any of our new vehicles and we have a fair range” explained Darren.

The growth from a one truck operation has been measured, with Eric and Darren both believing in never living beyond the company’s means. They’re a family business that doesn’t put the cart before the horse.

Ross’s made a conscious business decision in the 90’s to diversify themselves. Up until then it had predominately been working out of their local quarries.

“We haven’t forgotten where we came from, and our local work plus the clay and sand mine are still integral parts of our business, but it’s no longer the biggest part.

Diversification has worked well and that’s seen in the different models and combinations that we operate.”

This expansion means that Ross Contractors’ Kenworths can be found across the eastern states, while its road train work sees the T909 at work in the more remote outback areas of South Australia’s north.

Darren says he’s ‘old school’ and believes in the philosophy of ‘you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours’ and will share excess work with his interstate contacts. “With

a small business like ours it’s essential to know and work with like-minded people,” he emphasised. “The same can be said for the CMV Group.

“We’ve been dealing with CMV for such a long time we’ve developed a good, working relationship.”

Darren believes any dealership should deliver the same service his customers expect of his company – a philosophy Eric passed on to his son. “Dad drives me,” he

admitted. “The boys down at CMV, whether it’s Johnno, Jarrod or Brad, my salesman, know if any of our trucks come in for work they haven’t got it for a week.”

While Darren is the one out there investing the profits, his sister, Sharyn is hard at work behind the scenes ensuring everything is ticking along nicely.

According to Darren, she’s indispensable, taking care of all the bookwork, finances, compliances and maintenance. For Darren, Sharyn’s vital contribution allows him some

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 47

“Customers want to see a well-presented truck delivering their freight on time,” peace of mind, saying that when it comes to compliance issues she’s ‘vigilant’.

“Mass Management and Maintenance Management are relatively easy to get, but you have to make sure you keep a hold of it; it’s no use having a box of bolts behind the sticker … to comply you need that vigilance.

“Sharyn is vital to our business,” Darren added. “At the end of the day, it’s no good spending money you don’t have, or thinking your business is going alright only to find out that there’s nothing left in the kitty.

“It’s easy to get tied up with the day-to-day running of the trucks and forget the other side of the business.”

While Darren admits that being a family owned and operated business can be demanding he wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s worked well for the Ross family.

Our mother, Maureen did the books until Sharyn came to work in 2000.”

Darren’s father, Eric still plays an active role within the company, spending the majority of his time overseeing operations in their clay and sand mine.

“I can also count on our operations manager, Gavin Robertson, who’s been with us for six years. He processes the paperwork, schedules the trucks, helps out in the yard and can also be found out in the quarry at times.

“This has certainly relieved some of the pressure from Sharyn and myself,” explains Darren.

Along with Gavin, Darren can also count on a loyal crew of drivers, with many having worked for the company for over five or ten years.

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“Drivers carry an enormous responsibility, not only getting the truck from A to B safely; they’re also required to maintain a high level of paperwork and reporting as well as customer service. Our drivers all have a reasonable amount of general mechanical knowledge, but when sending trucks thousands of kilometres from home you need to know the equipment is reliable.

“Kenworth give us that peace of mind.

Having experienced, reliable, well-presented drivers is just as important as having good, reliable and well maintained trucks. We take great pride in knowing we have both.

Barry Klemm, is Ross’ longest serving driver, having been with the family business for over 22 years. When he came to Ross’ he was driving a F86 ridged tipper and is now in the seat of Ross’ latest T909 and working road trains.

“Kenworth build a quality product,” Darren explained “I like the finish, I like the comfort and Kenworth’s running costs are very reasonable. We’re extremely fastidious on maintenance and appearance; no one wants to see a nice shiny truck on the side of the road.

“Customers want to see a well-presented truck delivering their freight on time,” he added. “I get compliments on the appearance of our trucks all the time and it’s nice having great gear, but we can’t take compliments to the bank manager.

“It’s profit that we’re after, and you only make money when something is in the back of your truck and the wheels are turning.”

Above: Sam Ward is part of an experienced team of drivers

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The last glimmer of sunlight outlines the horizon as the headlights of Dulacca’s Kenworth’s pick their way through the dust at the Roma saleyards. Darkness is settling in over the southern Queensland town as an army of moths emerge to buzz the naked lights illuminating the saleyard’s loading ramps. It’s a Monday night and by tomorrow morning 7,600 head of cattle will be going under the hammer.

For now, it’s a matter of getting these cattle to market.

Several livestock hauliers are involved in this shift, with Dulacca contributing 40 decks to the total. Tomorrow Dulacca’s Kenworths will be back to haul the cattle away for the buyers.

Based in Dulacca, the cattle haulage specialists are owned and operated by brothers, Gary and Mick Johnson. The blink and you’ve missed it town is on the Warrego Highway, 380 kms north west of Brisbane and 253 kms west out of Toowoomba, between Roma and Miles.

If it’s all about location, then Dulacca Transport have picked a cracking place to be – right in the heart of southern Queensland’s cattle country. But location is just one aspect, and there are more important challenges facing cattle hauliers in Queensland’s backcountry.

Like most of the State, this region of Queensland is not known for its wide, safe smooth roads. On the contrary, journeys here are over poorly maintained, narrow gutted affairs that wash out or become impass-

able at the first hint of rain. Maintaining a reliable service here is about operating the best possible equipment available and being dedicated to its preservation.

The Dulacca fleet is made up of Kenworths, T9s and T6s pulling Cannon trailers. They’re two of the toughest names in trucking, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they make easy work of a bad situation.

“The maintenance never ends,” Mick explains taking a break at the Roma saleyards. “It’s imperative you stay on top of it.

Hoofs & Horns

Dulacca Transport puts its Kenworths under the hammer operating around the clock hauling bush cattle into southern central Queensland’s saleyards and feedlots …

5 0 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

story + photos

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australian truck photography

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 51

“We’re only as good as our gear. That’s why we purchase the best, but they take some punishment.”

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“Our trucks aren’t any good to anyone sitting on the side of the road, or at the cattle yards. We’re only as good as our gear. That’s why we purchase the best, but they take some punishment.”

With the number of decks Dulacca carry around the region you could be excused for thinking the company runs a larger number of cattle outfits, but in reality there’s only six trucks in the fleet, two T9s and four T6s. A T904 and T908 accompanied by two T658s and two T659s.

Dulacca’s trucks need to be able to pull B-doubles down the range into Brisbane and triples in the outback so their preference is for the T659.

“If we only ran in the outback we would have C5s or T9s, but we can’t have them too long, or too short. We just think the T659s are better for going down to the city and out west,” continued Mick.

In saying that, Mick says the T904 has been one of the best trucks the brothers have operated claiming that its rock solid reliability helped pay for Dulacca’s newer Kenworths. Mick drove the T904 for a long period, however the tipping point in favour of the T659 is its forward visibility.

“We just feel that going down into Brisbane to the meatworks, there’s better vision for the drivers in and amongst the traffic. The sloping bonnet reduces blind spots and the cab sits high to allow good visibility especially with the Daylite doors,” stated Mick.

“The T659 gives you the best of both worlds.”

With the cab sitting up off the chassis, there is plenty of air getting under the cab, getting the exhaust heat out.

With six rigs clocking up big mileage over some fairly third rate roads, normal wear and tear on equipment is accelerated.

Mick and Gary originally started hauling cattle out of their hometown of Boonah, around 80kms south west of Brisbane. Back then the boys ran a T650 ahead of a truck and dog.

“We used to come out west a little,” Mick said of his time behind the wheel of the T650.

“We wanted to go out further and saw an opportunity, thought we’d have a go.

“Yeah it’s been hard work, but it’s good and has paid off.”

That was ten years ago when the pair purchased Dulacca Transport. At the time the livestock transporter ran a fleet of five prime movers and 18 trailers.

“We’ve had to work hard. We think that’s why the business has built up successfully.

We believe it’s important for us to be actually out there. We want to know what’s going on and we want our customers to know we care,” he stated.

“We’re honestly interested and involved with our clients and their livestock investment.”

In the past 12 months, the boys have started sharing their time between the office and maintenance. Mick’s wife Petra, and Gary’s

wife Lynda take care of most of the day-today office work.

“There’s a lot of maintenance, organisation and paperwork but with everyone involved; it’s a real family effort.”

With six rigs clocking up big mileage over some fairly third rate roads, normal wear and tear on equipment is accelerated. This in turn has been matched by Dulacca’s vigilant maintenance.

“You try and purchase new gear regularly so we don’t have as many dramas, but the maintenance is continuous … it never stops.

That‘s just part of it.

“When you’ve got around 50 axles taking a lot of punishment we’re pretty busy in the shed most days.” Mick explained.

With this in mind, Dulacca try to make its Kenworths bulletproof, while also optioning in 60-inch bunks for its drivers. Dulacca’s Kenworths are all rated at 140 tonne and are B-double rated, with the brothers choosing a tried and well-proven combination – Kenworth T659, 18-speed Eaton Roadranger manual transmissions, Kenworth six-rod suspension.

Averaging 1.5km to the litre, the fuel economy of the new Cummins ISX e5 SCR engines has impressed Mick.

The Dulacca fleet consists of six trucks, a T904 and T908 accompanied by two T658s and two T659s

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 53

The T6s have been working in Dulacca fleet colours for many years and are the preferred make and model for many outback operators.

The tried and true formula has been varied recently with the latest sets of Cannon cattle crates sitting on air bag suspensions.

Initially, Mick was concerned by the suspension’s air hoses that were continually falling off, but in the last year they’ve been mostly incident free.

“We believe that two things are critical for our operators – the best equipment we can give them and the comfort of a good rest and sleep. Having the 60-inch bunk gives our operators a wider bed and room for some of the things they require,” explained Gary.

The bunks are fitted with 12v fridges, and inverters are also used to boil the jug for tea or coffee. The latest T659 has put an end to the roadside campfire with a microwave on-board.

The Kenworth’s spec also includes roofmounted air-con, air connections to the compressor for inflating the tyres and dunnage racks behind the sleepers for toolboxes.

Without getting too carried away, the brothers have also added some extra lights.

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Above: Brothers Gary (left) and Mick Johnson reckon the Kenworth T659 is bulletproof ...

The T6s have been working in Dulacca fleet colours for many years and are the preferred make and model for many outback operators.

“They’re not here for show and get exposed to harsh conditions without any real issues.

“Our drivers are happy with ‘em and, because we’ve casual drivers also, we have different drivers getting in and out of some of our trucks. The T6s can stand up to

that wear, whereas some other makes just wouldn’t.”

For the Johnson brothers, one of the biggest advantages with purchasing an Australian made product is that it is a onestop shop.

“We deal with Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF in Toowoomba. That’s one of the best things about Kenworths. We know when it comes off the Melbourne production line, it’s exactly what we want.

“You get trucks built the way you want straight away and we don’t have to muck around later on. Brown & Hurley do the final fit-out before delivery, so when we pick the truck up, it is a custom built rig that we can put to work immediately.”

Ready for some of the worst operating conditions in the country.

Outback Queensland has been a killing ground for many brands of truck; brutalised by the roads, exhausted by the heat and defeated by the dust. Where Dulacca’s T6 Kenworths are right at home.

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Both Daniel Bower and Chris Betts like the look of tough and tidy machinery. Combine that with an instinct for what it takes to run a heavy-haulage transport enterprise and you have the genesis for one of the transport industry’s hardest working partnerships …

Living the Dream story + photos

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d

Daniel Bower and Chris Betts both have a family background in road transport, so it was inevitable they’d be somehow involved in the business. But it was a chance meeting at custom stainless accessories specialist, SLS Group where the unique partnership began to evolve.

Both were at SLS having trucks fitted with a touch-up of lights and chrome.

“We bounced some ideas off each other and decided we’d have a go,” Chris recalls.

“Betts Transport hired us some equipment to help us get started. We were here for the end of the mining boom, and that was five years ago.”

Today, the Betts Bower Group operates 62 pieces of machinery, including some of the smartest heavy haulage gear to be found anywhere.

Chris’ parents operate Betts Transport up in Walcha, at the southeastern edge of the NSW Northern Tablelands. The company started off in 1989 and now runs general freight, livestock and bulk haulage in a fleet made up of 95 per cent Kenworth.

In 2012, Peter and Bev Betts celebrated the delivery of their 50th Kenworth from Kenworth DAF Coffs Harbour. They have since added several more Kenworths to the fleet.

Daniel’s family used to have a heavy haulage and crane company, based out of the NSW Hunter Valley. They sold that business in 2004 to Boom Logistics.

Daniel went on to subcontract to Boom Logistics with a T404SAR and later adding, an Aerodyne K104 and a T604. He then added another Aerodyne, a K104B to subcontract for Betts Transport Pty Ltd. Four years later, he sold all his trucks to work as operations manager for Boom Logistics in the Hunter Valley.

Chris and Daniel kicked off the Betts Bower partnership with a T404ST and a T904; the T904 is still in the fleet.

“There were three of us; Doug Stocks, Chris and I. Today, Doug is driving the bigcab K200, but back at the start that was all we had; those two trucks and a 4x4 with a dolly, and a 4x8 with a dolly and a drop deck,” recalled Daniel.

The fourth cog in the Betts Bower wheel is Daniel’s wife, Michelle who manages the office and keeps the books in order.

“Her role is critically important; it’s an occupational hazard for Chris and I because of how much passion we have for what we do,” Daniel added. “We both get a bit lost in making it all happen.”

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 57

Below: Both Daniel Bower (left) and Chris Betts love premium, well presented rigs Middle: SLS custom stainless and chrome accessories make the Betts Bower Kenworths a standout on any highway ... or mine site

While the growth strategy has been ambitious, the team at Betts Bower have focussed on premium heavy-haulage equipment, concentrating on Kenworth prime movers and Drake Trailers.

Both have grown up around Kenworths and, while they admire their undeniable big-truck style, Chris and Daniel base their equipment on more practical reasoning.

“It starts with the preparation in the factory,” Daniel said of the Kenworth’s build quality. The way they’re assembled and come down the line, their build quality is exceptional.

“Everything is so well painted and, with our trucks having to endure high sulphur mine water, this helps prevent any rust.

“There’s a fair bit of difference between a Kenworth and its competitors.”

According to Chris, Kenworths handle their off-road work better than anything else, and says their re-sale and the driver acceptance are also well ahead of the competition.

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Kenworths handle their off-road work better than anything else, and ... their re-sale and driver acceptance are also well ahead of the competition.

While the fleet can often be seen moving equipment into different mines and quarries, 75 percent of its work is actually conducted in the mines themselves. Mostly moving drill rigs and dozers and getting down and dirty with the water trucks and Haulpaks.

“Our job relates more to on-site work than running up and down the highway. Some days, you’ll come in and there are no white and grey trucks because they’re all one colour ... dirty.

“The drivers don’t like that so they’ll come back at night to wash their trucks,” Chris added.

Betts Bower wash facilities operate 24/7, with both Chris and Daniel regularly pitching in. For them, it’s a case of getting in and giving them a hand when they can. However, much of the credit for the Betts Bower fleet’s sparkle goes to Emma Gibson; who started working as the weekend truck washer back in 2012 and is now going for her HR licence.

Driver turnover is low, with the boys prepared to sit a truck down until they find the right operator rather than hiring a driver

they’re not confident enough to put behind the wheel.

“You can’t throw someone into a truck and have them do the job. It’s big gear and it can cause big problems. We can have a thousand good moves but people will always remember the bad one, so we’re just as picky with our drivers as we are with our equipment,” Daniel added.

Driver comfort is a large part of their thinking when ordering new equipment, especially when over-dimensional loads can cause layovers at a mine site, or some less than scenic roadside rest area.

In these circumstances, Chris and Daniel believe it’s Kenworth’s little extras that make the difference. The latest trucks joining the fleet have had larger beds fitted, CustomAir sleeper air con systems, microwaves and TV/ DVD entertainment consoles.

When a Betts Bower truck leaves Kenworth’s Bayswater factory they’re sent directly to CustomAir and then it’s on to SLS for their trademark treatment in polished stainless.

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 59

There isn’t much we can’t do and it’s great to be able to get the truck to suit our needs from one manufacturer.

The SLS Group’s range of Kenworth accessories is now a large part of the Betts Bower fleet presentation and the company fits most of the accessories – from tow hitches, tool boxes, dunnage trays, chrome, stainless and all the lights.

“We’ve known Steve since he first started out. My SAR was one of the first trucks he worked on. He only does quality work and likes to keep everything looking Kenworth.

Let’s face it, Kenworths are easy to bling up but to do it tastefully and do it well that’s SLS’s real art.

Both Chris and Daniel have a good relationship with Gilbert & Roach Kenworth DAF Newcastle and Brown & Hurley Kenworth DAF in Coffs Harbour.

“Chris has obviously had a really long term relationship with Brown & Hurley Coffs Harbour through his dad’s operation, and I’ve dealt with Gilbert & Roach Newcastle the whole time I’ve been in business,” Daniel explained. “So we get good service from both. Both dealerships do what they can to help us out and look after us.”

The boys have recently added a stock T909 and prior to that a T909 Director’s Series.

The stock T909 was a 130-tonne rated rig that’s a useful addition as the fleet transitions out of some of its older trucks.

“I’ve lived here all my life and, for heavy haulage work, right now it’s one of the worst

6 0 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

Around the corner, or across the country; Betts Bowers Kenworths are called on to shift the mining industry’s awkward, heavy loads

downturns I’ve seen,” Daniel said of the region’s outlook. “In a way, it was a good thing as we came in at the end of the mining boom and, if we can tough it out, it’ll help in the long run.”

Part of the plan is to diversify and, alongside the usual float operation the trucks are increasingly hauling flattops and curtainsiders on long distance routes.

“We might have to put big trucks in front of them,” Daniel said of the change. “But they’re out there earning money. We can’t just rely on heavy haulage. There isn’t much we can’t do and it’s great to be able to get the truck to suit our needs from one manufacturer.

“Diversification has seen us purchasing K200s,” he added. “That truck surprised me because I’d driven a K104 myself but the K200s is better. The ride has improved, they’re easier to get in and out of and there’s plenty of room – both in the front and the back. It’s a great driver’s truck!”

Today there are 15 trucks in the fleet, two of which are permanent subbies and all but two are Kenworths. They range from a 8x4 T359A tilt tray, all the way up to Chris’ truck; a 240-tonne rated C509.

The C509 has been spec’d for back breaking hard work in extreme conditions. A 615hp Signature provides the motivation with the big Cummins’ 2050LBFT of torque passed on through to a heavy-duty Eaton RTLO22918B 18-speed transmission. This then feeds a two-speed Spicer auxiliary that

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Above & right: The Betts Bower colour scheme stays the same but each Kenworth is individually personalised

turns a SISU FR2P-48 planetary tandem drive on Kenworth‘s KW6-60A six-rod suspension.

This optioned C509 is one of the toughest on Kenworth Australia’s production list.

“It’s unbelievable!” Chris enthused. “The slipper front springs and nine-tonne front axle give a great ride. It’s a beautiful truck to drive … the ultimate heavy haulage truck.”

There are steps behind the steers, both right and left and the diesel particulate filter has been moved to the right hand side to fit the auxilliary transmission. Four square tanks give the C509 a 2000 litre capacity, also transferring weight off the steer axle.

6 2 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

The other C5 in the fleet is a C508, which is a shorter wheelbase unit originally set up as a mine truck and fitted with a day cab.

“We got hold of it at a reasonable price and did it right up, putting a 50-inch sleeper on it because it’s what the driver wanted.”

For Chris and Daniel, it’s important that their drivers are happy.

“We’re lucky! All the boys are proud of

what they do and look after their trucks. It all reflects back on the company and we get positive feedback from all our customers.

“Our Kenworths are responsible for that as well. The drivers love them! We don’t seem to have any complaints. I think everyone likes the style. Happy drivers, happy customers … it makes our job a dream!,” smiled Daniel.

Time & Temperature For Mathew Vallance there are three absolutely vital considerations in running his specialist transport business; one is time, another is temperature ... and last but not least is Kenworth cabovers story + photos

■

australian truck photography

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m

Mathew Vallance is a second generation, fresh produce transport manager based on the outskirts of Caboolture, in south-east Queensland. This then explains his preoccupation with equipment reliability. With over 70 vehicles in his company colours, that focus needs to be an obsession.

Everyday is a busy day at Fruithaul. Keeping seasonal fruit and veges on the move across the country, means Mat demands a high level of equipment reliability which explains the decision to base his linehaul operation on Kenworth’s cab-over K-Series. “It’s pretty

simple,” he explains. “Kenworths are superreliable and our realationship with the dealer is exceptional.”

Purchasing its first Kenworth in 2002, the Fruithaul fleet consists mainly of a mix of K104s, K104Bs, K108s and K200s plus a T350 rigid working out of the company’s Victorian depot in Dalmore, on Melbourne’s southeastern belt of market gardens.

“We haven’t purchased any other linehaul truck since then. They’re a premium product, but they’re the best,” he adds. “And that’s what we require to provide the service to our customers.”

That first Kenworth is currently wearing out its second rebuilt engine, although these days it’s kept occupied closer to home on local pickups. All the same, Mat says the 2002 K104 is still such a solid machine he’s

thinking of installing a new engine to extend its working life for the next five years.

“You can still hop in and drive it to Melbourne,” he continues. “A 13-year old truck that continues to provide a reliable service … that’s the standard we require.”

Typically, produce haulage tends to be more cubic than weight restricted This means Fruithaul’s equipment specifications concentrate on maximum trailer length.

“Obviously, the more freight we can cart the more efficient we can become. That’s why there are now two 26-pallet trailers in the fleet under the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme.”

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 65

For maximum equipment flexibility Fruithaul have three K200s pulling its PBS trailers, with the rest of the fleet completely interchangeable.

By standardising on Kenworth’s K-Series, Mat says Fruithaul has minimised compatability issues, and the commonality between models allows the company to reduce its parts inventory.

As well, Fruithaul’s drivers can be easily rostered into any truck in the fleet. “We don’t have any drivers’ trucks as such. We’ve a great crew of blokes, who’ve been with us for a long time.”

Mat says the evolution in the K-Series has been gratifying, singling out Kenworth’s advances in cab access and interior ergonomics.

“Our linehaul drivers run from north Queensland down to the Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne markets. They’re spending a lot of time living in their rigs so the K200’s flat floor is a big step forward. As well, the drivers are saying their K200s ride and handle really well.

“The cooler running Cummins ISX e5s, is good for both the driver and the general equipment reliability,” he adds.

Like most family-owned fleets, pride in the

presentation of Fruithaul’s trucks and equipment is obvious. However, carrying primary produce requires high standards of cleanliness. The fridge units’ interior cleanliness is more important than what it looks like on the outside.

“There’s nothing worse than opening the back doors and it’s dirty and smells,” Mat states. “All our trailers are washed out and cleaned regularly. Even down to our oldest

trucks that only do a little bit of local; we still have the same cleaning regime.

“It’s a reflection of what we do and the pride in the job at Fruithaul.”

Similar to its Kenworths, Fruithaul’s trailers are kept up to top spec with the oldest, a ’97 Maxi-Cube still ready, willing and able to put in a big mile on a Melbourne market haul down the Newell.

Fruithaul’s Kenworths are delivered stark

Smart equipment might be the face of the company today but behind the professional appearance there’s many years of struggle and sacrifice ...

6 6 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

Below right: Mathew Vallance takes the reins at Fruithaul, co-ordinating a fleet of over 70 vehicles operating across the Eastern Seaboard

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Fruithaul’s Kenworths are delivered plain white, with Tony Gibbs at Truck Writers adding the distinctive bright green and yellow highlights

white, with Tony Gibbs at Truck Writers adding the company’s distinctive bright green and yellow stripes.

“Tony invested in a large machine to do them for us,” Mat explained. “They’re distinctive and help our trucks stand out. They give the driver’s more pride in their equipment and, I’m sure our clients like seeing our trucks.

“It all reflects well on our company.”

Smart, well-presented equipment might be the face of the company today but behind the professional appearance there’s many years of struggle and sacrifice.

The business kicked off 25-years ago when Mat’s parents, Garrie and Louise bought the produce haulier, Northline Express. At the time, Garrie was a single truck, owneroperator subbying for Northline.

He’d been driving trucks since the ‘60s and took over at Northline with just one prime mover and a flattop trailer. The business came with a tray-top rigid and a forklift.

“That’s all we had when we started, so

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KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 67

K200s hauling 26-pallet fridge vans operating under the PBS guidelines have improved efficiency by an extra 200 pallets a year

“ ... our Kenworths come ready to roll; there’s nothing to add, or build on.” we’ve grown considerably ... a lot of our customers have been with us all that time.

“Dad loved the business and prided himself on the service he provided. I can still remember going for trips when I was only four or five and he was still a subby at Northline.

“He’d been involved in transport for 40 plus years and operated a successful business for 25 years. It was his number-one priority and the business continues to reflect his dedication,” recalled Mat. Fruithaul opened its Victorian depot 13 years ago, around the same time Mat went working for his Dad full time.

“Throughout that period, I ran the Caboolture depot, which allowed Garrie the time to set up the Victorian end. To get our business to this level, Dad would spend summer in Melbourne, which is our busiest time.

Originally, Fruithaul’s Victoria depot was located close to its customers in the Yarra Valley. As its customer base expanded and the freight volumes increased, the depot was moved to Dalmore in the West Gippsland region.

As well, Fruithaul’s Caboolture depot has also grown and is now a modern, tempera-

6 8 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

ture controlled warehouse with over 300 pallets of cold storage.

The Caboolture facility is also where the company undertakes most of its vehicle maintenance.

“We’ve strict maintenance guidelines … everything goes through our workshop every time it returns to the depot. That’s why we know we can rely on our older Kenworths and Maxicube trailers. We have to be spoton because we cannot afford to have freight miss its market or time slot.

“Nowadays most of our business is serving supermarket distribution centres across the eastern seaboard. Freight is delivered seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year.”

More recently, the use of PBS sanctioned 26 pallet trailers has allowed Fruithaul to improve efficiencies, allowing it to carry an extra 200 pallets a trailer, per year.

“Having Kenworths designed and engineered to suit our PBS trailers is like one stop shopping. Our Kenworths come ready to roll; there’s nothing to add, or build on.

It’s that initial build quality that allows us to supply the best possible service. That only comes when you’re employing the best people and operating the best equipment.”

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Grass is Greener ... story + photos

■

australian truck photography

Charlie Muscat had always aspired to owning a Kenworth. Maximum productivity and reliable performance over millions of kilometres, plus they hold their value when driven out the dealers’ gate … who wouldn’t want one?

g

Growing grass on an industrial scale seems kind of strange. Those fields of green always look like a lot of work on the weekend, and you’re immediately thinking … gotta get a ride-on mower. Or, is that just me?

Charlie Muscat comes from a family of turf growers in Windsor, on Sydney’s outer northwest. Working among the footy fields of grass at the southern end of the Putty Road is nothing new to him and it’s a fair bet he’s got something more than a ride-on in his shed.

But Charlie’s pride and joy isn’t a mower; his immaculate Kenworth T359 takes that place.

“I’ve two more brothers,” Charlie explains.

“We were all partners in a successful turf growing business, Green Line Turf. We all had our own roles to play in the business, and my chosen role was transportation (turf deliveries).

Greenline Turf outgrew its original concept and, in 2008, Charlie and his wife, Carmen formed Greenway Turf.

Charlie had been an avid reader of all the popular truck magazines back in their heyday in the 70s and 80s. All those flash overnighters, the hardcore outback road trains and the glamorous big city bangers; they all inspired his teenage imagination. But the trucks that really caught his attention were the Kenworths, and right at the outset he’d set his youthful sights on owning one.

7 0 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 71

Charlie (left) and Ben with their T359 dream machine

As the Kenworth had been on the Muscat’s wish list for many years, both Charlie and Ben had spent some time thinking about just how they’d like to present their new truck.

7 2 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

It was to be an ambition that has stuck by him through the years.

“We always had good looking trucks, but I wanted a Kenworth,” Charlie admitted. “It just seemed out of reach and, back then, Kenworths were mainly premium highway trucks or doing heavy-duty, off-road work.”

That all changed in 1998 when Kenworth introduced the T300 to its model line-up.

This new model ticked all the same boxes as the larger Kenworths, only in a smaller package. Now the manufacturer had a truck Charlie could not only aspire to, they also had a truck that would raise the standard for truck productivity, driver comfort and safety.

Not that Charlie raced out to put in an order, but the die was set when his son, Ben drew a picture of a T300 and had it published in a truck magazine. He wrote on the picture that he hoped one day his Dad would buy one to deliver turf.

Now Charlie wasn’t the only one in the family with his eyes on the prize.

The Muscat’s ordered their T359 in September 2013 from Lloyd Moran at Kenworth DAF Huntingwood, in Sydney’s Western corridor. The Kenworth rolled off the production line two months later.

Fifteen years is a long time to make your son wait for the Kenworth of his dreams.

That’s a lot of disappointments under the Christmas tree and too many sad birthdays to think about, but in this case the wait was worth it. In the meantime, Ben had grown up a little and was ready to bump Dad out of the driver’s seat.

As the Kenworth had been on the Muscat’s wish list for many years, both Charlie and Ben had spent a fair bit of time thinking about just how they’d like to present their new truck.

“We’d had many years of planning and dreaming, and knew exactly what we wanted it to look like,” stated Ben. “The only deviation from that plan has been a change of colour.”

Greenway’s trucks have always been gunmetal grey, but in the same year they took delivery of their T359A, the Muscat’s also joined forces with a new nationwide turf group, Lawn Solutions Australia. Part of the arrangement required the trucks to be painted in the Lawn Solutions Australia green and white colour scheme.

“There are about 40 Lawn Solutions Australia growers around Australia and they selected us as premium growers. Re-painting the trucks was the only down side to joining Lawn Solutions Australia, however the end

advantage kenworth the T359 SerieS

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the Kenworth t359 is a flexible solution, with tight turning circle and short BBC, that delivers efficiency, power and productivity for your dollar.

Available with up to 434hp and your choice of Cummins iSLe5 or iSMe5 engines.

the Kenworth t359 Agitator is purpose built to take on the demands of concrete distribution. the t359A is available up to 380hp in various axle configurations including 10x4 to suit a maximum bowl size of 9m.

Kenworth Electronic Braking Safety Systems (EBSS), including Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is available for even greater peace of mind.

Whatever your application, be it around town or at the construction site, take advantage of the T359 series. Now with the fantastic Business Class interior with larger cab.

For more information vistit your local Kenworth Dealer or go to www.kenworth.com.au.

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Charlie’s attention to detail and finish is immaculate ... a result to be proud of with the customised T359

7 4 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

result looks better than I thought it would” recalled Charlie “It has surprised me! The result is a neat clean looking paint scheme, with some added signwriting and scrollwork to finish it off.

Signs Lines’n Scrolls of Narellan, NSW finished off the two-tone paintwork and added the signwriting and modern freehand scrolling. According to Charlie the work they do puts them up there with the best and he was over the moon with the finished result.

Now if you’ve had 15 years to contemplate how you’d like your perfect Kenworth T3 to look there’s a chance the boys could have easily gone over the top. It’s a credit to them they they’ve shown some restraint, but knowing what they wanted was one thing; finding the right people to do it was the other.

The chrome work, stainless steel accessories, aluminium, and various other extras

inside the cab, took three months, and included stainless steel guards behind the steer and rear axles, LED lights on the mirrors and door panel, custom swing plate, Stainless Adblue cover, Stainless visor, and twin mitre-cut stacks with custom shrouds just to name a few.

Leli at LA Truckworks, who Ben has described as a metal and engineering genius, carried out these works.

“You don’t see many T359s with dual exhausts. There isn’t much room so we ceramic coated the whole system to keep as much heat away from the cab as possible,” Ben proudly explained.

The 12-pallet curtainsider body was built

by West Trucks and is fitted with Transking’s innovative ‘QuickLoc’ system. Designed by Lindsay King, the QuickLoc locks down the curtain buckles at the push of a button.

The Australian DAF model range has been specifically customised to suit our unique applications and environmental conditions.

With a low tare weight for optimum payloads, robust design, powerful and efficient engines, outstanding driver appeal and a broad range of hardworking chassis and axle configurations, the LF, CF and XF series are suitable for a multitude of applications.

For more information visit www.DAF.com.au or contact your local DAF dealer.

“They’re a driver’s truck and you enjoy climbing in and turning the key. It’s comfortable and classy … you’re driving a real truck.”

“It doesn’t sound like much, (undoing the buckles) but if you do it 10-12 times a day or more, sometimes we can pull up in some pretty ordinary situations where time is critical. Having to only push a button to lock and unlock the curtains makes life so much easier,” said Charlie. “It can save up to an hour a day of driver labour.”

Hanging on the back is a Donkey truckcarried forklift. The Muscat family have close to 10 of these units, making its trucks a vital cog in the supply of top quality turf to its customers.

The turf is harvested in the afternoon and loaded in the evening. The location of the deliveries determines the time that Charlie or Ben hit the road the next day, but they like to be at the furthest of the schedule before Sydney’s notorious morning traffic builds up and peak hour begins.

“That’s when you really enjoy climbing into the cab of a Kenworth!” Charlie added.

“They’re a driver’s truck and you enjoy climbing in and turning the key. It’s comfortable and classy … you’re driving a real truck.”

According to both Charlie and Ben, the T359 is a joy to drive, even in heavy traffic with both highlighting the excellent all round visibility with its Daylite doors.

“Kenworth has really paid attention to driver comfort in its latest models. It’s got

7 6 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

the suspension cab and has very good seats.

There’s hardly any bonnet and you can see exactly where you are going and what’s around you.

“I’d never driven a bonneted truck before, but it’s no problem at all. Even the mirrors, they reflect a lot more than the others do.

With the spotter mirror down on the left hand side door, you can see anything that may be hiding next to you,” continued Charlie.

Because of the weight of the turf, the Muscat’s opted for a twin steer.

Charlie can’t praise his T3 enough for the way it steers and turns, saying that for an 8x4 with the longer wheelbase the smallest Kenworth easily gets around some very tight city streets.

“We unload anywhere and everywhere and this truck is awesome. The big advantage though is its tare weight. We can legally load more turf than any other truck brand set up in this configuration,” said Ben. Under the bonnet is a Cummins ISL e5 set at 380hp and is coupled to a 13-speed Eaton Roadranger.

“We prefer the Roadranger to an automatic. The gears go in beautifully, and I’m used to it and don’t want to get out of it, I love it!” smiled Charlie “Even with the Ad-Blue, it is returning between 2.5-2.7 km’s per litre. So it’s very economical.

In the warmer months, the Greenway turf operation works six-days a week and the boys say it can be difficult to find the time to wash the trucks. Once they return home on Saturdays, there’s farm work, the inevitable mowing, watering and fertilising. So it’s usually Sunday afternoon before they get around to washing the trucks.

“It’s difficult running the farm and the trucks as well, but we’ve a lot of pride in what we do and want nice trucks so when the public look at our trucks they remember our name,” stated Charlie proudly “I think it helps our business but we don’t do it for anyone else but ourselves.

“We do it because we love trucks!”

Sometimes dreams can be disappointing when reality doesn’t match up with eager anticipation. For the Muscat family, they’ve no such worries and are more than happy now that Ben’s vision has finally driven off that page. It’s a dream come true and the Kenworth is performing well above their expectations.

“For us, it was stupid to buy anything but a T359,” Charlie concludes. “We can’t fault the truck and it feels great to be behind the wheel of a Kenworth.”

Reality in this case is better than the dream – they have their Kenworth and it’s simply the best truck available for the job.

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Pink T-shirt

New ladies cotton, crew neck t-shirt, in fuschia pink.

Available in sizes: S - 2XL

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Visit your local dealership or shop online at www.kenworthshop.com.au to purchase official Kenworth merchandise.

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13.50

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Coming Soon

Charcoal T-shirt

New mens cotton, crew neck t-shirt, in Charcoal Available in sizes: S - 5XL

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Like Kenworth Australia on Facebook

Zeb Plush Toy

Another cuddly companion! T409 Zeb plush toy.

Bucket Hat

For all the “Lil Kenny’s”. New bucket hat, available in red.

RRP

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Kenny Picture Book Series

Collect all 3 in the series! $9.50 each (or special 3 for $25)

Visit your local dealership or shop online at www.kenworthshop.com.au to purchase official Kenworth merchandise.

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Like Kenworth Australia on Facebook

Tru Dry Polo

Charcoal grey polo with black panels and white piping detail. Easy-care, cotton backed pique knit. Available in sizes: M - 5XL

Bug Keyring

PVC Kenworth bug keyring with split ring and chain.

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Overnight Bag

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Travel Mug

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Stainless steel travel mug with push on lock top lid and black handle. Size: 473ml

Visit your local dealership or shop online at www.kenworthshop.com.au to purchase official Kenworth merchandise.

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national

DEALER NETWORK service and support

KENWORTH LEONGATHA 16 Cusack Road Leongatha, VIC, 3953

KENWORTH DAF NARELLAN 7 Millwood Avenue Narellan, NSW, 2567

MTC KENWORTH DAF MILDURA 293 Benetook Avenue Mildura, VIC, 3500

GILBERT & ROACH KENWORTH DAF NEWCASTLE 320 Pacific Highway Hexham, NSW, 2322

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5662 5266 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5662 5833

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 4647 7377 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 4647 7466

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5051 2800 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5051 2890

Head Office

PACCAR AUSTRALIA 64 Canterbury Road Bayswater, VIC, 3153

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 9721 1500 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 9720 4144

Victoria

GTC KENWORTH DAF BAIRNSDALE 180 Princes Highway Bairnsdale, VIC, 3875

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5152 1616 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5152 4045

KENWORTH DAF MELBOURNE EAST Bayswater Truck Centre Factory 9 97-107 Canterbury Road Kilsyth, VIC, 3137

KENWORTH MORWELL 111 Alexander Road Morwell, VIC, 3840

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5134 4359 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5133 9201

GTM KENWORTH DAF SHEPPARTON Cnr Doyles & New Dookie Rds Shepparton, VIC, 3630

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5821 3977 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5822 2391

KENWORTH DAF SWAN HILL 219-221 Sea Lake Road Swan Hill, VIC, 3585

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5033 1372 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5033 1371

KENWORTH WARRAGUL 128-130 North Road Warragul, VIC, 3820

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 8796 9999

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5623 6404 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5622 3181

KENWORTH DAF MELBOURNE EAST Hallam Truck Centre 217 Princes Highway Hallam, VIC, 3803

KENWORTH DAF WARRNAMBOOL 987 Raglan Parade Warrnambool, VIC, 3280

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 8796 9100 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 9796 4499

KENWORTH HORSHAM 141 Stawell Road Horsham, VIC, 3400

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5382 6110 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5382 3932

KENWORTH DAF MELBOURNE 355 Fitzgerald Road Derrimut, VIC, 3030

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 9396 9100 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 9396 9111

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5560 5477 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 5561 2379

KENWORTH DAF WODONGA 255 McKoy Street West Wodonga, VIC, 3691

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6049 8888 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6049 8889

New South Wales

SUTTONS KENWORTH DAF ARNCLIFFE 85-93 Princes Highway Arncliffe, NSW, 2205

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 9335 9080 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 9335 9005

8 0 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 4964 8641 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 4964 8362

BROWN & HURLEY KENWORTH DAF COFFS HARBOUR 2-10 Hurley Drive Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450 Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6648 2222 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6651 1209

INLAND KENWORTH DAF DUBBO Newell Highway North Dubbo, NSW, 2830

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6882 4433 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6882 8966

KENWORTH DAF GRIFFITH 1056 Bridge Road Griffith, NSW, 2680

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6962 7088 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6962 7491

GILBERT & ROACH KENWORTH DAF HUNTINGWOOD 8-10 Huntingwood Drive Huntingwood, NSW, 2148

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 8825 3000

KENWORTH INVERELL 10-12 Swanbrook Road Inverell, NSW, 2360

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6721 6900 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6722 5126

KENWORTH DAF TAMWORTH 81A Barnes Street Tamworth, NSW, 2340

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6762 2922 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6762 2933

KENWORTH TAREE 73 Muldoon Street Taree, NSW, 2430

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6552 6733 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6552 7507

INLAND KENWORTH DAF WAGGA WAGGA 260 Hammond Avenue Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6921 1244 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6921 7792

KENWORTH DAF WOLLONGONG 67-71 Five Islands Road Wollongong, NSW, 2505

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 4276 3245

Queensland

BROWN & HURLEY KENWORTH DAF DARRA 2632 Ipswich Road Darra, QLD, 4076

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 3363 8000 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 3363 8080

BROWN & HURLEY KENWORTH DAF KYOGLE 266-272 Summerland Way Kyogle, NSW, 2474

KENWORTH GOONDIWINDI 7 Wilson Court Goondiwindi, QLD, 4390

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6632 0333 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6622 1644

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4677 9600 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4671 2400

KENWORTH MOREE 369-379 Frome Street Moree, NSW, 2400

KENWORTH DAF MACKAY Cnr Central Park Drive & Progress Drive South Mackay, QLD, 4740

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6750 8300 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6752 8254

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4952 4458 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4952 5178

BROWN & HURLEY KENWORTH DAF ROCKHAMPTON 985-1005 Yaamba Road Parkhurst, QLD, 4702 Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4923 8000 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4936 1433

BROWN & HURLEY KENWORTH DAF TOOWOOMBA 28-30 Carrington Road Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4690 7300 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4690 7370

BROWN & HURLEY KENWORTH DAF TOWNSVILLE 622 Ingham Road Bohle, QLD, 4818

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4758 4000 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 4758 4070

BROWN & HURLEY KENWORTH DAF YATALA 26 Burnside Road Yatala, QLD, 4207

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 3441 7000 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(07) 3441 7070

South Australia

KENWORTH DAF ADELAIDE 100 Port Wakefield Road Cavan, SA, 5094

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8139 4000 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8244 3919

KENWORTH DAF BERRI Cnr Jellet Rd & Hughes Street Berri, SA, 5343

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8582 2944 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8582 1399

KENWORTH BORDERTOWN Lot 1 McLellan Street Bordertown, SA, 5268

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8752 0077 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8752 1048

KENWORTH DAF BURTON 473 Burton Road Burton, SA, 5110

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8280 6600 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8280 5289

BMG KENWORTH DAF MT GAMBIER 199 Jubilee Highway West Mt Gambier, SA, 5290

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8721 3400 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8721 3444

Western Australia

KENWORTH DAF ALBANY 17 Charles Street Albany, WA, 6330

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9841 1249 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9842 1519

KENWORTH DAF BUNBURY 10 Kerr Road Picton East, WA, 6229

KENWORTH DAF KALGOORLIE Cnr West Kalgoorlie & Craig Roads Kalgoorlie, WA, 6430

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9021 2311 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9091 2387

KENWORTH DAF PERTH 787 Abernethy Road Forrestfield, WA, 6058

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9359 7400 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9352 8222

KENWORTH DAF PORT HEDLAND 7 Pinnacles Street Wedgefield, WA, 6721

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9172 7400 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9172 1377

Northern Territory

KENWORTH DAF ALICE SPRINGS 8-10 Cameron Street Alice Springs, NT, 0870

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8952 1377 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8953 0822

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9722 8100 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9725 7757

KENWORTH DAF DARWIN 1 Toupein Road Yarrawonga, NT, 0830

KENWORTH DAF GERALDTON 383 Edward Road Meru, Geraldton, WA, 6530

ACT

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9923 3299 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 9923 3288

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8935 9100 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(08) 8935 9101

KENWORTH DAF CANBERRA Cnr Kendall Avenue & Lorn Road Queanbeyan, ACT, 2620

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6297 3862 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(02) 6299 2680

Tasmania

KENWORTH DAF BURNIE 1-3 Massy Greene Drive South Burnie, TAS, 7320

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 6430 2777 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 6431 4535

KENWORTH DAF EAST DEVONPORT 16-18 North Caroline Street East Devonport, TAS, 7310

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 6427 0900 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 6427 0490

KENWORTH DAF HOBART 56 Crooked Billet Drive Bridgewater, TAS, 7030

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 6262 6200 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 6263 7821

KENWORTH DAF LAUNCESTON 401 Westbury Road Prospect, TAS, 7250 Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 6345 4100 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(03) 6343 2192

New Zealand

SOUTHPAC KENWORTH 96-98 Wiri Station Road Manukau City, NZ

Phone . . . . . . . . . .0011 64 (9) 262 3181 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . .0011 64 (9) 262 3184

Papua New Guinea

BOROKO MOTORS KENWORTH Cnr Waigani Dr & Cameron Road Boroko NCD, Port Moresby Phone . . . . . . . . . . 0011 (675) 325 5255 Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . 0011 (675) 323 6137

KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU 81

on the job

QUICK HITCH rebirth of a legend ...

Wayne McLaughlin was looking for a really special restoration project.

So when the director of East Coast Bulk Haulage, in Coomera, Qld spotted the Bicentennial K100E for sale it got him thinking ...

O

On the surface, the K100E didn’t seem to be much of a radical departure from a tried and well-proven formula. What wasn’t immediately obvious was the engineering and development Kenworth had invested in its new K100E. The focus was on the higher-powered engines coming onto the market at the time.

More power meant more heat, and the K100E was designed around the larger radiators and intercoolers these engines required.

Combined with a near limitless range of wheelbase options, the K100E’s cooling 8 2 KENWORTHDOWNUNDER.COM.AU

story • mark gibson + photos • wayne mclaughlin (east coast bulk haulage)

Only seven Bicentennial launch trucks were made – a C500, the T600A, a T650, the L700 and three K100Es. This K100E is the last on the road and Wayne’s ideal project.

The Kenworth cab-over has always had a dedicated following, however back in the 80s Kenworth’s highly anticipated T600A ‘Anteater’ was due for launch. As well, it was widely known that the replacement for the hugely popular W925SAR was also waiting in the wings.

Kenworth’s bonneted range was on a roll, so a new K-Series wasn’t ever going to create headlines.

Above: Kenworth Australia’s proud boast at the time was that its K100E was ‘The World’s Most Advanced Cab-Over’.

All Pics: Can’t kill ‘em. When it’s finished Wayne McLaughlin’s fully restored Bicentennial K100E will be one of the rarest Kenworth’s still on the road - a tribute to the historic Aussie cab-over

package meant Kenworth’s cab-over range was ideally placed to evolve into the premier B-Double prime-mover and lay the foundation for today’s K200.

As they say, the rest is history.

Wayne’s Bicentennial K100E rescue is nearing completion. The aim is to have the historic cab-over drive out of his workshop identical to the truck that rolled off the Bayswater production line nearly 30 years ago. After surviving well over two million kilometres in harness, it’s also the last of the historic Bicentennial Kenworths on the road.

Watch this space.

Take advanTage of The besT sUPPoRT foR YoUR JoURneY

PACCAR delivers the total package for your journey.

Take advantage of a comprehensive range of quality, safe and efficient road transport solutions, which draw on the best local and international expertise and can be customised for Australian conditions and individual requirements. Wherever you go you will be supported by the most experienced and professional national network of dealers, offering finance, service, parts and advice.

Our dedicated Roadside Assistance Service covers Australia 24-7. Simply call 1800 472 222 to be connected to your nearest PACCAR Dealer.

For more information on how we can best support your journey contact your local Kenworth Dealer or go to www.kenworth.com.au

1800 4 PACCAR (1800 472 222)

24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT

dedicated to the best

dedicated to your needs At PACCAR Financial we are dedicated to finding you the best finance solutions for two of Australia’s most notable truck brands; Kenworth and DAF.

PACCAR Financial strives to be your first choice for Financing PACCAR trucks by offering customised and specialised financial products, with honesty and integrity.

Because our business is 100% trucking and transport, we understand the expectations that you place on your trucks and the cash flow demands on your business.

Look to PACCAR Financial as a trusted and responsible financial partner, committed to the growth and prosperity of the transport industry.

For more information on how we can help to meet your finance needs visit www.paccarfinancial.com.au/products FREE CALL 1800 455 155

photo n australian truck photography

KENWORTH

DOWN UNDER

Betts Bower’s ‘Director Series’ heavy haulage Kenworth C509 has been engineered for extreme loads – on highway and on-site

collectors’ issue n fifteen

photo n australian truck photography

KENWORTH

DOWN UNDER Dream Machine. Charlie and son, Ben’s 8x4 T359 delivers the Sir Walter to landscapers and home gardeners across Sydney

collectors’ issue n fifteen

photo n australian truck photography

KENWORTH

DOWN UNDER

Trevor and Tracey Bramstedt’s PBS certified 8x4 K200 loading livestock in Victoria’s rugged Alpine region

collectors’ issue n fifteen

photo n australian truck photography

KENWORTH

DOWN UNDER

Queensland’s bush tracks are an extreme test for Dulacca Transport’s T659 as it makes a mile for the Roma Saleyards

collectors’ issue n fifteen