Deals on Wheels 501 January 2024

Welcome

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2024 and all that it brings.

A quick look at this month’s events calendar shows one thing it’s sure to bring is plenty opportunities for the truck loving public to get out and about in Australia’s regional cities and towns and celebrate heavy vehicles in all their shapes and forms.

Victorians are spoilt for choice with Tooradin and Koroit playing host to events in January, while those whose passion are heavy vehicles of a more historic note will need a bit of magic if they want to attend all of the shows on offer in March, including three on the one weekend in different states.

With the new year the Deals on Wheels team is busy searching for great tales of truck restorations, transport industry legends and tips and tricks that might help our readers to turn their own trucking dreams into reality.

We’ll keep a close eye on the new truck market, reporting sales figures as we get them, investigate the used truck market and continue

to bring you pages of new and used trucks, trailers and parts to browse for inspiration and practical use.

Deals on Wheels could not exist without the support of our loyal advertisers and I’d encourage anyone keen to find their next project to have a good look at the pages here and support those who support us.

While we know our readers still love to have a hard copy magazine to read and refer to, we can also be found online at www. dealsonwheels.com.au and on facebook @ TradeTrucksAU, powered by our online classifieds partner www.tradetrucks.com.au

If you have a great story to share, please feel free to share by email at geoff.crockett@ primecreative.com.au

Enjoy this month’s read. Geoff

Bridges to beware of

Every city has them – those low bridges that wreak havoc for truck drivers

When entering the word ‘truck’ into Google, a flurry of angry news articles about heavy vehicles hitting bridges and tunnels will surround your screen.

Every year, commuters are faced with lengthy delays when over height vehicles collide with bridges and structures, not to mention the infrastructure damage and nasty scrapes to your truck’s paint.

Incidents have become so common, and structures so iconic, that websites like ‘how many days since Montague street bridge has been hit’, and other social media pages have begun popping up.

So, to avoid being plastered on front page news, losing your license, or being mercilessly mocked on a Facebook group, we have collated a list of the most hit areas in New South Wales and Victoria for you to watch out for.

New South Wales

Perhaps the strictest of the states, constant incidents have led to the NSW government introducing six-month registration suspensions to the owners and operators of heavy vehicles who strike, while truck drivers face a $4,097 fine and 12 demerit points.

Incidents involving over height trucks have dropped to their lowest level since 2017 in New South Wales following the introduction of these penalties.

A spokesperson for Transport NSW says, “Truck drivers and the companies they operate on behalf of need to know the height of their load and have it properly restrained throughout their journe.”

“Transport for NSW is working closely with industry, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and unions to reduce over height breaches and educate drivers on preventative actions they can take to avoid an overweight incident occurring.”

According to NSW Transport, the top hit tunnels and rail bridge/locations are:

1. Sydney Harbour Tunnel

Height clearance: 4.4 metres

In June this year, three over-height trucks blocked the Sydney Harbour Tunnel in only two days.

2. M 5 East Main Tunnel

Height clearance: 4.6 metres

2010 saw 50 metres of roofing being scraped from the M5 by an over height truck.

3. D omain Tunnel

Height clearance: 4.4 metres

Looks can be deceiving, so keep an eye out for this one.

4. Sydney Airport Tunnel

Height clearance: 4.4 metres

In May this year, a driver copped the $4,097 fine for having a load "well over" the height limit for a Sydney tunnel while trying to pass through.

5. Lane Cove Tunnel

Height clearance: 4.4 metres

November last year saw two overheight vehicles become stuck on the M2 in just four hours.

6. Galston Road at Galston Gorge, Galston

Length clearance: 7.5 metres

This road is not easy and has a fairly notorious reputation, with vehicles over 7.5 metres not permitted.

7. Foreshore Rd, General Holmes Drive Underpass, Mascot

Height clearance: 5.0 metres

Located near the airport, the GHD underpass is one to keep an eye on.

8. Sir John Young Crescent/Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo

Height clearance: 4.4 metres

While Woolloomooloo may be fun to say, don’t think that hitting one of its structures will be humorous.

9. Frederick Street Railway overpass, Ashfield

Height clearance: 4.2 metres

Never underestimate an overpass.

10. Arnott’s Bridge, Parramatta Rd, Strathfield

Height clearance: 4.3 metres

It seems some truckies are getting hungry for risk instead of biscuits when approaching this bridge.

The infamous Montague St Bridge in Melbourne has a 3m height limit. Image: FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock.com

Victoria

A Department of Transport and Planning Victoria spokesperson says it is a situation that is completely avoidable, and in many instances, very dangerous.

"It is the responsibility of road users to ensure they know the size of their vans and trucks before starting their vehicle, and to remain vigilant of signage warning of height restrictions," they say.

Since 2021, here are the numbers of hits on these popular bridges and locations:

1. Racecourse Rd, Newmarket

Height clearance: 3.7 metres

Taking the top spot in VIC is Racecourse Road, Newmarket with a total of 26 hits since 2021.

2. M ontague St overpass

Height clearance: 3.0 metres

The infamous Montague St bride has seen its fair share of news clips, with 22 hits over the past three years.

3. Essendon, Mt Alexander Rd

Height clearance: 4.0 metres

With five hits, we dub this location silent but deadly.

4. Racecourse Rd, Newmarket

Height clearance: 3.7 metres

Coming in three times on this list, Racecourse Rd is a host to a few hardto-miss structures. This Racecourse Rd location has 17 hits in its diary.

5. N apier St, Footscray

Height clearance: 4.0 metres

In a tie with above, the Napier St bridge has been hit 17 times over the past three years.

6. H untingdale Rd, Jordanville

Height clearance: 3.9 metres

Nine hits make up the damage to Huntingdale Road.

7. M erri Pd, Northcote

Height clearance: 3.3 metres

There is nothing too Merri about being hit nine times.

8. Lloyd St Bridge, Sth Kensington

Height clearance: 3.5 metres

Coming in just under Merri Pd, the Lloyd St Bridge has taken a beating seven times.

9. Punt Rd, Richmond

Height clearance: 4.3 metres

Infamous for its traffic, Punt Rd bridges are apparently overlooked, with seven smashes on its radar.

10. Racecourse Rd, Flemington Bridge

Height clearance: 3.7 metres

Coming in third to its neighbours, this Racecourse Rd location took five hits over three years.

AAASIDETIPPER TRAILER

2023,NEW.With hydraulictopand springsuspensionheavyduty.AAA11.

AAATRI-AXLE CONVERTERDOLLY 2023,NEW.Withspring suspension*tandem axleavailable**low loaderavailable*. AAA12. TA1107640.

AAATRI-AXLETAG TRAILER 2023,NEW.Withfold outrampsandspring suspension.AAA13.

AAAFLATDECKA TRAILER 2023,NEW.Withfront andreargatesand airbagsuspension. AAA14. TA1095154.

AAA45'DROPDECK TRAILER 2023,NEW.Withbifold rampsandairbag suspension*smaller wheelsavailable* *lowerdeckheight available*.AAA15. TA811011.

AAA28000LPOTABLE DRINKINGWATER TANKER 2023,NEW.Trailerwith springsuspension. AAA16. TA811044. $90,000+GST

AAA22,000LWATER TANKATRAILER 2023,.NEW.With springsuspension. AAA17. TA1100444. $85,000+GST

AAA45'DROPDECK WIDENERTRAILER 2023,NEW.Withbifold rampsandairbag suspensionunder1m deckheight *2.5m-3.5mspan*. AAA18. TA811031. $90,000+GST

AAA32000LSPRAY TANKERTRAILER 2023,NEW.Withspring suspension.AAA19. TA811025. $85,000+GST

AAA45'EXTENDABLE DROPDECKTRAILER 2023,NEW.Withbifold ramsandspring suspension*smaller wheels available**lowerdeck heightavailable*. AAA20. TA858125. $90,000+GST

AAACURTAINSIDE TRAILER

2023,NEW.Withside gatesandairbag suspension*custom curtainsavailable*.

AAA1. TA1149707.

AAADROPDECK-A CURTAINSIDETRAILER 2023,NEW.Withside gatesandairbag suspension*custom curtainsavailable*.

AAA2. TA1149710.

AAADROPDECK CONCRETEPANEL TRAILER 2023,NEW.Withairbag suspension.AAA3. TA982460.

AAAFLATDECK TRAILER

2023,NEW.Withairbag suspension*gatesnot included*.AAA4. TA811006.

AAA40FTSKELETAL LIGHTWEIGHT TRAILER 2023,NEW.Withairbag suspension.AAA5. TA1038471.

AAAFLATTOP CURTAINSIDE

2023,NEW.Withairbag suspension*custom curtainsavailable*.

AAA6. TA1149708.

$99,000+GST

AAADROPDECK-B CURTAINSIDETRAILER 2023,NEW.Withairbag suspension*custom curtainsavailable*.

AAA7. TA1149711.

AAAQUADAXLELOW LOADERWIDENER WITHBI-FOLDRAMPS 2023,NEW.Withairbag suspension*deck heightunder1m**add $40,000forrearsteer &frontliftupgrade*.

AAA8. TA948716. $119,000+GST

AAATANDEMAXLE TAGTRAILER 2023,NEW.Withfold outrampsandspring suspension.AAA9. TA1051493.

AAASIDETIPPER TRAILER 2023,NEW.With hydraulictopand springsuspensionheavyduty.AAA10. TA1189554.

$105,000+GST

Isuzu's

BEST OF THE BEST

Top Gun has flight school, Isuzu has its own Olympics to determine its best of the best.

Words: Alex Catalano

All eyes were on the prize at this year's Isuzu World Technical Competition

Truck technician Brad Hickey from Double R Tamworth will never forget his experience at what he describes as the “Isuzu Olympics”. Yes, you read that right.

The manufacturer hosts the Isuzu World Technical Competition, aka the I-1 Grand Prix, yearly in Japan. The event returned in 2023 after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

Hickey was one of the chosen few representing Australia, alongside teammate Louis Holt, a foreman at Bendigo Isuzu, coach Jeff Berry and a contingent from the land down under representing Isuzu and the companies the “athletes of the team” work for.

Working in the mechanical field since he started his apprenticeship in 1996, heading to Japan for his first trip overseas to showcase his technical skills was certainly not something Hickey ever expected to come across in his career.

The more you learn about the competition, the more it sounds like a high profile sporting fixture to match the best of them. Forget the

MCG, Flemington Racecourse or Rod Laver Arena – Yokohama City was where it was at in 2023.

It certainly wasn’t all fun and games either. Sure, the travelling group got to see the sights Japan had to offer, enjoy the cuisine and visit the temples, but behind that was a marathon of intensive studying and preparation by Hickey and Holt.

“What Louis and I did, which none of the other teams seemed to do, we really connected and really pushed each other to study,” Hickey explains.

“We had practice exams and studied subjects. Every Monday night we’d ring each other up and have a conference call and go through an exam.

“Monday would be the catch up day, but all the rest of the week we’d be doing the homework. Once we were happy with that, we’d pick an exam from a different year and we’d do that one. We’d do it over and over again. I think it paid off.

“On the written exam portion of the component, it was the highest score Australia ever got. The study was definitely worthwhile.”

The competition itself consisted of both a written and practical component, testing the technicians’ knowledge and ability to perform repairs and tasks under pressure, and on the clock.

There have been more pomp and circumstance than our humble Aussies expected, however. An opening ceremony (the Olympics comparisons really do add up!) consisted of every country walking out to a song of their choice, and best of all, striking a pose!

Bringing a bit of Australia to the stage, the team stood up like kangaroos and mimed cracking a cold one to the tune of AC/DC’s TNT.

“They practice the opening ceremony and that on a Tuesday. We got in trouble for doing

it wrong! Bloody Australians,” Hickey laughs.

“I stood on the wrong spot on the stage. We got it right on the proper day. There’s lot of people clapping as you’re walking in, they make a big deal out of it, it’s special. It’s something different, most mechanics don’t get to feel like that.

“I think the biggest takeaway that I took from the competition was dealing with that extra pressure. Knowing that when someone’s putting you under stress or duress, you can deal with it.

“During our practical, our truck inspection part didn’t go so well. We both sort of lost our way and had to make a decision. I looked at the clock and said ‘look, I’ve got to fix this truck’. I’ll do my job and you do your job.

“Once we started the process where we should have been and got back on the rails, we got back to where we needed to be.”

Hickey and Holt would ultimately finish fifth, kept off the podium by Thailand, New

David Smith, Louis Holt and Brad Hickey did Australia proud and placed fifth in the world at the Isuzu Olympics

Zealand, the USA and the winners, Japan.

Louis Holt and Brad Hickey

There was plenty of clapping, cheering and celebrating on the final day

While the experience of competing and getting to put his decades worth of skills to the test while representing his nation, Hickey says the relationships built and memories made were ultimately the greatest highlights.

The Australian team also had the opportunity to attend the Japan Mobility Show, and spent plenty of time interacting with people from across the transport industry.

“We got to know a lot of people, especially

from the Western countries because there was no language barrier,” Hickey says.

“The New Zealand fellas, they were really good and they were super chatty. They were joking and throwing friendly barbs. They’re our closest neighbours so we were always sticking it to each other.

“The fellas from the US, they were really good, always on for a chat. Every time we would see each other and you’d get bailed up and half an hour would be gone. I’d have to say sorry man, I’ve got to go, I’ve got things to do!

“The English-speaking countries gravitated towards each other. All the other countries were great as well.

“Even though we didn’t win the competition, we still felt like rockstars. All these other countries wanted to take pictures with the Australian boys, so we felt like we must have done something right. We were the clowns of the competition I think!”

The road to the 2024 edition of the I-1 Grand Prix has already begun, with Connor Gillam from Major Motors WA and Jason Lee from Road Runner Mechanical Services WA qualifying to represent Australia at the Isuzu Trucks National Technical Skills Competition in November.

No matter the finishing place, the Aussie spirit is sure to shine strong once again in 2024.

THINK Pink

There’s no missing this colourful Kenworth on Australia’s highways, Kayla Walsh writes

When Robert Land let his seven-year-old daughter Ivy pick the colour of his new Kenworth, it was no surprise that she went for bright pink.

The eye-catching truck, named Miss Ivy after Land’s little girl, is now an instantly recognisable fixture on Australian roads.

She’s also taken out her fair share of awards at truck shows, including Best American Truck at the Lights on the Hill Show in

Best Working Truck (Under 5 years) and People’s Choice.

“It was only fair that we let Ivy pick the colour of the truck, seeing as her older sister got to pick the colour for a Western Star we had bought previously,” Land says.

“Ivy chose the bright pink from a paint swatch and we ordered it brand new from the factory.

“Being seven years old, she kind of forgot about it after she picked the colour, and we never told her that we had actually ordered it.”

Land got Masterart Designs in Brendale, Queensland to work their magic on the back of the truck, adding the name ‘Miss Ivy’ and a picture of a unicorn.

“Damo and his team at Masterart have done a fair few trucks for me before and they always do a great job,” he continues.

“We left Miss Ivy a surprise until it was all finished and blinged out and then took it to show it to my daughter.

“She was so surprised and happy she started crying.”

Miss Ivy might look pretty, but she’s tough too. She does B triple and road train work all

Gatton, Queensland and three at the Temora Truck Show in New South Wales – Truck of the Show,

The sisters – Sunrise Ruby and Miss Ivy

The truck is a very popular one at shows

around Australia, and her driver Tony West loves being behind the wheel.

“He actually went and got his own shirts made with pink through it and Missy Ivy and the unicorn on them. He loves that truck.”

Another well-known truck in the Land Transport fleet is Sunrise Ruby, named after Land’s oldest daughter.

The striking blue Western Star 6900 appeared in the first ever episode of the popular TV show Aussie Truck Rehab, where it was given a serious makeover.

“I’m good friends with Jon Kelly from Aussie Truck Rehab and when he knew I was buying that truck, he invited me on the show,” Land says.

“We got the truck brand new and I took it straight to Jon’s.

“We customised it and changed the tank layout. Instead of the batteries being side mounted we mounted them in chassis and made it a true six-tank truck.

“So we added extra tanks and changed the layout so it was neater.

“We also put a paint design on it, Damo at Masterart did that one as well, he did the layout of the stripe work and the scrolls.”

Land Transport's trucks on show

Ivy with her namesake truck

Land and Kelly also decided to change the interior up.

“We made it a full carpet floor in there.

“We were trying to go for an old-school heritage Western Star look.

“Then we took it down to the Casino Truck Show last year when it was finished and it debuted in its first show with 12 of Jon’s personal trucks. So that’s pretty cool.

“It was great to team up with Jon because he’s very fussy, he has the best eye for detail when it comes to making trucks look good. Without going over the top.

“It’s just all the right bits in all the right places.”

Land, who has over 100 trucks and 300 trailers, takes a lot of pride in his fleet.

“Maintenance and presentation are A1 in this place,” he says.

“We’ve got a public image that we like to keep up.

“We are known for having the best of the best equipment and we don’t scrimp when it comes to spending money on elite equipment.

“That way you’ve got less dramas, less breakdowns, you attract good employees.”

He says that the general public often don’t like trucks, so he sees having beautifully presented vehicles as a way to win them over and showcase what they do.

“You show people why you’re still in this industry. It’s something we love, we’ve been doing it our whole lives.

“Our business is 40 years old next year so we’re in it for the long haul.”

Sunrise Ruby 's distinctive blue and white paint job catches plenty of attention at shows and on the road

FOR DRIVERS...

THERE’S ONLY ONE CHOICE

We’re not all made the same and neither is a Kenworth. With a huge range of options, a Kenworth can be customised for the driver and the task at hand. Drive something to be proud of; a truck that’s uniquely yours.

kenworth.com.au

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Truckin’

Think you know the trucking industry? Test your knowledge with our fun quiz!

3 2

The maximum width of a new truck was increased in 2023. What is it now?

a. 2.45m

b. 2.50m c. 2.55m d. 2.60m

The Kenworth T600 earned a special nickname because of its aerodynamic design. What is it?

a. Elephant

b. Armadillo

c. Anteater

1

Kenworth was founded in Seattle in the US in what year?

a. 1923

b. 1933 c. 1929 d. 1919

4

In truckie slang, what is an “Evil Kinevil”?

a. A NHVR Safety and Compliance officer

b. A motorcycle/Highway Patrol motorcycle

c. A motorist

5

What is the longest road trains can be in Australia?

a. 33.5m

b. 53.5m c. 43.5m d. 55.5m

8

At the end of 2023, two truck manufacturers were in a close race for the highest heavy-duty truck sales for the year. Name them.

a. Isuzu and Kenworth

b. Volvo and Isuzu

c. Kenworth and Mack

d. Kenworth and Volvo

6

d. Cheetah Answers:

Who is credited with building the first internal combustion truck in 1895?

a. Henry Ford

b. Louis Renault

c. George T. Gerlinger

d. Karl Benz

9

Some more truckie slang for you – what is a “candy car”?

a. An ice-cream truck

b. A fire engine

c. A Highway Patrol police car

d. A truck transporting lollies

d. A caravan driver

7

In 2022, Isuzu celebrated how many years of operation in Australia?

a. 50

b. 30 c. 40 d. 60

10

And what about “gogo juice”?

a. Diesel

b. Coffee

c. Whiskey

d. Engine oil

SCANIA

With lane departure warning, active cruise control and control advanced emergency braking this 2019 Scania offers plenty of safety for its next owner.

Throw in a passenger side curtain airbag, the power of the DC16 engine and a 14-speed automatic gearbox and the truck is built for safe driving and driver support.

It also comes with a Dometic Fridge to help keep the lunch cold for those long days on the road.

KENWORTHT409,AUTO,0KLMSONOUTOF CHASSISREBUILD 2016,oneownerfromnew, workshopchecked,servicedandcompletewitha NSWRW,wecanmodifythistrucktosuityour requirementsetcChassis,tipper,trayetc.j1371. TA1199268. $159,000

KENWORTHT409SAR,AUTO,0KLMSONREBUILD 2012,EatonAuto,CumminsISX,70/90Trated, 46/160diffs,Xlock,4.3ratio,4350wheelbase, oneownerfromnew,verytidytruckhasmultiple uses.j1355. TA1199235. $159,900

KENWORTHT409LOWKLMSONREBUILD 2016, 500hp,18sp,lowklmsonrebuild,verytidyone ownerunitwithservicehistory.Wecanmodifythis trucktosuityourrequirements,etcchassis,axle configuration,tray,tipperetc.j1423. TA1196880.

WESTERNSTAR4800FX(PREEGR/DPF) MATCHINGDOG 2007,12.7series60(lowklmson rebuild),18sp,difflock,Herculesrocklinedalloy body4600mmx1500mm,electrictarp,grain locks,grainchute,completewithamatching2007 Herculesdogtrailer6000mmx1500mm,bothhave recentlypassedaNSWNHVRinspection,verytidy combination.j1428. TA1195531. $159,000

KENWORTHK200FLATROOFFRESHENGINE REBUILD 2015,CumminsE5(justhadarebuild with$74Kworthofreceipts)18speed,verytidy unithasmultipleuses,comesworkshopchecked, servicedandcompletewithNSWRW.j1460. TA1199239.

KENWORTHT609,113TRATED,HYDRAULICS 2015, CumminsE5,18sp,113Trated,hydraulics,X lock,RT46/160@4.3ratiodiffs,5060wheelbase, verytidytruck,comesworkshopchecked, servicedandNSWRW.j1265. TA1199241. $195,000

KENWORTHT401(NONEEGR/ADBLUE)HARDOX BODY 2005,ITBunk,catc12,18speed,Hardox steeltipperbody,2waygate,electricallweather tarp,ringfeder,workshopchecked,servicedand completewithNSWRW.j1450. TA1198454.

KENWORTHT350 2003,CumminsISM410hp,HMF cranewiththreeextensions,factorybuilttruck, original578kklms,tare6065kg,GCM38000, completewithECMdownload,coupledwitha 2016Beavertaildropdeck,32TGVMhydraulic ramps,9.2mtrslong,hydraulicramps,hardtofind combo,workshopchecked&readytogo.j1364. TA1185488.

KENWORTHT350410HP18SPXLOCK 2004, Cummins410hp,jakebrakes,18sp,Xlock,airbag susp,46Trated,verytidy,suitfussy buyer, workshopchecked,serviced&completewithNSW RW.Wecanmodifytosuityourrequirements. j1442. TA1197155. $95,000

FREIGHTLINERCOLUMBIA8X4ONEOWNER 2013, 8x4,CumminsISLE5,Alisonauto,aprox271k klms,difflock,thistruckhasmultipleuses,very tidyoneownertruck.Wecanmodifythistruckto suityourrequirementsetctabletop,tipper,10x4, chassismodetc.j1271. TA1191160. $120,000

KENWORTHT409SARPBSMATCHINGQUINDOG TRAILER 2013,CumminsISX(0klmsonfullengine rebuild)18speed,BorcatTippingbody4.6x1.6, withMatching9.8m2013BorcatQuinDogtrailer, PBSapproved,45Tpayload,21.6mtrslongoverall, verytidysetup,comeswith6monthsNSWRego, hardtofindcombo.j1436. TA1195859. $298,000

KENWORTHT359 2012,6x4,Cummins440hp,auto, Xlock,Hydraulics,50Trated,comesworkshop checked,servicedandcompletewithaNSW RW, verycleantidyunit,oneownerfromnew.j1377. TA1192599. $139,000

KENWORTHT6598X4140TONLY397KKLMS 2016,CumminsE58x4,18sp,141Trated,Neway airbagsuspension,sidetipperhydraulics,diff locks,oneownerfromnew,only397kklms,very tidyhardtofindspectruck.j1179. TA1189496. $295,000

WESTERNSTAR4800FX,CUMMINSISX(PREDPF )90T 2011,CumminsISX525hp(nonDPF),18sp, 90Trated,4.11Ratio,GVM24.5T,difflock,very tidyunithasMultipleuses,Workshopchecked, servicedandcompletewithNSWRW.j1380. TA1195535. $129,000

KENWORTHT659 2012,daycab,18sp,Cummins ISX,550hp,97Trated,Xlocks,lowklmsonrebuild, oneownerfromnew,workshopchecked,serviced andcompletewithNSWRW.j1302. TA1182780. $169,000

KENWORTHT401CATC12HARDOXBIN tipper, 18sp,Catc12,Hardoxtipperbody,2waygate, tarp,verytidytruck,comesworkshopchecked andserviced.j1451. TA1199238. $125,000

KENWORTH2XT409'S0KLMSONREBUILD 2016, SAR's,daycab,18sp,Cumminse570/90Trated, fixedturntable,4.1ratio,46/160diffs,verytidy trucks,matchingidenticalbuild,workshop checked,servicedandcompletewithRemainderof NSWRego,wecanmodifytheabovetruckstosuit yourrequirementsetcTipper,Chassis,trayetc. j1443/j1444. TA1197742. $198,000

KENWORTHT350,CUMMINS410HP 2003,daycab, Cummins410hp( pre egrandAdblue)R/RManual, 635kklms,verytidytruckinsideandout.j1402. TA1194765. $89,000

KENWORTHT359 2012,6x4,Cummins440hp,auto, Xlock,Hydraulics,50Trated,comesworkshop checked,servicedandcompletewithaNSWRW, verycleantidyunit,oneownerfromnew.j1377. TA1192599. $139,000

VOLVOFH540AUTOB-DOUBLE,ONEOWNER FROMNEW 2019,D13,auto-12speedIshift, briskairbunkcooler,slideoutbunkfridge,alloy bullbarwithlightbar,Jost50mmturntableVolvo8 bagsuspension,GCM70,000kg,GVM26,000kg, tare9300kg,only734kkms,oneowner,Volvo Maintenanceplan,workshopcheckedandRW.10 identicalunitsavailable.j1383. TA1188833. $220,000

Top DEALS

Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!

Tidy TRANSPORTER

In need of a trailer to transport your cranes or other large machinery from site to site?

This 2010, 5 Row of 8 Drop Bed Link Wing trailer from Modern Transport Engineers could be just what you are looking for.

Key features include a rating of

130 tonne ATM, heavy duty ramps, hydraulic suspension, a sliding skid plate, manual greasing system, Kubota power pack, flashing light, a 12m deck, four tool boxes and a water tank.

For more information phone Modern Transport Engineers on

07 3073 8045

2010 Modern Transport

5 Row of 8 Drop Bed Link Wing trailer

130 tonne ATM

$363,000 inc gst

Tingalpa, QLD

07 3073 8045

6

03

WORK

With 420hp at its disposal, a tipper body, airbag suspension and a pintle hook tow hitch this 1995 Volvo FH12 is ready to go to work right now.

Fitted with a manual transmission the truck comes with a sleeper space included and a custom bug and rock deflecting guard fitted to protect the windscreen.

Whether it’s rocks, soil, or even your machinery you’d like to haul around, this tipper could offer the right solution for you at the right price. For

WESTERNSTAR4900FX 2002,C15Caterpillarengine Gearbox20918BAirlinersuspension 461604.3ratio.S694. TA1143919. POA

KENWORTHK200

STERLING9500 ISMCummins RTLO18918Bbox

SOLD.S707. TA1165148. POA

KENWORTHT650 Caterpillar3406Bairtoair 18SPDgearboxSSHDdiffs onReycosuspensionPTOdismantling ENGINESOLD.S706. TA1165146. POA

When the good folk at Volvo set about deciding what to name their top of the range trucks released in 2013, Globetrotter won the name game.

This fine example of Swedish craftsmanship comes complete with a full sleeper with airconditioning and a wing kit.

Alloy tanks, full guards, a custom bull bar, and alloy super singles on the steer wheels are other features worth noting.

phone

on 07 3073 8130

FLAT BED

FROM $69,500 +GST ON SPRING

SIDE TIPPER

CATTLE CRATE

The care and attention to maintenance that’s been taken with this 2013 Kenworth K200 Aerodyne truck is evident simply in the way in which it is presented for sale.

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2024 is gearing up to a be a massive year for truck shows. With an eye-watering amount of new and returning displays, it’ll be impossible to make it to all

MAKING THE

Rounds

If you call yourself a show fanatic, or simply enjoy taking a stroll down the aisles, you’ll no doubt start noticing a few of the same rigs making an appearance at different events.

This month, we caught up a few truck show enthusiasts who happily travel the country to share their passion projects with other enthusiasts and to see what's new in the show scene.

Fiery Fiat

Brendan Beames’ emerald green 1976 Fiat 684 is a head turner.

Purchased over a decade ago, Brendan says it was in ‘sad’ condition, with rust and a whole list of problems.

“We definitely had something to work on,” he says.

But being a diesel mechanic by trade, and with years of experience restoring trucks, Brendan wasn’t too worried.

The main issue was sourcing the parts for the Italian rig.

“It’s not like you can walk into a shop like you can with a Kenworth and find what you need,” he says.

The brakes proved to be a major hiccup, with the tension and offloading valve gone.

“It was quite hard. The issue with that is you

can’t actually buy another one, you have to modify what you’ve got.”

Brendan says he is grateful for the help he received at Air Brake Systems in Sydney who led him in the right direction.

“I realised I had to make brackets and modify lines. I was flinging back and forth to the hydraulics shop to get fittings and hoses and modifying.”

“The brake system alone took me three months to finish.”

The four-year restoration saw Brendan fiddling with the electrics and fixing a problematic clutch.

Wanting to keep the original Fiat engine, Brendan opted to give it a complete rebuild, a project was right up his alley.

Unveiled at a Wangaratta air and truck show in 2021, the Fiat now makes the rounds as part of Brendan’s rotation.

With a Benson, International Butterbox and Commer joining the roster, Brendan says he always gets a good reception at the shows.

“That’s why I pick trucks that not everyone has,” he says.

Brendan plans on taking the Fiat out for a spin at the Historic Vehicle Show in Clunes in April next year.

Brendan Beames’ and his emerald green 1976 Fiat 684

Raging Road Boss

Russell Ashley and his son's 1979 White Road Boss is a beast.

Originally owned by Ken and Gayle Breen of Bunyip for over 30 years, the Road Boss was working as a fuel truck.

Ashley Transport inherited the prime mover in 2021, seeing it as the perfect new addition to their fleet.

Coming in great mechanical condition, the rig still needed some extra TLC on the exterior.

“We did a fair bit of customising and tidying it up,” they say.

“We tidied up the guards and chassis, fully sanded it right back to a bare coat and painted it, doing a lot of rust repairs.

“We fully refitted everything, adding new mirrors and a bunch of cosmetic stuff.

With an 892 Detroit engine and 18 speed Road Ranger transmission, the Road Boss still enjoys being out on the road.

“It’s more of a spare truck, but it stills goes out a couple days a week or here and there.”

The duo enjoy taking it out to truck shows, saying people love the nostalgia.

“We took it out to the Kyabram White Truck Muster and our local Heritage Truck & Vehicle Display at Lardner Park,” they say.

“A lot of people love it; it brings back a lot of memories for people. They can’t believe how well it has come up.

Russell says one of his favourite parts is seeing how the older generation react to the truck.

“A lot of the stories that the older generation has, remembering driving one when they were young. It brings back a lot of memories.”

The Road Boss is set to be visiting upcoming shows in 2024 too.

Classic Commer

Graeme Johnston’s 1960 Commer Knocker will make you do a double take.

The retro rig is painted with beautiful blue and white panels.

“When I first got my driver’s licence, Dad had one the same. I always wanted to get one like it,” he says.

“When you’re looking around for one, they are all wrecks, but over the years, we finally found this one.

The Commer was picked up from Penong, located on the Nullarbor Plain and brought back to Melbourne.

Graeme says the Knocker was in horrible condition when he first bought it.

“We had to rebuild the engine and the cabin, virtually everything,” he says.

“It originally had a tipper on it, but we put on a tray. We put on some gates and tarps so

that we could sleep on it when we were away for trips.

Overall, the restoration took around five years to complete.

Fitted with an original Commer TS3 diesel engine and 5 speed transmission, the Knocker was unveiled 12-14 years ago at its first truck show.

“We have been up to Sydney twice in it, and we have done every show from Melbourne to Albury.”

Graeme says he loves the truck show community because he is surrounded by people of the same era.

“We all drove similar things back in those days,” he says.

“You never see anyone, and it’s nice to all get together and look back.”

Graeme says he is looking forward to attending Crawlin The Hume, a trip from Campbellfield to Albury and Haulin The Hume, from Sydney to Yass in 2024.

Graeme Johnston’s 1960 Commer Knocker

Russell Ashley and his son's 1979 White Road Boss

CALENDAR Events

Geelong Classic Truck & Machinery show

January 13-14, 2024. Geelong, VIC. Transport yourself back in time with a visit to the Geelong Showground for the Geelong Classic Truck & Machinery show. As well as having a range of visiting clubs and displays, the event showcases Vintage Machinery in its own pavilion, including more than 15 fully operational steam engines, 12 permanently installed oil engines, a 1000 Horsepower Marine Steam Engine, a Wool Scouring Machine, and a large collection of steam models.

The Geelong event is renowned for having the biggest and best display of restored working vintage machinery and tractors in Australia and attracts people from all over the country.

ADMISSION: $10 ADULTS, UNDER 15 FREE. For more information visit their website: www.classictruckandmachinery.com.au/

Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show

January 20, 2024. Tooradin, VIC.

Opening in 1998, this annual event has blossomed into a fabulous family day packed with lots of fun things to see and do. Held at

Rutter Park Reserve, the non-profit event is run by a committee of local community members, putting all proceeds back into their local clubs, schools and various charities. Catering provided, kids amusements, helicopter rides and a vintage tractor pull.

ADMISSION: $35 ADULTS, $10 FOR 10-16 AND UNDER 10 FREE.

For further information visit www. tooradintractorpull.com.au or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ tooradintractorpullandtruckshow/

Koroit Truck Show

January 27, 2024. Koroit, VIC. Held at Victoria Park, Koroit comes alive with a large truck display, moto-x performance, rides and state wood shopping competition. Enjoy the live music, food, trade and market stalls and witness the popular truckie sprint and Scania tug of war. Over $40,000 in trophies and prizes to be won, with $40 entry per truck at the gate.

ADMISSION: $10 ADULTS, UNDER 16 FREE.

For any enquires contact Graeme on 0408 528 939 or Richard on 0419 543 983, or visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/p/KoroitTruck-Show-100067864510454/

Heritage Vehicle & Machinery Display

February 3-4, 2024. Gippsland, VIC. Bigger and better than the last, the Heritage Vehicle & Machinery Display will be held at Lardner Park. With trucks, cars, engines, tractors, steam engines, RC vehicles and much more, there is something here for everyone. Exhibitors are free, with a Saturday evening meal and camping available.

ADMISSION: $15 ADULTS, $5 12-18 AND UNDER 12 FREE.

For more information visit the Facebook page m.facebook.com/p/Heritage-Vehicle-andMachinery-Display-100064740306792/ or call Peter on 0419001948

Walcha Antique Machinery and Truck Show

February 17-18, 2024. Walcha, NSW.

Walcha Antique Machinery and Truck Show is hosted by Oxley Riders at the Walcha Showgrounds. The event includes a tractor trek, street parade, vintage - trucks, bikes, cars, engines, chainsaws and more. Late model trucks and forestry machinery, a tractor pull, market stalls, food stalls and kids’ corner.

The Heavy Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia's 2023 event at Yarra Glen was a hit!

ADMISSION:

$10 ADULTS, $5 CHILD, $20 FAMILY

For more information visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/events/661774799044258/ or contact Oxley Riders on 0419 188 534

Livestock Bulk and Rural carriers Association Conference

February 23-24, 2024. Wagga Wagga, NSW. Held at the Range Clay Target Shooting Range and Function Centre. The annual LBRCA is a gathering of fellow truck owners and drivers, government, suppliers and industry representatives to focus on the needs of rural and regional heavy vehicle transporters. Issues range from unfair infringements and regulation to unsafe loading and unloading facilities. Plus trade exhibition, the Young Driver of the Year Award presentation, Gala Dinner and Auction Spectacular.

For further info see the website www.lbrca.org. au or email office@lbrca.org.au

Lockhart Heritage Truck Show

March 2, 2024. Lockhart, NSW.

Celebrate road transport history, past and present, at the annual Lockhart Truck Show. Held at 111 Federal Street, the event features historic and modern trucks and other vehicles such as motorbikes, and classic and vintage cars, on display in the pavilion. There will also be food, and prizes for winners in a wide range of categories. Camping is available overnight for a donation and includes a Sunday morning breakfast. A bar, café, car parks and coach parking will be available.

ADMISSION: $5

For more information call (02) 6929 5237 or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ LockhartTruckShowlaunch

Heritage Rally

March 9-10, 2024. Bungendore, NSW

For its 14th year, the Canberra and District Historic Engine Club will be hosting their Heritage Rally! Held at the Bungendore Showground, the event will showcase a plethora of vintage engines, machinery and tractors. Camping is available on-site for exhibitors. For more, contact Brock on 0423 637 800, or email him at brock679@gmail.com.

HCVCA Ballarat – Clunes Historic Vehicle Show

March 10, 2024. Clunes, VIC

Presented by HCVC Ballarat, the Clunes Historic Vehicle Show is back again! Held at the Clunes Showgrounds, the event hosts vehicles over 25

DEALS Events

years old. Trucks, small engines, cars, caravans, tractors and more are all welcome! With gates opening at 9am, be sure to pop in and check out the food stalls and history.

ADMISSION: $10 ADULTS, UNDER 16 FREE

Harden Truck and Tractor Show

March 10, 2024. Harden, NSW

Hosted by the Harden Historic Truck and Tractor Club, the 10th Annual event will be held at the Murrumburrah Harden Showgrounds. With family-fun activities like free face painting, displays and stalls, there is something for everyone. Classic trucks, cars and tractors will be on display, as well as buses, fire engine and military vehicles. Gates open at 9am for the public. Camping is available on-site for $25 per night, with a free BBQ on Saturday for exhibitors who chose to spend the night.

ADMISSION: DONATION

For more information, visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Trucktractorclub/

Kyabram Mack Muster

March 16-17, 2024. Kyabram, VIC.

After years of cancellations due to the pandemic, the Kyabram Mack Muster will finally be held at the Kyabram Showgrounds! Featuring all Mack models and associated brands, but also open to all truck makes, the Mack Muster celebrates all things Mack! With a Friday night barbeque offered at the showgrounds, and a Saturday night meal available at the Kyabram Club, the weekend is full of fun. Free entry for exhibitors. For further details see the Facebook

page www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100076068750770

or phone Dave Willis on 0428 692 753, John Laffan 0427 484 247 or Tim Daws 0458 868 988.

Korumburra Working Horse and Tractor Rally

March 16-17, 2024. Nyora, VIC

Held at a park just off the South Gippsland Highway, this vintage machinery show is a whole family event. The rally features an infamous tractor pull, Clydesdale horses, a blacksmith and woodchop, sheep shearing, and all the vintage machinery one could dream of. From trucks, tractors to engines and cars, allow yourself to be transported. Exhibitors in the event receive free entry and onsite camping. A Saturday night meal is also on offer.

ADMISSION: $15 ADULTS, UNDER 16 FREE. For more information call Viv Carfrae on 0487 286 250 or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/profile.

php?id=100064420040347

Trundle Back in Time – Vintage Stationery Engine and Truck Show

March 16, 2024. Trundle, NSW

For the first time, Trundle Back in Time will be featuring a Truck Show! Held at the Trundle Showground, the fair features vintage cars, bikes, trucks and machinery, a swap meet, market stalls, live music, kids’ entertainment and much more. Prizes will be awarded in many categories. Camping will also be available, with

A sea of green from the 2023 Deniliquin Truck Show

a booking link found on the Facebook page. The much-loved dog jump and sheaf toss will be back again to give guests even more entertainment.

ADMISSION: $5

The Train and Hobby Show

March 16-17, 2024. Springvale, VIC. Held at the Sandown Racecourse and Entertainment Centre, The Train and Hobby Show is a showcase of the best hobbies have to offer. Large and small model railway layouts from around the country and the best radio-controlled vehicles are on show. Model railway displays, radio-controlled car, planes, helicopters, boats, trucks and tanks. There is even live steam engines, ride on train rides, kids activities and Thomas the Tank train rides. Gates open at 10am.

ADMISSION (SINGLE DAY): $22.08 ADULTS, $6.34 AGED 4-15.

Visit www.trainandhobbyshow.com.au/main/ for more information and to buy tickets.

Mid America Trucking Show

March 21-23, 2024. Louisville, KY, USA. Arguably the largest annual heavy-duty trucking industry event in the world, the show attracts 70,000-plus attendees and 1,000-plus exhibitors from throughout the United States and abroad. The event is held each year at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, KY. The mainv reason attendees participate in MATS is to see new products in person. With hands on exhibit displays, MATS provides the perfect forum for industry professionals to experience new equipment and technology. Includes the PKY Truck Beauty Championship. For further info see the website at www. truckingshow.com

Trucking Australia 2024

April 17-19, 2024. Canberra, ACT. Be part of the action as Trucking Australia

tackles the industry's most significant challenges in the productivity, sustainability, workforce and viability space.

Held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra, the industry event aims to unite to drive our future forward.

Early registrations kick off in mid-December 2023. Don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event!

For all ticket enquiries, contact: ataevents@ truck.net.au

Lockington Vintage Rally

April 27-28, 2024. Lockington, VIC.

Enjoy a great day out exploring vintage tractors, engines, trucks, motorcycles, cars, and farm machinery at the Lockington & District Living Heritage Complex. Held at Lockington Community Hall from 9am to 4pm both days. Free entry for rally exhibitors.

ADMISSION: $10 ADULTS, PRIMARY AGED CHILDREN FREE

For more information contact Beryl on 0428 862 353 or visit www.facebook.com/ lockingtonvintagerally/

Heyfield Vintage Machinery Rally

May 18-19, 2024. Heyfield, VIC. The Heyfield Vintage Machinery Rally will become host to steam engines, working horses, vintage trucks, cars and motorbikes, woodworking, blacksmith demonstrations and more. Held at the Gordon Street Reserve, visitors can expect a grand parade, tractor trek and good ole classic tractor pull. On-site catering is available.

ADMISSION: ADULTS $10, 16-18 $5, UNDER 16 FREE.

For more information, contact Barb Cook on 0428 480 534, or email at barbara.cook5@ bigpond.com

Precision parking at the 2023 Castlemaine Truck Show

1988,9mtraywithcontainer pins,CumminsL10250HP9speedRoadRanger,SP40 Diffson re-bushedwalkingbeamsuspension.Contact: Chris0432145138.JOB#PEN1

VOLVOFM9 2003,FittedwithVolvoengine,Volvomanual gearbox,MeritordiffsonVolvosuspension,rearcross locks,discbrakes,10studrimsandhydraulics.Sellas tradedfor$29,700IncGSTorreadyforNSWregistration $39,600.00IncGST.JOB#2640

MITSUBISHICANTER 2016,Fittedwith4P10Bdiesel engine,autobox,steeltraybody3330longx2100wide, 231274kms,verycleanunitandreadyforNSW

INTERNATIONALT2700 1996,8x4,2006Fassi310XP Crane-ticketexpiry2027,fullwirelessremote,15m reachcrane,solidtray7.5mwithcontainerpins,15 speedroadrangerContact:Chris0432145138. JOB#PEN2 TA1195586. $99,000

speedsyncmeshgearbox,RT41-145Rockwellairbag suspension.Goodworkhorse.SoldasTraded.Body length-8700m,Width-2490m,HydraulicrampBeavertail length2500m.JOB#2641 TA1199309. $33,000

PARTS#243

HINOFM1J 1999,turbochargedenginewithasynchro RoadrangergearboxonHinobogieandsuspension. Fittedwith7.2mX2.5flattoptray,chequeredfloorand containerpins.AlsoHMF1060rearmountedcrane.

MITSUBISHICANTER515 2019,Fittedwithfridgepan body,ThermokingV600,3600longx2600widex1900 high,verycleanunitandreadyforNSWregistration. JOB#2638 TA1202425.

MACKMETRO-LINER 2007,MACKML8X410/2007 SOLDASITIS,WHEREITIS.JOB#2615

MACKMETROLINERDROPONCAB ..PARTS2B#316 TA1087413. $8,800

INTERNATIONALT2670

TA1195584. $27,500

STERLINGLT9500 2009,completedroponcab.

TA908464. $8,800

IVECOACCO2350G 1996,CumminsCseriesEngine,9

ISUZUGIGA 2006,Fittedwith6cylinderturbo,13speed roadranger,rockwelldiffsonairbagsuspensionand readyforNSWregistration..JOB#2626 TA1195537. $44,000

TIPPINGBODYGRANTALUMINIUM Rocklinedtipping body,grainchute,electrictarp,nomotor.4.7mlongx 1.4mhighx85cmchassisrunners.JOB#WP482 TA1202785. $8,800

TIPLINEDROPDECKTRAILER 1997,Withhydraulicramps, with9.5R17.5tubelesswheels,checkerplatefloor,10160 longx2450wideandregisteredinNSWuntilAugust2024.

TA1120902.

HINOGDRANGER 2005,fittedwithrearloadercompactor.

HMADETRIAXLE 1979,10-1spreadtri-axleflattop,checkerplate trailer.Fittedwith3waycontainerpinsandtubelesswheelsand tyres.Sellingastraded.JOB#2627

MACKMETRO-LINER

HOMEMADETWO-AXLETAUTLINER Airbagtrailer,rear

Konvoy KILCOY

The Queensland town of Kilcoy, around 100km north west of Brisbane, restarted its now biennial truck ‘Konvoy’ with renewed enthusiasm, attracting rigs from around the local Somerset region and beyond

Words & Images | Warren Aitken

IQueensland company Armesto’s Transport slipped into the showgrounds to set up their B-triple. I caught the team of Ash Taylor, who drives the new K200, with his boys Fin and Tate, and fellow Armesto’s drivers John Plowman and Darryn Offer

do love a good day out in the sun, but I don’t need sandy beaches or margaritas. And I definitely don’t need surfboards and sunscreen. Nope, a good day out in the sun for me involves miles of chrome and the harmonious symphony created by hundreds of airhorns. The best place to find a good day out in the sun this past October was nestled up in the Somerset region of Queensland in the small country town of Kilcoy where once again the streets were lined with truck nuts, ‘truckarazzi’ and what honestly looked like the entire Kilcoy community of nearly 2,000 people.

Back in 2021, the Kilcoy Konvoy was actually one of the first events back on the truck show circuit after our COVID conundrum. It was welcomed back with a massive turnout, so I must admit I found it a bit confusing when I went to lock in some accommodation last year and found out the show had changed from a yearly fixture to a biennial event. It is fair to say that I am not the most patient of people. In fact, I wouldn’t even crack the top 100.

When it comes to waiting for truck show dates to roll around my patience is about as flexible as, well, me in yoga pants. Seeing as how much I had enjoyed the 2021 show

The impressive Glasshouse Mountains adorn the side of the new Armesto’s B-triple unit

I felt I had a right to throw my toys out of the cot. Waiting another 365 days just seemed so torturous. But I did it, and the weekend after the 2023 Bathurst 1000 I found myself once again kicking my lovely partner out of bed at an ungodly o’clock, filling the fridge full of drinks, the camera bags full of memory cards and batteries, and heading northwest of Brisbane to catch this cool country show.

Turning the event into a biennial truck show didn’t do a thing to diminish the number of entrants though, with close to 200 trucks rocking up to the meeting point on the outskirts of town. The plan of attack saw all the trucks register and muster up at the eastern end of town. Then, at 10am in staggered groups, the convoy ran through the township, arriving at the Kilcoy Showgrounds on the opposite side of town.

When the show returned back in 2021 it was held in conjunction with the Kilcoy Rodeo, which as a photographer I loved. It

DEALS on show

meant I could go and trial some action photos as well. However, it did cause a few more traffic issues as the mammoth convoy tried to cross traffic and entire the showgrounds, along with those involved in the rodeo.

This year was the first time the event was run independently. Linsie Dawes and her team of committee members and volunteers did a fantastic job of running not just the traffic management and parking of nearly 200 trucks, but the whole show in general. While I am sure there were hiccups, from the outside of the show the convoy and the

Zach Purcell, who drives this stunning Corbet’s SAR Legend, was nowhere to be seen, but his son Kia is busy earning his dinner

Zara Heath and Greg Wilson were flat out shining up the Sanbella T909

Dan Hudson had his twin girls Madeline and Isabella enjoying their very first Kilcoy Konvoy in the Hoffman Bros’ T909

Bear and Sue Bolan with their 2023 Iveco S-Way

Kris Bridge, finishing off the detailing on his eventual Rig Of The Show winner before the beginning of the 2023 convoy

Filling the streets of Kilcoy with shine, shine and more shine

All the side streets were filled up as the trucks readied for the 2023 Kilcoy Konvoy

First time entrant ‘Snow’ was busy filling in the registration form for his 2019 Aquaholic Volvo

busiest blokes on Saturday were the judges

It was good to see Danny Hinds putting in the effort on MY9OH. It must have worked, with the big Kenworth picking up the Best Rig 10 To 15 Years trophy

Dennis with his son Levi and their restored 1942 White half-track – not the fastest in the convoy but one of the coolest

The

Jad

crowds seemed to run without a hitch.

Every spot through Kilcoy was taken up as the crowds turned up to support this year’s show

It wasn’t just the convoy Linsie and her team had to stay on top of. There were competitions and events running all through the day. From the tarp tying contest to the truck stopping test, it was all action. There was plenty for the little truckers to do, with rides and activities available, the most popular of which was an actual ride in a truck. Kids had the opportunity to jump in the passenger seat of a big Kenworth and do a couple of laps inside the showgrounds.

There were plenty of stalls set up selling everything from customised truckie towels to antique signs. The local Brown & Hurley team were on hand to ensure you could restock your wardrobes with the latest in Kenworth fashions and I managed to bail up the Jax Wax legends themselves, Karen and Errol Weber, and made sure my cleaning and polishing supplies were met.

If I had one complaint it would be I didn’t find anywhere selling sunscreen. Yes, I realise it’s my responsibility, and I had plenty

in the car. But in my defence, I was far too preoccupied perving on all the trucks to notice that the beautiful weather was turning me slightly redder than the local fire trucks which by chance also made an appearance at this year's event.

Super shine

Now that we’ve established how much fun the event was, it is only right we mention the quality of the gear that rocked up for the biennial event. Let’s put it this way, you could not pay me enough to judge the show. The quality of the trucks on display was phenomenal.

B&K Haulage, who any truck lover will know, rocked up with a fleet of impeccable Kenworths. I understand the primary use of stainless steel is to make kitchen utensils, but I am happy to eat with chopsticks or my hands in order to keep this company shining. There was enough bling on those trucks to ensure people were getting second-hand sunburn well after lights out. In fact, the team managed

DEALS on show

It wasn’t just the flashing lights and blinding shine of the Anywhere Truck and Machinery Towing fleet that got the crowds going – the airhorns were loud!

Gladstone based B&K Bulk Haulage had a team of drivers and family helping ensure their Kenworths were absolutely on point this year

It wasn’t all new and fancy at this year's show as the old-school cool was also on display

Marshall Watego and The King are always good for a show. In this case it was father Marshall teaching his son about climate change

The Sunstate Heavy Haulage Mack Super-Liner was another crowd favourite

Kilcoy locals Rob Bradley (left) with and Arthur Nicholson and Rob’s 2005 Mack Super-Liner

to drive away with the Best Kenworth award. No mean feat in that.

Big congratulations goes to Kris Bridge and his partner Alisa Hines for the 2023 Rig Of The Show win with the immaculate Grafton-based G&D Richards Kenworth

Another local company, Armesto’s Transport turned up and were showing off one of their new B-triple setups, as well as a brand-new Kenworth K220. Kilcoy-based Bechley’s Transport had a huge chunk of their fleet all scrubbed up and shining brightly for their hometown event – and the green and white team looked amazing.

There are so many I need to mention, so many stunning trucks. I do have to touch on Laurie Williams and his team from Anywhere Truck and Machinery Towing though. Now, normally no one really likes to see a tow truck, it’s like seeing a letter from the tax department or a sign that something

has gone wrong. But not at Kilcoy, the big blue tow trucks out blued the stunning Kilcoy skies at this year's event and understandably they took out the Best Large Fleet award.

As I mentioned previously, I could not be paid enough to judge a show with this level of trucks in it and full credit to the judges. Their choice of Rig of the Show was extremely well deserved, with the top award going to Kris Bridge who pilots a stunning T909 for Grafton-based G&D Richard Transport.

Once my sunburnt calmed down and I sat down to go through the hundreds of photos, it really did dawn on me that I have to wait another two years for this show’s return. If 2023 is anything to go by, it will be worth waiting for. Bring on 2025.

DEALS on show

Big thanks to Scott and Reagan Smith for enduring the heat and keeping score in the Truck Stopping Contest, which was basically jump in the T909 and see how close you can get to the stick

Kilcoy Station 82 rocked up and amused the kids. Jayden Morrow, Blazer Bear, Savannah Aylward, Knieval Bear and Dutchy

Unit

Ph:

VOLVOB12BUS

JAPANESEALLMAKESFUSO,HINO,ISUZU&UD Diffsformediumandlightcommercial Japanesetrucks.All4majorbrands S47. TA952402.

UDTRANSMISSIONS

LargerangeofReconditioned

UDTransmissionsavailable. Mostmakesandmodels.S16. TA715520.

Dane REMEMBERING

Trucks came from as far afield as Brisbane for the annual Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show at Bathurst for a day packed full of action, including a historic vehicle display

Words & Images | Warren Aitken

TIt’s all hands-on deck on the Friday – find a tap, plug in the hose and go. Cameron Floyd, Asha Santas, Riley Santas and Jye Hayes were all working hard to get the old K104 ready

My eyes rarely left Bernie Learson’s stunning rebuilt old Ford which unsurprisingly took out best paint job in the historic awards

he Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show – what a perfect way to spend your weekend. Sure, I could have stayed in Brisbane and sweltered in the heat and humidity while dancing between the lightning strikes and hailstones. But who would choose to do that when the sweltering sun was also shining on a racetrack packed with some of the coolest, definitely the shiniest, and arguably the cleanest trucks this country has to offer? I for one much preferred the latter option. That’s why on November 18 I found myself and my cameras getting an epic workout in the small country town of Bathurst, attending the Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show … again.

Obviously, this is not a new show to me and, hopefully, many of you will have read my summations of the past shows I have been to. Every time I attend this show I am blown away by nearly every facet of it and this year has been no exception. Every year this show finds new ways to evolve and new ways to impress.

This year saw the addition of a historic truck element and, although they may not have been endowed with the same level of stainless as the new trucks, they brought a whole new level of interest to a show already bursting at the seams with awesomeness. Is

that a word? I’m not sure, if not then it should be, as it's exactly what this small-town show is packed with. Awesomeness! And a damn mean mini donut food truck. But that’s not relevant to the story.

This year I wanted to share a bit more about the background of this country truck show and try and get beneath the carnauba wax that shines on this amazing event. In order to do that I needed a bit of time with the ladies from Designer Events – Debbie Campbell and Hayley Osbourne. Pinning these two ladies down was an extremely difficult task and required me to chase them around waiting for a break in their hectic schedules.

However, it’s not just the truck show that Designer Events is running. It is also the Christmas markets and a huge swap meet that takes place the day after the truck show. It is an extremely busy weekend on the Bathurst social calendar. I did track them the ladies down though and got the rundown and a bit of a road map as to how we have landed here.

“What is was is the Christmas Market has been running for about 23 years, and on a Sunday we always had a swap meet car and bike show,” Debbie Campbell explains. “And Hayley and I were saying we need something for the Sunday.”

Both Debbie and Hayley were already heavily involved in the transport industry.

Debbie's son Dean runs a couple of pretty tidy trucks himself (there's a huge level of understatement in that sentence). If you don’t know the Campbell fleet, just look up ‘outstanding’ in the dictionary. They are simply stunning.

Hayley is married into the industry with her husband Lachlan. So when they looked for something to fill in the Saturday, they had the likes of Dane Ballinger and Dean Campbell recommending a truck show.

“Dane had been talking about a truck show in Bathurst for years,” Debbie continues. “He said we used to have one ages ago. So, when it was suggested we just said, ‘Yeah, let’s do a truck show’.”

Hence, the inaugural show ran started 2016 with backing from the likes of Gilbert & Roach and Vawdry Trailers who, it is worth noting, are still major sponsors now. The show was an immediate success.

Tragic loss

Then in September 2019 tragedy struck the town of Bathurst and the trucking industry as a whole. Dane Ballinger was killed on the road. The rural community really felt the loss of one of their own. When November rolled around it was decided to rename the event as the Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show. As tough as it was to restage the event in the wake of the family and community’s loss, it was something everyone felt they needed to do for Dane.

“Dane’s thing was he always said we need

DEALS on show

They take their cleaning seriously with the old trucks as well, As Tony Kent shows by scrubbing down the deck below his White 9000

Wayne and Raylene Brand may be Bathurst locals but they were still feeling the cold as they got up early to detail their stunning SAR Legend

It’s not often you see the Dawsons Haulage 509 with just a single trailer in tow

Ronan Baker and Noah Soetens were up early Saturday ensuring the Campbells fleet were fully detailed for the show

Another of the major sponsors, Inland Petroleum, was on hand with one of their new SAR Legends, picking up Best Painted Tanker along the way

The 2023 Peoples Choice award went to TDH Bulk Haulage and their stunning C509

There was a heck of a lot of cleaning going on, but a fair bit off slagging off was involved as I caught up with Joe Grima, Dave Grima and John Xerri

The attention to detail paid off for Ned Tipping as his 2023 DAF took out the Best DAF trophy

Aaron and Emma Fuller, with their little one Henley and the young owner-operators 1994 Kenworth

Lawrence Transport presented an amazing array of Kenworths

The Campbell fleet all parked up on Friday night, ready for detailing before the show starts

Plantation Pine Products had a couple of their trucks on show, but more importantly they were showing off the locally designed and built trailer behind their new Volvo

the show as a way to get the boys all together to have time to talk,” Debbie says. “They need to talk about the industry, the struggles and themselves. It’s a camaraderie, bonding thing. That’s what he thought was really important.”

Along with the emotional and reflective side of the show, another thing that makes this event a little more unique is the fact that

trailer combinations are involved. There's everything from complete road train setups and heavy haulage combinations to elitelevel tarp jobs and working stock trucks that somehow do not smell like working stock trucks.

Most trucks get staged up on Friday night, meaning swags and soft drinks are going all

DEALS on show

I started the day by capturing young Adrian Fenech finishing off the cleaning on his stunning 2013 K200 but It came as no surprise when I ended the day taking photos of him again with the Dane Ballinger Rig of the Show trophy

Some classic American iron keeping a close eye on a classic Aussie heavy haulage combination

Winston Express Haulage, which took out several trophies this year, is regular sight at the Dane Ballinger Memorial Show

Another local company, BA & NA Cranston, were out in force with a few of their impressive trucks

This is what this show is all about, mates catching up with mates. From the left, Hayden ‘Limp Mode’ Muscat, who runs this K200 for Muscat Logistics, with Ethan Camilleri and Jack Buttigieg

The Designer Events team of Hayley Osbourne and Debbie Campbell who orchestrated an amazing event

night as guys catch up and polish on until Saturday morning. It brings with it a great feeling of mateship to the whole weekend.

Another big sponsor for this year's event was the team from Alpha Towing who turned up in force and with some very cool tow trucks to display

As mentioned, this year (with a little pushing from Hayley's hubby Lachlan), there was the added contingent of historic trucks.

“Lachlan loves the old gear, and we needed something a little bit different, and adding them just hit the nail on the head,” Hayley says.

This year saw a total of 174 official entries, however with a few roll-ins on Saturday morning the display numbers were closer to 200. I am still awaiting the official gate score but the estimate is around 10,000 people

who came into the truck show and markets. A big congratulations to Debbie and Hayley for their efforts, as well as a huge thankyou to their team behind the scenes who keep it all rolling. Also, massive credit must go to the judging team who have to judge such an elite level of competition, so I think the final shoutout needs to go to all those that entered.

The level of commitment shown by drivers and families to get these trucks, with the emphasis on working trucks, to such a high-quality standard is amazing. After long work hours, the passion is still there to shine up and show up. Thank you to all those who attended.

DEALS on show

It wasn’t all big bonnets at Bathurst. I caught Dave Allen finishing off the detailing on his Express Transport Isuzu that he uses for newspaper deliveries around Sydney

First time attendees to the Dane Ballinger Memorial Show were the Edson Tilt-Tray and Heavy Haulage team and their impressive fleet

2016,BPWairbag suspensionalcoasnewbrakesbearingsandtyres Btrailerrearfullwidthramploadthroughssideloads toolboxesgoodcondition.TQH1238/1245. TA1183643.

HAULMARK44FTDROPDECKWITHRAMPSROADTRAIN LEAD 2023,Forhire44ft tri-axledropdeckwithramps 3waypinsroadtrainleadairbagsuspensionavailable forshortorlongtermhire$1800plusgst$180total $1980perweeksubjecttotermsandconditions. TQR186H. TA1193727. $1,980perweek

VAWDREYEXTENDABLETRI-AXLEFLATTOP 41FT-60FT 2012, tri-axleflattopextendable 12.5m(41ft)to18.2m(60ft)BPWairbagsuspensiondisc brakesroadtrainleadloadrackstoolboxwatertank 8tonnetaregoodcondition.TQH1267. TA1188947. $99,000

CANNONSTOCKCRATE 2010, tri-axlestockcrateBPW airbagsuspensionalcoashalfrearrampfullwidthfront rampbottomsideloadfrontloadthroughstainless decksroadtrainleadgoodcondition.TQH1173. TA1126358. $132,000

HAULMARKB-DOUBLESIDETIPPERS 2021,sidetipper combinationHendricksonHXL7airbagsuspension alcoashydraulictarpsB-trailerroadtrainleadexcellent condition.TQRBDST. TA1179910. $440,000

HAULMARK34PALLETFLATTOPBDOUBLE 2023,For hire34palletB-doubleflattopcombinationavailable forshortorlongtermhireunlimitedkilometres$2000 plusgst$200total$2200perweeksubjecttoterms andconditions.TQR167/168. TA1193887. $2,200perweek

VAWDREY34PALLETDROPDECKCURTAINSIDERB DOUBLE 2022,combinationBPWairbagsuspension alcoasmezzaninefloorsfronttorearofbothtrailers reartrailerroadtrainleadhanginggatestoolboxesas new.TQRDDB. TA1146188. $341,000

RHINOEXTENDABLEFLATTOP45FT-58FT 2012,2012 Rhino tri-axleflattopextendable45ft-58ftairbag suspensionheadboardtoolboxwatertankgood condition.TQH1259. TA1188944. $88,000

HAULMARKSIDETIPPERQUADCOMBINATION 2021, quadcombinationBK2bowlsidetippersBPWairbag suspensionalcoashydrauliclids.3xBtrailers1xA trailer2x tri dollies.TQRBST. TA1146170. $1,100,000

HAULMARK12PALLETATRAILERFLATTOP 2023,For hire12pallet tri-axleA-trailerflattopairbag20ftpins availableforshortorlongtermhireunlimited kilometres$1000plusgst$100total$1100.TQR090H. TA1193752.

HBTB-DOUBLESTOCKCRATES

VAWDREY34PALLETDROPDECKBDOUBLE CURTAINSIDERCOMBINATION 2022,34palletdrop deckB-doublecombinationHendricksonairbag suspensionalcoashanginggatesrightweighscales Btrailerroadtrainleadnilcouplingtoolboxesexcellent condition.TQR134/135. TA1178418.

HAULMARKSIDETIPPER 2021,unused tri-axle sidetipperhendricksonHXL7airbagalcoasroadtrain leadhydraulictarpexcellentcondition.TQRSTD. TA1146146.

MAXITRANS45FTDROPDECKCURTAINSIDERTRAILER WITHMEZZDECKS 2023,45ft tri-axledropdeck tautlinerK-hitchairbagsuspensionalcoasmezzanine floorshanginggatestoolboxwatertankscalesexcellent condition.TQH1254. TA1180744. $187,000

HAULMARKDROPDECKSKELROADTRAINLEAD 2023, Forhiredropdeck tri-axleskelairbagroadtrainlead availableforshortorlongtermhireunlimitedkilometres $1000plusgst$100total$1100perweeksubjectto termsandconditions.TQR147.

BYRNEBDOUBLEDOUBLESTOCKCRATETRAILERS 2010,BPWairbagsuspensionnewbrakesbearings alcoasfullwidthrampBtrailersideloadsloadthrough goodcondition.TQH1234/1235. TA1181118. $198,000

HAULMARKTRI-AXLEDOLLY 2021, tri-axleroadtrain dollyhendricksonHXL7airbagsuspensionalcoas sidtipperhydraulicsjostturmtable50/90mm.4 availablealsoavailableforlongtermhire.TQR060. TA1146162.

LOUGHLINTRI-AXLEROADTRAINDOLLY 2021,K-hitch springsuspensionrubberguardsgoogcondition. TQH1246. TA1170093. $55,000

HAULMARK45FTPRAIRIEWAGON 2023,Forhire45ft tri-axleprairiewagonavailableforshortorlongterm hireunlimitedkilometres$1500plusgst$150total $1650perweeksubjecttotermsandconditions. TQR108. TA1193609. $1,650perweek

HAULMARKTRI-AXLEDOLLY 2021, tri-axleroadtrain dollyHendricksonspringsuspensionalcoasrubber guardsexcellentcondition.TQR038. TA1179899. $71,500

KRUEGER45FTDROPDECKCURTAINSIDERWITHMEZZ DECKS 2022,K-hitchairbagsuspensionalcoas mezzaninefloorsindropsectionhanginggates toolboxeslowkilometresgoodcondition.TQR150. TA1183635.

HAULMARKEXTENDABLEFLATTOP 2019,extendable flattopspringsuspensionalcoasextends13.5mto 21.5msetupforsteelcartagetimberboxtoolboxlow kilometresgoodcondition.TQH1229. TA1170083. $143,000

HAULMARK10PALLETFLATTOPA-TRAILER 2023,For hire10PalletflattopA-trailerwithpinsavailablefor shortorlongtermhireunlimitedkilometres$1000plus gst$100total$1100perweeksubjecttotermsand conditions.TQR176H. TA1194240.

MAXITRANS34PALLETFLATDECKCURTAINSIDERB DOUBLE 2021,airbagsuspensionsteelrimshanging gatestoolboxesgoodcondition.TQR130/133. TA1179898.

HAULMARKR/TCOMBINATIONSTOCKCRATES 2022, combinationstockcratesBPWspringsuspension.Front trailerfullwidthrampatfront.Backtrailerfullwidth rampatrearloadthroughssideloadstoolboxesbelly tankonleadtrailer.TQHST. TA1140726. $770,000

TA1193733.

longtermhireconditionsapply.TQR127. TA1185743.

termhire.TQR072. TA1185737. $2,200perweek

HAULMARKB-DOUBLESIDETIPPERS 2023,sidetippercombination airbagsuspensionhydraulictarpsunlimitedkilometresavailablefor shortorlongtermhireconditionsapply.TQR080. TA1185738. $4,400perweek

VAWDREY34PALLETDROPDECKBDOUBLECURTAINSIDER COMBINATION 2023,tautlinercombinationairbagsuspension mezzaninefloorshanginggatesavailableforshortandlongtermhire conditionsapply.TQR144. TA1185744. $2,860perweek

VAWDREY34PALLETDROPDECKBDOUBLECURTAINSIDER COMBINATION 2023,tautlinercombinationmezzaninefloorshanging gatesunlimitedkilometresavailableforshortandlongtermhire conditionsapply.TQR110. TA1185736.

KRUEGERBDOUBLECURTAINSIDER 2023,tautlinercombinationairbag suspensionhanginggatesunlimitedkilometresavailableforshortor

HAULMARKSIDETIPPER 2023,sidetipperairbagsuspensionroadtrain leadhydraulictarpunlimitedkilometresavailableforshortandlong

HAULMARK45FTFLATTOPTRAILERROADTRAINLEAD 2023,airbag suspension3waycontainerpinsroadtrainleadpipebolstersunlimited kilometresavailableforshortorlongtermhireconditionsapply. TQR034. TA1185742. $1,100perweek

HAULMARKEXTENDABLEFLATTOPROADTRAINLEAD 2023,airbag suspensionroadtrainleadextends13.7mto21.7munlimitedkilometres availableforshortorlongtermhireconditionsapply.TQR177. TA1185741. $1,650perweek

SWINGLIFTSIDELOADER 2023,sideloaderairbagsuspensionremote cranes20-40containersroadtrainleadunlimitedkilometresavailable forshortorlongtermhire.TQR076. TA1185739. $2,750perweek

HAULMARKTRI-AXLEROADTRAINDOLLY 2023,springsuspension 50/90mmturntablesunlimitedkilometresavailableforshortandlong termhireconditionsapply.TQR035. TA1185734. $770perweek

HAULMARKDROPDECKEXTENDABLE 2023,airbagsuspensionextends to17.4moverall4waycontainerpinsroadtrainleadunlimited kilometresavailableforshortandlongtermhire.TQR090. TA1185740.

HAULMARKTRIAXLEROADTRAINDOLLY 2023,airbagsuspension 50/90mmturntablesunlimitedkilometresavailableforshortandlong termhireconditionsapply.TQR161. TA1185735. $880perweek

HAULMARKBOGIEROADTRAINDOLLY 2023,airbagsuspension50mm turntableunlimitedkilometresavailableforshortandlongtermhire conditionsapply.TQHAIRB. TA1185733. $660perweek

Skip-ping

FOR CHARITY

Community spirit was the driving force behind the success of the 2023 i98FM Illawarra Convoy.

Raising a record $2.85 million for the Illawarra Community Foundation, the money from the 2023 Illawarra Convoy will be distributed to local charities and families who are facing lifethreatening and life-limiting illness.

As local businesses and community members pitched in for fundraising, a local Wollongong skip-bin business went above and beyond to do their bit. This year the family-owned Tiny Tins business contributed $261,000 to the cause.

Owner Karlie Zec says they strive to smash their own records every year.

“The first year we did it, we raised $8,000. Last year, we raised $30,000. And then this year, we raised $261,000,” she says.

By getting creative with their fundraising ideas, the family behind the business successfully pulled off their biggest event yet.

“We held a boxing fight called battle of the businesses,” she says.

“There were 22 fights, with 44 people from all different businesses.

“We raised $100,000 just from that one event.

The family commits to the Convoy yeararound, hosting a Halloween disco, Easter night with an outdoor cinema, and by making good old fashioned cold calls.

Karlie says the family wants to use their success to help in any way it can.

Tiny Tins has been in the family for nearly 30 years, originally owner Adrian Lamacchia’s father's.

“Adrian has grown up working for him his whole life. But we bought it seven years ago now. And then we made it our own,” Karlie says.

“Since owning the business we have grown over five times what we started with.

“Once we took over, we started sourcing new builders, landscapers and grew from

Knox loves pretending to pick up bins in his kitted-up truck

Karlie, Adrian Knox and Jordan all play a part at Tiny Tins

two trucks, to now seven trucks and 100 bins.

The business has five Isuzu’s in its fleet with incredibly punny names.

They have an Isuzu NKR 200 named Binboy, a NPR 400 named Binman, Binday the FSR 140, Bins2u the NPR 300, and an NQR 450 called Ubinit.

Joining along is Abin2u the Hino FE 1426, and Stinky the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter 7/800.

Karlie and Adrian’s little ones; Jordan, 10 years old and Knox, seven years old, have already been gearing up to take over the business.

“I've actually started training Jordi on the phone already and she does some of my phone calls for me,” Karlie says.

“She'll call the customers to tell them we are on our way, just basic stuff, but she loves it.

Knox loves machinery and being at work with his dad and is already saying he will take over when he is older.

The kids even have their own kitted-out mini truck which were a big hit at the Convoy.

“We bought it off a kid's toy site during COVID. It was something to do during that time,” she says.

“We’ve got an onsite boilermaker who fixes our bins, and we asked him to weld it up for us. He even fitted it with an extra battery and did all the auto electrics for us so it actually works.

Karlie says the business has brought the family closer together.

“It brings us all together as a family because they have to work with us and they've grown up with it.

“It makes it fun for the workplace. Knox is like a little dad and drives around.

“Even when we're not like at work he will be out the front driving his little truck around down the street and pretending to pick up bins.

Karlie says they want to keep growing the business, and they can’t wait to start fundraising for next year's Convoy.

Knox got pulled over at the Convoy for having an unsecured load, bald tyres and no indicators

Community support was behind their success

Isuzu takes the majority in Tiny Tin’s fleet

TIES Family

Trucks have been part of Kyle Nichol’s life for as long as he can remember.

Words: Kayla Walsh.

Images: Kyle Nichols

At Maroopna Mobile Engineering, getting new rails and the Airglide 460 fitted

With his family ties to trucking going back three generations, Kyle Nichol always had a passion for rigs

His recently restored 1990 Kenworth K100E cabover took out the top prize at the Deniliquin Truck Show in October, as well as Best 26-39 Years.

But the award-winning truck isn’t just a beauty to look at – it also has a heartwarming story behind it.

Nichol told Deals on Wheels: “My grandparents started our family fertiliser business, Nichol Trading, back in the 1970s.

“The Kenworth K100E was the first new truck we ever bought, in 1990.

“We had it a few years, but then my grandparents sold it because they needed the money to expand their business and

buy a new premises in Rochester.

“It was sort of a ‘now or never’ thing because in the ‘90s interest was really high, and having that brand-new truck wasn’t that beneficial to them.”

The years went by, but the Nichol family never really forgot about the truck – and Kyle decided he was going to make it his mission to find it.

“In 2017, after a long time trying to track it down, we finally found it in Sydney,” he says.

“I called the fella that owned it, told him our story and asked if we could buy it off him.

“He was pretty surprised, and he said it wasn’t for sale because he was fairly attached to it.

“His young bloke had just got excited about trucks and he didn’t want to sell.

What’s left of the donor truck after the resto

“It took about 12 months of annoying him to convince him to part with it!”

In the end, Nichol managed to strike a deal with the owner.

“He said that if we could find him a truck that his young bloke could get into, he would part with this one.

“I ended up finding a flat roof one for him and so we were able to drive to Sydney and get our old Kenworth.”

Nichol and his brother Brook managed to keep the purchase of the sentimental truck a secret from their dad until that Christmas, when they surprised him with a tiny gift box.

“We had picked up the truck in November and we hid it in a shed until Christmas,” he remembers.

“The keys had a Sunrise key tag on them when we had the truck in the 90s, and the key tag was still there.

“When my dad opened the box and saw the key tag, he knew straight away. It was a pretty good moment!”

After the big reveal, Nichol spent six years restoring the truck. An experienced mechanic, he did a lot of the initial work in-house.

“We said ‘Oh, we’ll just tidy it up.’

“Then you pull something apart and it’s wrecked and you’ve got to completely fix it.

“So it went from a tidy up to a full resto.”

Nichol ended up driving from Victoria to Condamine, Queensland to pick up a “donor truck”.

“It had all the matching fuel tanks and the same cab and the same interior.

“Just all the little bits and pieces that are

difficult to source through Kenworth, like door clips and dash panels.”

He also sent it to Mooroopna Mobile Engineering in Shepparton, who did the back end of the truck.

“The chassis was rusted through, so he replaced the rails.

“We put Airglide 460 under it because it had Hendrickson Walking Beam in it that

All straightened out and ready for paint

The cab stripped back to bare metal

SAMS45FTDROPDECKMACHINERYTRAILER

2018,(3.50mtopdeck&9.50mdropbedwithbeavertail)leadtrailerforroad train,fittedwithcontainerpins,(20ft&40ft)ringfeedermounts,newair bagsuspension&newaxlesondiscwheels265x19.50/stud,new4mlong ramps,withnew12voltp/pack,allnewtyres,sandblasted&paintedready togowithQldrego(QldRWC).S196.

MACKCLRV8525

SpecialRebuildProjectHeavyDutyPrimeMoverV/8525h/pwith18 speed/Mackgearbox,Mack44,000lbsdiffswith120tonrating,alloybullbar completerunnerwouldsuitrebuildingwithsecondcompleteunitforspares, withheavyduty50inchMacksleeper/bigkingalloybullbaretc.S197.

TA1203057.

SAMSBARKERSTYLE

2006,45ftflattop,fittedwith3waycontainerpins,roadtrainlead,fitted withringfeedermounts,etc,fullsetgates,legs,toolboxesetc,onspring /rockersuspension,allbrakes&wheelbearingsdone,toolboxes,beensand blasted&paintedimmaculatecondition,chromewheelsallnewtyres cannotbefaulted.S195. TA1203055. $45,000+GSTwithQldRego/QldRWC

Completeforbothunits$150,000+GSTONO(bequick, veryrare)

MACKTRIDENT

2013,doneunder400ks535h/p,12speedauto,pto/pumpinggear,mini sleeper,comeswithallnewtyresallround,110tonroadtrainrated,46/160 diffs,withxcrosslocks10studalloywheels,qrtt,qldrwcreadyforwork, PTO.Pumpinggearincluded.Cannotbefaulted.S191. TA1189342. $155,000+GST+ORC

LUSTYREBUILTJRMDOLLYNECK

1994,fullhydraulicwidening,lowloader2.50mto3.60m(hydraulic widening)10.50mdeck,fullyrecon,hydraulicsuspensionoverall,newbpw /axlesfitted,allnewalloyrims,lowprofile255x70x22.50tyres,Honda powerpackforhydraulics,comeswithreconditioned2x4lowloaderdolly tosuit,fullycheckedoutwith4springsuspensionon9.75x17.50tubeless tyres*rims(85%cleanskinswit2xspares)capacityloadto45tonswhole package,withrego.S194. TA1203052.

$215,000+GST/QldRWCinc

DOLLYCONVERTER

2010,2X4Dollyhasbeenthroughtheworkshop.Allbrakes,wheelbearings &suspensioncheckedout,sandblasted&paintedwhitechassis/redframe, silverwheels,fittedwithallnewtubeless9.75x17.50tyres&rims,led lightsetc,dropinpins50/90mmpricedtogotowork,comeswithQLDRWC, readyforrego.S180. TA1167777.

DRAKE3X8UNIT

2001,TheunithashadafullrebuildbyReidEngineering,allsuspension /axles/brakes/wearpointsetc,Hondapowerpack,fullhydraulicwidening 2.5mt0to4.20mjustfitted100%newrubberallround/beenmaintained& servicedbyReidEngineeringregularly,coupledtofullyrebuilt2009drake2 x8dollycannotbefaulted&readytogo,availablebeforeXmas..S199. TA1203061.

POAexBrisbanewithQLDREGO/QLDRWC

$49,750+GST+ORC

DRAKE2X8DOLLY

2009,Dollyconvertor,fullrebuild,&sandblast&paint(rubber95%avgall round)checkedoutfullyatworkshopincallbrakes,wheelbearingand hydraulics.90/50mmdropinpins,Newdieselpowerpackfittedwith4x spares,readytogo,ex/Brisbane.QLDRWC.S152. TA1130833.

$130,000+GST+ORC

Fitting

Trucking is in the blood for Laurence Moulds and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Words: Kayla Walsh

Images: Supplied

THE MOULD

Laurence “Lee” Moulds has been in the trucking game his whole life.

A third generation truckie, he started off driving for his dad before taking the leap to buy his first truck in 2006.

“I’ve always been mad for trucks, ever since I was a child,” he says.

“I never finished Year 12 because I knew I wasn’t going to need it. I was going to drive trucks.”

Based in Geelong, Moulds ran as a onetruck show until 2012, when he expanded to six trucks.

“We floated along for a few years, and then

long story short, I went through a divorce and went back to one truck.

“Since then I’ve been building the business back up again.”

When asked about his favourite truck model, he doesn’t hesitate – it's a Kenworth T900. In fact, all of the trucks in Moulds’ fleet are Kenworths.

“I had a Peterbilt for a while and it was a cool truck but it was just too hard trying to get the parts from overseas.”

Moulds has done plenty of work to customise and upgrade his trucks, and has built four T900s from the ground up.

One of Moulds' impressive trucks, "Blaire".

It took Moulds two years to fix up this Kenworth T900

Moulds says he’s always been “truck mad”. Brandon Donghi, one of Moulds’ drivers, standing proud at the Alexandra Truck Show

“I’ve got another one here now which I haven’t started yet. And I’ve had some of my new trucks customised.

“If I’m not doing it myself, I go to Klos Custom Trucks in Corio, VIC.

“They’re friends of mine and in my opinion, they’re the best in the business.”

He remembers one particular T900 restoration he did.

“We basically took it back to the chassis rails and started again.

“We rebuilt the cab, added a sleeper, did a whole lot of tidying up and a lot of wiring and fiddling around and hoses.

“The motor and gearbox were OK in it because they were not long rebuilt when I bought it.

“But I put a whole new interior in it and painted it. It looked like a new truck in the end.

“I like American-style trucks – they have a more square style - so I try to implement a little bit of that on the Australian trucks.”

Another T900 he bought in 2013, he had to fix up as he went because time was of the essence.

“When I got it, it was all there but it was really run-down.

“I was going to strip it down and completely refurbish it, but at the time we were really busy and I needed it on the road.

“So we gave it a bit of a slap together to get it going and then I fixed it up as I went. It took about two years, but it’s come a long way.”

“I extended the chassis rails and converted it to airbag instead of screen suspension and we did a few other things to that as well.”

On another occasion, he tried to buy a T900 but couldn’t find one he was happy with – so he went for a T909 and worked some magic.

“I ordered that one new and we tried to make it look like a T900 – it's got square headlights and a lowline sleeper.”

Moulds learned about fixing up trucks gradually over time.

“I learned a lot from my dad, and just from being around trucks and other people in the industry.

“I also put myself through a TAFE course in welding.”

Sharing his advice for anyone who is thinking about doing a truck restoration, he says: “Everything is expensive now.

“Everything's probably twice the price of what it was five, six years ago.

“You need a lot of money, and a lot of time and patience.”

Moulds takes great pride in his wellpresented fleet.

“I’ve always believed that if you go to someone’s site and the truck’s on point, the trailer’s on point, the driver gets out and he looks professional – that creates business.”

A third rig, he bought from Aussie Truck Rehab star Jon Kelly.

Moulds bought this Kenworth from Aussie Truck Rehab star Jon Kelly

Phone 07 4693 1088

Mobile 0419 240 382

Murlaggan Road

MOORESEMIRO/ROHookliftTipper 2021, 2021MooreHookliftTipper,RollonRoll Off70m3BinTransporter/Tipper,Hendrickson IntraaxSuspension,HXL7LongLifeHubs,Front LiftAxle,AlloyRims...AsNewCondition..... CS-MT-RORO. TA1183797.

Pittsworth QLD 4356 sales@mooretrailers.com.au

TRAILERS PTY LTD

MOORER/TLEAD/MID 2023, 45'Dropdeck, KHitch9LeafMechanicalSuspension,8/275Steel HubAxles,14New265/70R-19.5" Tyres/Steel Rims,4Toolboxes,Watertank,Timberbox,14' Bi-Fold/Lay-Back/Lay-DownHDRampswithDiesel ElectricStartPowerpac+TruckPTOCoilLines,Pipe Bolsters,3WayTwistlockswithRisers&HDCross Beam,FullRoadtrainSetupinc.RF50Ringfeeder Coupling...23-2015. TA1188729. $150,000

MOOREUNKNOWN 8'x5'- Tandem TippingBoxTrailer,HotDippedGalvanised(Rust Free)3450KGATM,One-pieceFullyWelded HeavyDutyChassis.WithSolarChargedBattery PoweredHydraulicPowerpac..TIP-BOX-03. TA1168194.

JAMIESONDOLLY 2011Jamieson Triaxle Dolly,10'1"SpreadAirbagSuspension,Long LifeBearing10/285StudAxles,Holland50mm Turntable,HDDemountableTowEye,Rubber Guards......614. TA1183285. $35,000

2024,airbag suspension,remotehydraulicoperation, oversize/rotatingbeacon.S302. TA1038140.

MOORESEMI33'BulkTipper 2024, NowSelling-2024Moore33'x6'6"TOABulk Tipper,Airbagsuspension-10/285SteelHub Axles,TEBSElectronicBrakes,AlloyRims,Roll Tarp,Toolbox,Watertank,RoadtrainBracket.... 24-XXXX. TA1138097. $125,000

MOOREB/DLEAD/MID28'ASliding BulkTipper 2024, NowSelling-2024 Moore28'x6'6"ASlidingBulkTipper,Airbag suspension-10/285SteelHubAxles,Alloy Rims,RollTarp,LowLubeTurntable,Roadtrain Bracket.....2024-XXX. TA1138096. $140,000

MOOREDOLLY 2023, ImmediateDelivery!!!!! Moore2023TandemDolly.HendricksonHTairbag suspension,Khitch10/285PBAxleswithLSVvalve brakekit.4.2mToweyetoTurntable-JostJSK37 GreaselessTurntable.AlloyWheels,Polybelt Guards.AirandElecFrontandrearofturntable,oil lineandscalescanbefittedatextracost.. 23-D2117. TA1202533. $45,000

MOOREMEGATILTTRAY

REHAB Truck

Jon Kelly opens up about reinventing his business, his favourite restorations – and what fans can expect from Season

2 of Aussie Truck Rehab

Words: Kayla Walsh

Images: Supplied

Jon Kelly, centre, has pulled together a new team of specialists for Season 2 of television's Aussie Truck Rehab

A decade ago, Jon Kelly was on top of the world. His multi-million-dollar busines, Heavy Haulage Australia was thriving - and had spawned a popular TV show, MegaTruckers.

But in 2015, it all came crashing down. The economic downturn and what he now admits was a “bad decision” to sell half the shares of his business to the now-defunct McAleese led to the collapse of HHA.

Kelly went from running the biggest privately-owned heavy haul business in Australia, with a fleet worth $100 million, to having to start over.

Now, he’s slowly building himself back up from the ashes with a new operation, Heavy Haulage Assets.

This business is a little different. He still runs six heavy haulage trucks, but spends a lot of his time indulging his true passion: restoring old trucks to their former glory, and pulling off some pretty flashy makeovers.

Given the number of truck restoration enthusiasts out there, it’s not too surprising that his new line of work has spawned another TV show – Aussie Truck Rehab.

Here, Kelly speaks to Deals on Wheels about his career, his favourite restorations, and his plans to bring back Aussie Truck Rehab for Season 2.

Tell us a bit about your background Jon –did you always know you wanted to work with trucks?

Yeah, I grew up in trucks and transport. As a kid, I never had any doubts about what I wanted to do. It was always trucks.

I started my own trucking business at 19 –in competition against my family – so I’ve always been a very headstrong person. Then I sold that business in 2014 and got back into transport again shortly after that. You’ve gone in a bit of a different direction from your previous company with Heavy Haulage Assets, why is that?

I always enjoyed the truck sales and refurbing. Throughout my career, I always had the nicest trucks – or tried to. And with my truck sales business and my refurb business, it’s about building cool trucks and promoting the industry in a positive light.

The truck dealership we run these days is buying and selling high-end Kenworth, Mack, Western Star and Peterbilt products. We do second-hand trucks only. In the refurb business, I tend to do iconic trucks or trucks that I, or someone else, has a personal attachment to.

Are you self-taught on the mechanical side of things?

Well, my father had a truck sales business and he was similar to me in that he would get a standard truck and turn it into a stand-out truck. People want to buy something that’s cool and unique. It’s easy to sell a unique truck in a sea of plain white trucks.

Definitely! So how did the show Aussie Truck Rehab come about?

The same people that did the original MegaTruckers TV show followed up and wanted to do another series of MegaTruckers. But my business and what I’m doing now has evolved into something different. Then

it got pitched that we do a show based on the truck sales business and the refurb business, because there are such good stories in the trucks we do and who we do them for. So then the series was launched around that. Amazing. And word on the street is, you’re planning a second season?

Yes, I can confirm there will be a second season. We’re just working out timings and start dates. We have started filming snippets of certain trucks that we’re doing in the next series now. But we won’t be filming full-time until the middle of next year.

What can fans expect from Season 2?

They can expect more cool stories and more cool trucks. Our team has expanded, and there are some familiar faces from the old HHA crew from years ago. We’re building a really good team of both guys and girls to put out the best trucks in the country.

Do you already have some projects in mind?

Yeah, we’ve got projects for customers in line. And I’m my own worst enemy – I’ve got plenty of my own trucks here that need to be done as well.

Do you have any favourite refurbs or makeovers that you’ve done?

We did a massive refurb for the Casino Truck Show last year, a truck called Mad Cow. It’s a 1997 Western Star 6900 that had previously won Rig of the Year and it was for my youngest son, Joshua. Seeing how that truck started its life, and how I bought it, to how it’s refurbed now and part of our main heavy haulage fleet is pretty inspiring. We were up against a massive deadline when we did it as well, we did it in a really tight timeframe. It’s been to five or six truck shows and won awards at all of them so far.

How tight was the timeframe?

Oh, we did it in just under four months. And it was ready for the wrecking yard when we got it. There was no stone left unturned with the refurb – literally bare chassis, cab off, bonnet off, sleeper off.

You had to get 12 refurbs done in time for the Casino Truck Show – do you get stressed out by deadlines like that?

Well, normally it’s fine because I don’t have to work to such strict timelines. But if it’s something for the TV show or the Casino Truck Show I just have to get on with it.

Budget is another big source of stress. Is it getting harder and harder to afford to do restorations in the current climate?

Definitely. There are also fewer and fewer

skilled people in the workforce that can do this style of work. I’m very fortunate that I’ve got a team of ridiculous people who really enjoy what they do.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to give a resto a shot?

You need to understand that restorations never run on time or on budget, especially with old trucks. It’s commercial suicide doing a truck up unless it’s going to be treasured and nurtured. Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars doing an old truck up is not a smart business move. But everyone likes to scratch the itch of nostalgia. I’ve got 14 show trucks, and each of those show trucks means something different to me, in different parts of my life. And my kids’ lives too.

What about where people spend their money during a resto – where should they splash out, and are there ways they can save?

It’s about how good of a job you want. You can have a 6/10 truck on a budget, but if you want a 10/10 show truck, you need to make sure you don’t have to stick to a budget or a timeline. A lot of the time, you have to manufacture parts for these old trucks so it is more economical to buy a new truck. But you won’t have the style or the nostalgia. I can definitely see the value in restoring a truck that you have a personal attachment to.

Any updates on your infamous Western Star 4900 – otherwise known as “The Money Pit”?

It’s getting painted as we speak. It’s on a very slow timeline, because I’ve expelled all the

The refurbed 1997 Western Star 6900 dubbed "Mad Cow" rolled out for the Casino Truck Show last year

money on that project. I’m trying to hide the cost from Dave [Patullo], who looks after the financial side of the business.

Have you ever made any mistakes, or choices you’ve regretted, when doing a refurb?

I wouldn’t call them “mistakes” because I always start out with a very clear vision. The biggest mistake is when a customer doesn’t know what they want, and they come in with clouded judgement.

You’re known for being a pretty no-nonsense bloke. Do you get any customers who can’t handle that?

Nope. They know what they are getting in for. I’m honest, transparent and to-the-point.

In the first episode of Aussie Truck Rehab, you transformed a truck belonging to Robert Land from Land Transport. He’s an old friend of yours – how did you find working with such a close mate?

Yeah, Rob and I have been mates for well over

20 years. We were on the highway together when we first started. I’ve watched him and his family go from success to success. He bought the last of these big Western Star 6900s, he bought five of them. It was cool to be part of that and pick the colours from colour charts.

And it was even nicer to showcase that truck on the TV show for him and his family. It was great working with Rob, we didn’t have any issues. I think people who have known me for a long time understand the Jon Kelly style, they know my likes and dislikes. We have very similar taste in trucks and we had a very similar vision for this truck.

Is there any type of project you’ve got on your list, that you would love to do in the future?

I’d love to do more restorations of old trucks that have been with some of the standout transport companies that have been around 40, 50 years. It would be cool to track down their first trucks and restore them. But I’m also happy just ticking along.

VICTORIA

Lot 1-17 Jobson Road, Bolivar SA 5110

E: northsidetrailers@yahoo.com.au

Nick: 0407 832 164 Robert: 0419 032 327

484 Boundary Road, Derrimut, VIC, 3030

Email: northsidetrailers@yahoo.com.au

LMCT

& SOUTH AUSTRALIA

KRUEGER TANDEMDROP DECKSKEL Spring suspension, 15"Wheels.To suit20ft

HERCULESTRAXLEDOGTIPPER2008 Airbag Suspension,10Stud,AluminiumBody,NewHoist.S397. TA1203335. 35000+GST=$38,500

VAWDREY48FTTRID/DECKCURTINSIDER 2000,Airbagssuspension.S366. TA1180902.

sidedoor,4windows,2xairconditioners.

MAXITRANSTANDEMA/B 2001,36pallets, airbagsuspension,4.6height,doublerear doors,gates.S331. TA1152276. 65000+GST=$71,500

KRUEGERA/B SET A-2000,B2004.Airbag, containerA/B skel.S349.

JTBTRIAXLEWIDENER 2006,45ft6,Airbag suspension,10Studalloys3.5mopening,

BEAVERTRAILTRAILERSTANDEM 2003,4 springer,fullhydraulics,doublerearfolding ramps.S361. TA1171082. 35000+GST=$38,500

Retired

RESTORER

Following in your father’s footsteps is a rite of passage for many, the culmination of generational knowledge and passion.

A family business is an Australian ideal that is materialised in ‘& son’ or ‘familyowned’.

Words: Tiarna Condren

Images: Supplied

92-year-old Doug Livermore with Steven Corstorphan, Steven's son Aaron and his brother Brian (in the background) with some of Doug's collection.

Stephen Corstorphan was inducted into the family business before it even had a name or ABN.

With International customised tray trucks in the backyard as play equipment, and a father running fruit interstate, it seemed only a matter of time before the duo joined forces.

Stephen’s working career began at the former Gas & Fuel in Dandenong, as an apprentice diesel mechanic. He completed his apprenticeship and moved to K & S Freighters in Footscray, working there for three years.

In the background, the passion for truck restorations began to stir, with Stephen and 1937 D15 international dual wheel

his father Jim working on trucks at The Yard in Ringwood.

It wasn’t until 1997 that Stephen decided to drop it all to work for his father’s newly found business, J Corstorphan Pty Ltd, repairing and restoring vehicles.

“Dad started off with trucks and even back then, all the trucks that he drove on the highway, he virtually brought them in and stripped them down and rebuilt them before they went on the road,” Stephen says.

“The only new truck he had was a Mercedes, which was the last truck he had on the highway. But other than that, they were all stripped down and rebuilt. And then they went out to work.”

Some full restorations of their own private fleet include a 1960 International R200 and a 1969 Ford 750 prime mover, known as The Siblings.

Stephen says working with his father was an adjustment.

“The first time I started working for him, I was living with him. It was seven days a week, seven nights a week living and working together. There were definitely a few blues, but I enjoyed working with him,” he says.

Stephen’s restoration career spanned 16 years, working for individuals and transport companies all over Australia.

“I worked on trucks for Linfox, I fixed up an AB 184 International for Ian Cootes, we did a lot,” he says.

“Doug Livermore used to have an orchard opposite ours. We did up about seven or eight trucks for him.

A trip down memory lane and the trucks that drove on it.

“They went all the way back to 1937/8 Internationals. They were all different ones.”

Stephen says the worst condition truck he ever had was the last restoration he did for Doug. It was a 1937 D35 International that Stephen says had been rolled and caught fire.

“We had a sandblaster over, and he told me the rats had been living it, it was covered in rust and it had been burnt for sure.”

Despite the major flaws, Doug was persistent in restoring it, with Stephen finally giving in and convincing him to get new tyres to “finish the truck off”.

“The satisfaction was always there for me in resto’s,” he says.

“You’ve got to have pride in what you do, and that’s where the truck resto’s came in.”

“I didn't really worry what year it was, or what condition it was.”

Doug passed away several years ago, but many of Stephen’s restorations for him are displayed in a big shed, “like a museum” at Doug’s property.

Stephen says it was important for him to recognise that truck restorations isn’t a solo sport, but rather a team effort.

He says, “Something I was always saying when talking about truck restorations was that we had done them. I never said I had done them.”

“A lot of other people had always helped. Trimmers, windscreen guys, we had a couple of panel beaters working for us.

“It was never just me, or dad and I, there was a team of us working on the trucks.”

One of the most recognisable trucks that Stephen still has is his restored 1957 630 Diamond T.

“That truck should have been in the scrap originally,” he laughed, “we really brought it back from the grave.”

Stephen’s father had two Diamond T’s on the highway for years, and says a lot of work

1850D International Loadstar

1964 AB184 International

had to be put into it to get them going.

“It got stripped right back to the chassis and straightened, and the cab was all repaired,” he says.

They fitted a GM V6 53 motor into the truck and added a Road Ranger gearbox.

“We put a full air front axle underneath it and back end. Done all the brakes and everything virtually from one end of it till the other.”

“We straightened it all out and got it running.”

Stephen recently showcased the Diamond T at the Historic Commercial Vehicle Display in Yarra Glen.

He says this is the first year he has decided

to get back into the shows after missing the camaraderie of the events.

“I don't worry about trophies; I’ve never worried about them. It's always been the fun of getting out there meeting people and showing the truck off.”

Stephen and his father Jim were both inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion in 2015, two years after Jim had unfortunately passed away.

Stephen took over the family business, but ultimately decided a couple of years later that it was time for the next chapter in his life.

He now drives trucks for Doolan's Heavy Haulage in Moorabbin, but says he misses doing up the trucks.

“I miss doing the trucks, but in saying that, I’ve barely touched the truck I’ve got sitting in my shed,” he laughed.

“I’ve always wanted to go truck driving, and my sister told me to do what I wanted to do,” he says.

“So, I started off driving two, three days a week and then after about six weeks I became full time.”

Stephen says his biggest advice for people looking to get into restoring is to save your money.

“Everything has gotten so dear now, and so many people get halfway through and end up pulling the pin.”

He says proper preparation is key and understanding what you are getting yourself into can save a lot of stress.

“It is a lot harder now to do restorations than before. Parts are more expensive and harder to find,” he says.

His love for restorations still reigns though, with another Diamond T that he brought from

The Loadstar and AB184 finished and ready to go

1954 R-190 International Fire Truck

America with his father sitting in his shed.

“That’s one that we have had for 15 years that kept getting pushed aside at the factory, I just couldn’t sell it, I brought it home.”

“I'd be lucky if I've done probably no more than 20 hours work on it, but I will get to it one day,” he says.

Stephen hopes that the art of truck restoration doesn’t become lost while prices increase.

“I went to a truck show in Echuca, and a lot of the oldest stuff had disappeared,” he says.

“The trucks that are rocking up now are highway trucks from the 90s and a lot of them are just trucks that have come off the road and headed straight to the shows.”

He hopes that there are still people passionate enough, and willing to put in the money to keep the old trucks running.

Stephen sent us a picture with himself, his brother, son and Doug and captioned it, “This is what restoring old trucks is for, to see smiles on faces.”

BRUCEROCKENGINEERINGA-SECTIONSIDETIPPER 2023, HardoxsteelAsectionsidetipper,Kiairsuspension,ConmetK Hitchhubs,Aluminiumwheels,HydraulicrollTarps,Joist greaselessturntable,Lowtareweight,Availablenow.st1223. TA1202635. POA

KRUEGER45FTFLATTOPTRAILER 2013, Tri axlespring suspension,threewaycontainerpins,Toolbox,Gates,Tarp, straighttidytrailer,goodtyres,readytogotowork.ft1223. TA1202639. $55,000

KENWORTHK200AERODYNE 2013,Credittopreviousowner verytidytruck,Cumminsengine,18sptrans,Dualcrosslock rearaxles,KWairbag,lostofstainlessextras..11223. TA1202623.

ISUZUNLR200MEDIUMTABLETOP 2012,TradieTruckwith Dropsidealuminiumbody,carlicense,towbar,Autotrans,tidy condition,4meterTray,hardtofinddon'tmissthisone. 112231. TA1202625. $36,300

BRUCEROCKENGINEERINGROADTRAINLEADSIDETIPPER Type3 2023,4mmHardoxsteelbin,Kiairbagsuspension, Aluminiumwheels,Hydraulicrolltarp,Tareweight7.5 T,

BRUCEROCKENGINEERINGTAREXchassistipper 2023,Ring nowINSTOCKNOW27cubicmeter,Hardox5mmsteelbin, K-Hitchaxlesspringsusp,two-waytailgate,tarp,10stud aluminiumwheels,Apptare6.70T.80923. TA963545. POA

ELPHINSTONEBDOUBLE 1998model.Air Rider. Excellentconditionforit'sage.ElphB. TA1105677.

GERGETRIAXLEFOLDINGSKEL withheadboard.Airbag suspension.Tyres,brakesandsuspensionok.Gerge. TA1068955. $22,000+GST=$24,200

PLUNKETTTRILOGSKEL Plunkett Tri LogSkel.S754. TA1189339. $18,000+GST=$19,800

ABBEYD758CHERRYPICKER 250kgcapacityhydraulic basket,readytofitoncab/chassis.cherry. TA843322. $3,500+GST=$3,850

FREIGHTERMINIBDOUBLESKEL Airbag'A'trailer, hydraulicallyloadedspringreartrailer,brakesok, painted,readytowork.BDouble2. TA657165. $19,000+GST=$20,900

KENNEDYFOLDINGSKEL 1998,airbag.Airbinders.Cab guard.Turntablescalesand carry bars.S737. TA1176699. $27,500inclGST

THTLOGSKELBDOUBLESET 'A'trailerwith Elphinstonelowlogger'B'trailer.THT. TA1056515. $50,000+GST=$55,000

KENWORTHT650 radiator.Variousotherpartsavailable. Radi. TA874526. $1,000+GST=$1,100

FREIGHTERTRIAXLELOGSKEL frontandrearracks, airbagsuspension,loadbinders,nearnewdrums& linings.Roadworthy.Picks. TA968311. $28,000+GST=$30,800

KENNEDYMINIB-DOUBLE 2009Model,c-lock.minib2. TA1144223. $30,000+GST=$33,000

VARIOUSCABGUARDSALUMINIUM&STEEL cab guardsavailable;also carry barguardsetc.Prices startingfrom.S618. TA1051728. $1,000+GST=$1,100

INTERNATIONALACCO510A V8petrol,1700litrewater tank,11hpmotor&pump,dribblebar,hoseandhose reels.1016. TA52218. $5,000+GST=$5,500

FREIGHTERTANDEMSEMITIPPER 22fttandemsemi tipper.Rebuilthoist.Goodbrakes.Airtailgate,good honesttrailer.S764. TA1202630. $12,000+GST$13,200

SAMAIRLOGGER 2003,Samjackconvertedchivers, triaxlejinker.Airandelectricscales.Goodtyres,Nice lighttrailer,nearnewbrakes.S756. TA1198879. $10,000+GST=$11,000

KENWORTHK100E 12.7LDetroit.Hendrickson suspension.Goodhonestoldertruck..S766. TA1202632. $30,000+GST=$33,000

KENWORTHT658 2009modelwithISXCumminson 540,000kmsincerebuild.Fullcrosslocks,CTI,scales. With2009modelKennedyminiBdoubleC locker. KWT658. TA1057579. $135,000+GST=$148,500

BYRNETRAILERSSTOCK 1990,40ftstocktrailer.7.5 bay.Electricrampwinch.Internalloadinglights.Tyres 80%,brakes80%.Twinsparetyrecarrierandtwin toolboxes.S758. TA1198881. $45,000+GST=$49,500

TAG-A-LONGTRIAXLEDECKWIDENINGLOWLOADER Structurallysound,goodfloat.Everythingworks.Can paintatextracost.S763. TA1202618.

ELPHINSTONEAIRIDER withcabguards,onairbag. 2000model.airrider. TA1098149. $12,000+GST=$13,200

MACKTRIDENT 2001,E7470hpmotor,rebuilt18spdMack gearbox,bothdiffsdonerecently,allbrakesnew,newdrive tyres,steers80%,brandnewhoist,goodreliabletruck.

BARKERTRAILERSBOGIE float.Goodcondition. BARKERSBOGIE. TA1180995. $30,000+GST=$33,000

FREIGHTERTRIAXLESEMITRAILER Willstretchto19m overall.Springsuspension.Goodtyres.Alllights functional.Frontandreargates.S765. TA1202631. $20,000+GST=$22,000

KENWORTHK108 flatroofprimemover.10speedEaton Gearbox.Cumminsengine.Ken108. TA1189224. $50,000+GST=$55,000

VOLVOFH12 1995,420HP,airbagsuspension,Bisalloy body,pintallhooktowhitch.FH12. TA1168316.

BORGENGINEERINGTRIAXLE tagtrailer.2014.Pintle hook.TT. TA1204579. $38,000+GST=$41,800

AFFAIR Family

This family works together, plays together, and hits the show circuit together.

Words: Tiarna Condren

There’s nothing better than the coming together of two families. Except maybe, the coming together of two family-owned businesses.

Transport company National Logistics (NL) is the lovechild of Bev and Luke Andrews.

With Bev owning NL before they met, and Luke and his brother BJ owning and operating BJL Transport, their story is a match made in transport heaven.

Following the passing of BJ, Bev and Luke found themselves leaning on each other for support, both personally and professionally.

Both being Melbourne based, accounts manager Jemma says the businesses became like sister companies.

“They just intertwined their companies and have grown since,” she says.

“Back then, they were only small companies, and now they've outgrown everything.”

On the way to another truck show

The

With depots in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, the flourishing company is run by a plethora of Andrews family members.

“Bev has three sons, and a daughter. My partner is Jake, who is the operations manager, and one of Bev’s sons,” Jemma says.

“We're very family orientated.

“We've got two sets of sisters as well that work with us, so we're all a bit intertwined I guess,” she chuckled.

Jemma says the family grew up around trucks “forever” and has already begun teaching the new generation of Andrews about the trucking business.

When the family isn’t busy bossing each

other around in close quarters, they enjoy spending their time at truck shows.

Jemma says, “We definitely come to have a bit of a sticky beak at everyone's stuff and kind of have a look.”

“My partner Jake, he just has a lot of love for trucks. He's the reason why we go, so we can just have a look around and see what’s on show.”

But it isn’t just truck watching that they come to do. They also put some of their own fleet up for inspection.

family took this Kenworth to Geelong Convoy

The Alexandra Truck, Ute & Rod Show in June had the crew rolling in two white Kenworth T610SARs.

One of the white rigs, aptly named ‘Rolling Down a Dream’, is adorned with blue scrollwork and signwriting.

The four children’s names can be seen in script, running down the backside of the cab alongside custom BJL steelwork.

Jemma says that they spend a fair amount of time preparing the trucks for the occasions.

“A lot of maintenance goes into it. I mean, we have a really well-maintained fleet, so everything is seen to regularly, or more than regularly.”

With only one Scania changeover truck, the NL fleet is packed with Kenworth k200’s, 610’s, 659’s and a 909.

Each truck has BJL Transport on the cab, while National Logistics is plastered on the trailers.

Jemma says the family loves the reliability and quality of Kenworth, proving time and time again to be top of the range.

“The family take a lot of pride in what equipment they have. Whether that be their trucks or trailers, they still like the equipment underneath, however hidden, to be really high end.”

“They put a lot of money and pride into what they have, and they work hard to maintain that.”

“With the Kenworth’s it’s just personal preference, and they really, really love them.”

Jemma says attending truck shows isn’t just about showing off the flashiest vehicles but connecting with people in the industry.

“The transport industry is a big game, and everyone knows each other,” she says.

“It’s just so nice to see everyone in the one space together. It’s a good social day.”

With plans to attend shows in Castlemaine, Brisbane and the Geelong Convoy, the Andrews show so sign of slowing down.

Showing off its tricks is BJL's Rolling Down the Dream truck

The brothers rolling in to Alexandra

2004,themackvision(sampleunitphoto)470h/p(in/chassisrebuildon motor/now.)18speedg/box46/160diffswithxcross/locks,allonnewrubber, fittedwithhightensilesheppardsteelbody4.50mx1200mmsideswith swingingtailgaterollouttarp(bodyasnew)fittedwithfullringfeedermountsin extremlygoodcondition,revolvinglightscbradiocomeswithqld/rwcreadyfor rego.Totalresprayoftruck,body&chassis,100%newrubber,(rollouttarp optionalextra).S170. TA1153744.

$110,000+GST+ORC+options

UDCW445E

2002actualudtipper,with455h/p,18/speedroadrangerg/boxuddiffs ,withnewtyresalltubeless,unitfullyserviced,comeswithnewfront mountedhoist,swingingtailgate,rollouttarp,pintlehooksetupfortag trailer,comeswithqld/rwcreadyforrego,c/bradioetc,readytogoto work..S138. TA1102291. $89,750+GST+ORC

MACKTRIDENT

2002,done1.2millionklms,recentmotorrepairscarriedout,good clutch/18spd,r/ranger,g/boxwithairbagsuspension46/160diffs, recentworkstohitensilebody,wholeunitresprayedallover,comes

2007,newlyfittedwithmultipurposeHi-Tensilebody5mlongbody/800mm dropsides&swingingtailgate,frontmountedexternalhoist&towinghitch, new4stage.Airbagsuspension,18speedr/rangerg/boxonUDdiffs,alloy 10studwheels100%newrubberallround,gme/uhfradioetc.Pricecomes withQLDRWC,regoready

Optionalextras: *optionalpullouttarp$4,000+GST(extra) *optionsnotincludedinprice.S181. TA1171228. $110,000+GST+ORC(optionsextra)

UDCW445E

UDCWA455E

2006,H/P375,000kms,alloybinfrontmountedhoist,4.5mlongwithring feedersetup,18spdr/rangerg/box,airbagsuspensiononu/ddiffs,asnew rubberallround,goodmechanicalcondition,veryclean&tidy,comeswith QLDRWC,workready.S186. TA1174343.

VOLVOFM400

2004,COMPLETESERVICETRUCK

H/Pwithautotransmission,Heavydutyhubreductiondiffson6rod suspension,fittedwithROPSguard.Fullserviceunitwithmultilubricants, fueltank,heavydutygreasingunit,withhydraulicdriveforthesystem. Comeswith90%heavyduty,asnew,rubberallround.Willbesandblasted &painted.Thisisacontractorsdream,unitpricedaccordingly.S173. TA1163819.

MACKQUANTUM

2003,hitensilesteelbodytipper,470h/p18roadrangerg/box,46160diffs withxcrosslocks,(willhave100%newtyresallround)rollout tarp,ringfeedermounts&hydlcs,swingingtailgateetc,comeswithqldrwc readyforrego.S192. TA1189343.

TEFCOQUARRYBOSS

Alloybinwithshute,in-tailgatecomplete.Body4.50mlongx1.50msides.In excellentcondition,itwillnotlast.Extremelytidyandavailable.Comeswith runnersandhoistandmountssuitetc.Americanchassis.S190. TA1185904.

RIG Racing

When you need a dual cab heavy vehicle is there a better option out there than an old fire truck?

Words: Kayla Walsh

Images: Supplied

Dave

Dave Donegan has been racing cars for almost 30 years, and is showing no signs of slowing down.

His dad and his grandad both raced speedway, so the need for speed is in his blood – and he’s been passionate about it ever since he was a child.

“I started racing when I was 14 and I’m very much still in the thick of it,” he says.

“As I get older, I am definitely more aware of the risks but I’m also more excited about it than ever.

“I love the speed and the adrenaline, I love the challenge, and I love the family and friends element.

“It’s my happy place.”

Donegan, who runs his own underground drilling business, Donnaz Undergrounds, says his company’s success has allowed him to compete at the top level and do lots of travelling around Australia and the US.

“It’s one of those things, opportunities are mainly for young people, so we’ve been creating our own opportunities.

and Renee Donegan with his speedway racer

The truck when Dave got it

“We go to Darwin once a year, we go to Queensland, and we race at the top level over in America.”

While we love cars, we’re more about trucks here at Deals on Wheels – and the reason we got in touch with Donegan was a very special rig of his that we spotted at the Alexandra Truck Show.

The truck, which was a pandemic project, is a converted American fire truck.

“I was looking for a truck to carry all of our crew,” he says.

“When we go racing, there’s normally about four or five of us.

“So we needed a dual cab, and dual cab trucks are predominantly fire trucks.

“I started searching for fire trucks and eventually this one came up at an auction.

“Fire trucks are hard to find but we were just in the right place at the right time.”

The vehicle previously belonged to the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, and was a classic red fire truck when Donegan got his hands on it in early 2020.

“It’s a 2001 model so it was probably just getting a bit old for the fire department to hold on to.

“It was built for Australia but it’s obviously an American style. It's American LaFrance, who went out of business in 2014.

“It had a big foam system on the back and a big pumper when I got it.”

After he got it home to Healesville in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, Donegan and his dad got to work converting into the truck of his dreams.

“We removed the back half of the truck, which had all the pumping tanks and stuff on it.

“We built it into a prime mover that was able to tow a racecar trailer.

“We then painted it white, because we like white things!

Take one old fire truck, add imagination and you have a the perfect race transporter

The truck during restoration

“And we got a local guy, Simon Smirk, to do the signwriting on it, to make it our own. He’s very good.

When Donegan goes racing, his dogs are among the first passengers to jump into the truck for the journey

He added: “The truck is called Engine 75. This is our race car number and it is painted in gold on the front of the truck.

“On fire engines in America they name all of their fire trucks and label them with gold flake paint for good luck.”

Donegan races under the name Mint Pig Racing, and the truck features a logo of a pig, which was designed by his wife Renee.

“She has a lot to do with the design and promotional stuff like our Facebook page, Donnaz Mint Pig Racing. She’s fantastic.

“We have a quirky name for each of our cars, based around the pig, and we have a picture of a pig giving the thumbs up on all of the cars.

“The kids love it and it gives them a reason to be at the racetrack and have a car to follow if their parents drag them along to the races.

“We try to make it fun for them, so the sport keeps growing and the next generation grow up interested in racing.”

Overall, it took about a year to finish the conversion of the truck and Donegal says the

most difficult part of the process was sourcing parts.

“We had to order a lot of the parts from America, but luckily it is a Freightliner chassis so a lot of the Freightliner stuff is more easily available.”

He can’t get over how many truck enthusiasts there are out there, and says the reaction to his rig has been huge.

“We have people stopping us in the middle of the street,” he says.

“Obviously fire trucks are big in America and our one is a bit different so people get very excited about it.”

He’s really happy with the truck and says it’s a lot of fun to drive.

“We love it. My two dogs are part of the team and they love it when I say ‘Hey, we’re going racing in the truck.’

“They both go running over to it and stand next to the door.

“When we’re going to Darwin it takes four days to get there and we need to be able to carry everything that long distance.

“The truck has been really reliable, it hasn’t given me any problems at all. It’s a really great truck.”

Mobile: 0418 832 579

Ph:

3376 5566

Fax: (07) 3376 6677

2013,VolvoFH16 globetrotter,prime mover,600HP/12SP auto(120tonne),rated fullsleeperwithair+ wingkit.S175. TA1163938.

$140,000+GST

2014,MackTrident primemover,535HPMP* withM/driveauto.S172.

TA1153852.

$120,000+GST

Withbifoldramps, petrolhydraulicpower packon19.58studlow profiletyres,spring suspension,ledlights hingedoversizesigns revbeepers+ledrev lightsonramps, sandblastedandpainted white+blackhubs. S114.. TA1189070.

$165,000+GST

Planttrailer-RED-quad axeldeckwidenerlow loader,bifoldramps, hydraulicsuspension, dollyneckpatrol, hydraulicpowerpack, LEDlights,2pacpaint hingedoversizesigns,

2012,MackMetro-Liner, 8WheelerTipper,6 CylinderCumminsEngine, AutoGearBox,10Stud Axles,DiffLocks+Cross Locks,NewHydraulics, NewBissAlloySteel Body,NewPaint(White), TwoWayTailgate.S174.

TA1153856.

$200,000+GST

19.5or204spring suspension,2xspace tyrecarriersdropinking pinfullguards,90mm turntableonrear,LED lights,2pacpaint,new rims&tyres.S134.

TA1024432.

$60,000+GST

2012,Sloanebuiltquadaxledogtippertrailer.PBS/ spec,alloybody&wheels,10studaxles,airbags suspension,electrictarp,newhoist,ratedwitha truck(57,500tonnes),brakes/tyres/susp75%, weightguagesetc.S173.

$80,000+GST

TA1153854.

Trucking

Social media might just be the way forward for the transport industry, if you ask 34-yearold driver Aaron Fuller.

Words: Alex Catalano.

YouTube, Instagr am and TikTok might not be the most downloaded apps by your everyday truckie, but they’re making an impact in the evolution of the trucking world.

Aaron Fuller is showing off a different side of life on the road. A thrill-seeker (including but not limited to drifting, motorbiking and go-karting) and trade mechanic turned driver, he runs Beyond Perspective Media, a channel dedicated to showing off his escapades on the road.

From sticking a GoPro on the front of his T909, documenting the full process of cleaning and washing it down to checking

IN THE DIGITAL AGE

out the rigs of fellow drivers, there’s a bit of everything for the truck enthusiast.

The love of creation and sharing his stories (and vehicles) with the world comes from his days on the track and in the workshop, he explains.

“I didn’t really do a great deal of photography when I was younger, but as soon as the GoPro came out I had it on bikes, motorcycle helmets, go karts, at the racetrack having them on race cars,” Fuller says.

“I’ve been around trucks all my life, since I was born.

“My old man, my uncle, both pops, they’ve

With a GoPro camera on board and his photography gear at the ready Aaron hauls goods all over Australia, capturing and sharing his journey's along the way

Aaron's passion for capturing trucking beauty on camera is easy to see in his truck show photo above, and the other shots he supplied us for this story. Great pics!

all been into trucks, driving and everything.

“I’ve actually tried my best to stay away from what my family’s done. I ended up here anyway! You can always run, they say, but you always end up where you’re meant to be. Same deal with photography and videos.

“When I was inside the workshop, I used to videos and photos of the cars on the dynos when we were working on them. A couple of YouTube channels later, it’s all been growing slowly, taking that notch every step.”

Driving for pet food manufacturer Hypro Group, delivering food to customers and raw materials back to the Sydney headquarters, the digital side of Fuller’s life was only ever meant to be a bonus.

He describes it as a chance to get his perspective on his job and way of life out there, but BEYPER Media has steadily built a community around it.

With nearly 6000 followers the various forms of social media, Fuller is providing a lens on what it means to be a transport worker that might not be readily apparent to younger people looking to get into the industry.

It was never an intention though, he explains.

“I get a bit of hate for being so passionate, but I get paid to drive a mad truck around and take videos all day! What’s there not to be happy about?

“Not everyone shares my view on it, but it’s something I’m trying to convey, especially with the TikToks and Youtube videos. It’s a lot of younger fellas, some of them are still in high school and coming out of high school wanting to get their truck license.

“People that I used to see when my old man was driving, you see them passionate about their trucks. That’s what inspired me to want to drive. As much as I didn’t want to do it for a job, you see those guys and think that looks like a good time.

“I get that with people messaging me now. This is helping bring younger people into the industry, that have that passion.

“Driving like I do, interstate, you come across a lot of truck drivers. It’s sad to see that for a lot of people, it’s just a job. There’s definitely some passionate drivers out there, but for some it’s just a job.”

Aaron Fuller and his Kenworth T909

DEALS People

Along with the influence Fuller is growing on prospective young drivers, his social media endeavours have also been a massive benefit to his own career.

Married and the father to a two-year-old

boy, he spends plenty of his time away from family and friends, as most truckies do.

But through his online content creation, he’s built up a little network of friends and colleagues, in addition to those he sees on the road. Getting his B-double license has made it even easier to stay connected with those interstate.

“A part of the idea to upgrade my license was that I speak to a lot of people interstate on social media. To do the photography, it was like a two-in-one scenario. If I can get up to Queensland for work, I can catch up with people that I already talk to.

“It’s hard to be in Sydney and expect to catch everyone when I want to catch with them. The truck driving schedule doesn’t work that way.

“It’s been a good experience to do the interstate, but it’s doubled as a tool to meet more people, take more photos, shoot more videos.

“I didn’t start any of this with any intention to target what I’m doing right now. It’s just slowly evolved. I say it’s easy, but I know a few people that struggle with the job and the industry. I’m just passionate about what I do.

“I’ve had a few accidents across my lifetime that nearly put me in the ground, so that opens your eyes to the world around you.”

There's always potential for a great photo with this truck

There's no missing the shine on this distinctive black Kenworth

KENWORTHT904

UDCWA445 2012,immaculatecondition2012UDCW445bogiedrivefittedwith4.6m Tefcoalloybody,1530sides,externalhoist&Windouttarp,440HPengine,18speed R.Rgearbox.Readyforwork.GE13026736D. TA1170031. $88,000(80000+GST+ORC)

2002,HeavyDutyPrimeMover,118tonRoadTrainorLowLoader

3AXLETRIAXLE AllcanAlloyBody,SteelChassis,TrisAxleBPWAxles,Spring Suspension,8.5mAlloyBody,ManualWindOutTarp,SpiderWheels.S23. TA1195087. $17,600(16000+GST+ORC)

MACKGRANITE 2010,AlloyBody,SetUpforQuadDog,ExCompanyFleetMaintenance withMackTrucksAustralia,MP8500,18SpeedRoadRangerGearbox,46000lbRear EndonPrimaxAirBagsSuspension,GoodCondition.6FMN12G56AD801715. TA1195099.

FREIGHTERTRIAXLEATRAILERCONTAINERSKELTRAILER 2006,alloy10stud wheels,Hendricksonairsuspensionandaxles,goodcondition.6W9TWR63S5M038036. TA1185769. $41,800(38000+GST+ORC)

WESELOADMASTER 2021, Tri AxleRoadTrainDolly,AirBagSuspension,10SetAlloy Wheels,GreaselessTurntable,AirWeightGauge,1.5mDrawBar,HydraulicFittings.NIL. TA1195082. $31,900(29000+GST+ORC)

ISUZU MAKEOVER Super

Take a purpose, combine it with knowledge and a desire to do something different and you can build the truck you want.

Words: Kayla Walsh

Images: Supplied

The 2011 model was originally built for a Komatsu mine site in Queensland, and second-generation diesel mechanic Camilleri bought it with the idea to turn it into something “a little different”.

He tells Deals on Wheels: “When I got it, it

was covered in red dirt from the mines.

“I did quite a lot of work to it over four-anda-half months.

“I modified the bull bar, got all the stainless done, put custom drawers in the toolboxes.

“It’s got an imitation headlight on top of the working headlights, which is something Isuzu has done to update the shape of their trucks in their 2023 model.

James Camilleri picked up Best Isuzu at the Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show this year – the first truck show he’s ever entered.

Camilleri's truck won Best Isuzu at the Dane Ballinger Memorial Show The Isuzu before work began

“So I put that on it as well, to make it look like a new truck when it’s not.”

Camilleri, who lives in Sydney, says that as a mechanic he didn’t really need a big Kenworth or Mack.

However, he wasn’t going to let the fact that he had a smaller truck stop him from getting scrollwork.

“This is probably the biggest truck I’m going to get to work out of as a diesel mechanic, so I thought stuff it, why not just get this scrolled?

“It’s something a little different and something I’ve always wanted to do.

“Dennis from Signs, Lines and Scrolls in Smeaton Grange did the scrollwork, Justin Borg painted it for me, and Matthew Watson did the fabrication.”

Camilleri’s dad, Joe, is currently making a tarp for between the boxes.

Camilleri says his father has been a big support to him, not just during the process of fixing up the truck but also throughout his career.

“My dad put a lot of time and effort into the truck. He came to Melbourne with me when we picked the truck up.

“We went to Bayswater to the Kenworth factory and did a tour there, we made memories along the way.

“He was a big part of why I became interested in trucks and being a mechanic. I used to go to work with him on school holidays and every weekend.”

The truck has already been put to work, with Camilleri driving it to different locations around Sydney as an on-site workshop for his business, Dynamic Fleet Maintenance.

“It’s got a good compressor on it, it’s got an oxy on it, it’s got a vice on it and workspace –that's all you really need.

“We’re working the truck as hard as we can while trying to preserve it as much as possible, which is difficult!”

The front of the truck had a full makeover

Mid-transformation and ready for spraying

Camilleri had inquired about buying a brand-new truck, but it was going to be too expensive and take too long.

“By the time I had to wait for a new truck, and then build the tray, buy the HIAB, set it up the way I wanted it, you’d be looking at $250k.

“You’d be better off buying a Kenworth by the time it’s all done.

“I knew this truck needed a bit of love, but I was willing to spend the money on it, to fix it up and get it where it is now.

“They didn’t change the Isuzus very much over the years, so you can get a brand-new truck, wait for it and spend all that money, but it’s not really that different.”

Camilleri is a fan of Japanese trucks in general.

“I chose Isuzu because the parts are cheaper than Hino’s, and they are pretty accessible as well.

“But anything Japanese is usually reliable.”

He says if you’re thinking about restoring an older truck, you need the right people on your team.

“It’s hard to find people that you can trust and rely on.

“If I didn’t know my truck was in the right hands, I probably wouldn’t have done it at all.”

Dennis from Signs, Lines and Scrolls at work

Mid-transformation

ANDAST3 2022,DropDeck,Airbag, ATM45t,HydraulicRamps,3Way ContainerPins,45FtLength,Road Train.DD. TA820949. POA

ANDAST3 2022,DeckWidener,Upto 3.6m,ATM45t,DieselPowerPack, RoadTrain.DDW. TA820952. POA

ANDAST3 2022,ExtendableDrop Deck,HydraulicRamps,RoadTrain. DDEX. TA820960. POA

ANDAST3 2022,FlatTop&DropDeck B-Double.FDAB. TA1085496. POA

ANDAST3 2022,DropDeckLT,Tare 7.65t,Airbag,Containerpins.DDLT. TA864656. POA

ANDAST3 2022,ExtendableDropDeck (H:860mm).DDEX-LD. TA1071585. POA

ANDAST3 2022,DropDeckB-Double. DDAB. TA1072229. POA

ANDAST3 2022,DropDeckATrailer. DB. TA1085505. POA

ANDAST3 2022,FlatTop12Pallets A-Trailer.FA. TA1085502. POA

IN ART Memorialised

Trucks offer an artistic opportunity to share a message with fellow road users.

Words: Tiarna Condren

Images: Supplied

It was in the 1930’s that airbrushing on vehicles gained prevalence. Whether to advertise, show-off or simply achieve the smoothest lines, it was a top choice for truckies and enthusiasts alike.

As the 70’s approached, the demand for airbrush murals on vans, trucks and motorcycles flourished, the buildable medium becoming a staple of the iconography.

Wayne Harrison was in the deep of it, beginning his airbrushing career 42 years ago.

After running away from an abusive home at the age of 10, Wayne found himself caught up in the wrong crowd and in trouble with the law.

“I got locked up when I was younger, and this old guy from one of the offices told me I had a flair for painting and drawing,” Wayne says.

“The style of airbrushing was always attractive to me, and that comment was a driving force that pushed me.

“So, when I finally got out of there, that’s what I decided to pursue.”

The Peter Brock tribute truck was entirely hand painted

Wayne dipped his toes in panelvan work, before eventually upgrading to commercial billboards and trucks.

“I was doing billboards for Shell and Coca Cola, and I did all the Optus advertising when they first came to the country, the very first billboards.”

In 2002, Wayne was contracted for Virgin Blue, airbrushing its full fleet of aircraft (over 80 planes) with the Virgin Maiden. He is the only artist to have ever painted the Virgin Maidens on every Virgin Blue aircraft.

“We used to do a lot of truck curtains and signage on the shop fronts and stuff down at the markets,” he continued.

“I got introduced to the trucks that way, guys who wanted to dress their trucks up a bit with some graphics and different things like that.”

“It was a booming industry.”

When digital graphic design and stickers popped up on the scene, many feared the irrelevance of airbrushing and handpainting for vehicle customisation.

“Digital really came and changed everything. We were doing all the graphics and advertising before the change, and then it took over,” he says.

With a new way of personalising vehicles for cheaper, many believed airbrushing was an art form to sweep under the rug and forget about.

However nowadays, with an industry oversaturated with transport companies and similar trucks, fleet owners and owner drivers have been returning to basics to leave their mark and stand out amongst the masses.

Advanced Airbrushing has been operating since 1992, with Wayne spearheading the operations and expanding to become one of Australia’s leading professional airbrush production shops.

Wayne says nowadays the transport industry is one of their biggest clients and interest in airbrushing is on the rise.

“The art is becoming more specialised now. The people that get artwork done now on trucks are usually people that either are older, they appreciate the nostalgia of it, or are people who are just looking for something unique and personal,” he says.

Wayne’s portfolio is endless, with Marvelinspired cabs, photo-realistic portraits and more, it’s easy to tell he’s been in the game for a while.

Mural trucks have become a big hit in the truck show circuit, dousing people with nostalgia.

Your favourite truck spotters have no doubt posted an album or two with the

The truck was done for a family whose grandfather was a member of a Light Horse unit in Western Australia

The Light Horse tribute meant a lot for Wayne

flashy artwork adorning a kitted-up Kenworth.

Wayne says attention nowadays though has been shifting towards historical and tribute truck artwork.

“It’s more aimed at doing historical tributes now, ensuring historical accuracy that reflects when it was made, or simply to honour someone.”

Wayne recently completed a Light Horse tribute that struck home.

“My son is in the army, so it was nice to do a tribute that meant a lot to me,” he says.

The truck was done for a family whose grandfather was a member of a Light Horse unit in Western Australia.

“We also recently completed a Peter Brock tribute Tautliner which was really exciting. No one has painted a Tautliner for quite some while,” he says.

“All the products that used to be available for doing Tautliners are no longer available.

“So I had to come up with a new product, and test it and try it and then put it to use.

The Peter Brock commission showcased his portrait, some of his racing cars and a nice panorama in the background.

“It was for a guy in Tassie, and he didn’t want any of it digital. It all had to be hand painted, and so it was.”

Advanced Airbrushing has gone on to do several tribute artworks, honouring the Australian Army, individuals and more.

Wayne says he is happy to see such an uptake in interest in the artform, and to see how it is being used in different ways.

One of many tribute pieces Wayne has done to honour those who have passed on

Commissioned for McHaffie Transport

Commissioned for Colli Timber and Hardware

Army tributes have become increasingly popular

THE TRUCK Whisperer

Finding a way to tame troubled trucks and vehicles and help them steer true has been a life’s work for this truck driver turned truck fixer.

Words: Kayla Walsh

Images: Supplied

When you're hauling big loads staying straight on the road is imperative

Kenny Dennis was born with just one hand, but he’s never let that hold him back in life.

During his 75 years on earth, he has done everything from flying aeroplanes to driving every type of truck under the sun.

“I never had two hands in my life, but I was doing my bootlaces up on my own when I was three years old,” he tells Deals on Wheels.

“I’ve driven everything on rubber and everything on tracks, and I can pull a tarp down with a double shank as quick and as tight as anybody.”

Originally from the tiny town of Licola in regional Victoria – which registered just 11 people in the 2016 census – Dennis moved to Nambrok with his parents and worked on their dairy farm after leaving school.

In the mid 1970s, he switched from farming to trucking – and as the years went on, he started to notice that a few of his trucks were having the same issue.

“I had a few trucks of my own, doing livestock and hay carting at the end of the year, and then went on to interstate.

“Some of my trucks started to have the same problem and I wouldn’t take no for an answer as to why they were doing this.

“The truck that I had in 1986 was a brandnew International S-Line that I was trying to drive from Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Melbourne, going interstate every night of the week.

“It was such a pig to drive, brand new, that if you hit the rough with the windows down it would spit you out both doors at the same time!”

Dennis took the truck back to the dealership to be looked at, only to be told there was nothing wrong with it.

“The guy at the dealership did everything known to man to the truck - 27 wheel alignments, new pumps, hoses, steering boxes, offset wheels...

“My boss at the time, a bloke called Max Burls, he told me that the guy said to him: ‘There’s no point in bringing the truck

Ken the Truck Whisperer

back, it’s fully up to the manufacturer’s specifications. But we think we know what the fault is. It’s your driver – he's only got one hand.’

“When Max told me that, I said if I did one thing in life, it would be to work out the problem with the trucks.”

That same year, Dennis figured out what was happening – and he’s spent the decades since building up his evidence.

“When he said it was fully up to specifications, I realised there was no way that specification was right.

“Through a combination of my own research and engineers’ reports, I worked out that we have steering that is not fit for purpose.

“And this problem came in only when they introduced power steering.

“The maximum steering and driver control that we have is 70 to 72%. So that 28%, 30% that’s missing out of the 100% is where all the problems are.

“When you hit a bump, all the inertia from that big wheel going around – and she hits the ground 30,000 times every hour – all that inertia goes straight through the steering system.

“It goes up through the steering wheel, it destroys all the components and everything that goes with it.

“The truck drivers are also going from left to right, right to left the whole time – like the Hokey Pokey!

“That creates huge driver fatigue.”

After his big discovery, Dennis continued driving until he developed depression in 2000.

“The black dog got me. I was working for Lindsay Brothers at the time, and I just couldn’t make a mile.

“I had to take time off the road – my head was just all over the place.

These happy customers are celebrating the end to a steering problem in their 4WD

The early days of Truck Whispering

“So, I started calling a few of my mates in and they were wheeling in these pieces of crap and driving out angels.

Happy customersPeppi Inverno with his sons Jeremy and Chris

“I got off my ass and decided to do something about it.”

Dennis set up his own workshop, based in Benalla, Victoria. There, he does steering upgrades to reduce vibration, eliminate under-steer, correct steering wander, reduce component wear and combat driver fatigue.

Although he already had a nickname –Bandit (due to having only one hand) – he decided it was time for a rebrand.

He became The Truck Whisperer, and his reputation precedes him.

“Drivers are coming to me from all over Australia to have their trucks fixed,” he says.

“I’m upgrading their steering to 100 per cent, so the trucks are just rolling through the bumps.

“The trucks are holding their path, you don’t get that same feedback through the wheel that’s just sometimes about to break your wrist!

“After I’m finished, the drivers are absolutely amazed by the difference.”

He remembers a driver who came in a few days previously with a $400,000 truck he was struggling to keep on the road.

“It drove him mad driving it, it was constantly pulling one way all the time. He was constantly going to the physio because he was in pain from driving it.

“He had brought it everywhere and couldn’t fix it.

“I sorted it out for him and we brought it out for a drive, he couldn’t believe the difference.”

A week later, the customer called Dennis with an update.

“He called me and said he had taken his kids to the pool, and normally he just sits at the side of the pool because of his pain.

“But he said he actually did 10 laps of the pool because he felt so much better.”

Dennis says the work he does is not only improving people’s lives, but saving them as well.

“The steering issue applies to every vehicle that’s got power steering – Scanias, Volvos, Western Stars, Kenworths, F250s, Ford motor homes, school buses...

“When they’re rocking from side to side because of the lack of steering control, everything is out of control.

“I have school bus drivers coming to me and they are s**t scared because if you go off the edge of the road with a busload of kids, you’ve no idea where they’re going to end up.”

He continues: “When a truck has a blowout, everything goes to the weakest point.

“So that truck will plough you straight off the edge of the road, it could be into a car or the nearest tree.

“When you upgrade the steering, you can steer it exactly the same with the palm of your hand, it won’t make an ounce of difference.

“If that’s not a life-saving factor, I don’t know what the hell is.”

There was no missing the Truck Whisperer coming to town in this rig

He says his upgrades also reduce tyre wear.

“A bloke came to me with a 409 Kenworth with tyres that were continually being worn out at 80,000km.

“After he came to me the tyres lasted 190km.

“That’s just from giving him more control of the vehicle and keeping the wheels dead straight.”

Sometimes, Dennis claimed, customers come to him having already spent thousands of dollars replacing steering boxes and having wheel alignments done.

“I had one bloke come in, he was on his third steering box at 227,000km. The truck’s not even been worn it at that stage!

“They’re just throwing parts at the truck and wasting so much money. It’s what I call the Circle of Doom.”

As his “Truck Whisperer” name would suggest, Dennis keeps a sense of mystery around what exactly he does to the trucks that come into his workshop.

“People don’t really have a right to know what it is I do. It’s my intellectual property.

“Lots of people try to guess, but they are just speculating.

“There are so many ways to do a steering upgrade, and if you do it wrong it’s not going to work.

“What applies to one truck does not apply to another truck and it could be extremely dangerous for the driver and the person coming at you.

“We try to keep people from playing around, trying to save a bit of money and having a go.

“It’s not the money side of it for us, it’s the safety side.”

Dennis has tried for many years to get the word out about the issues with power steering, but he says those in power just don’t care.

“It appears to me that the world of engineers don’t want to know, the government doesn’t want to know, the regulators don’t care.

“I’ve been hitting Facebook up pretty big time, talking about this, and I have a lot of followers.

“The regulators actually got in touch with me and I suggested my engineer meet their engineers.

“We organised it for six weeks down the track, and they never turned up.

“Accident investigation people, they get all excited and then they lose sight.”

The Truck Whisperer has made it his mission to train others to do his steering upgrades, and get the word out as much as possible.

“To me, it’s not about money. It’s about passion, and it’s about helping people in the industry.

“I’m 75 now, I’ve been doing this for many, many years and I’ve never had a failure.

“I’m going to form a Truck Whisperers’ Association, and early next year, I plan to start training people up throughout Australia and pass on my knowledge.

“My clients are really starting to get on board with this and we’re starting to move a little bit, but we need help.

“It’s time to start making some noise.” .

The trucks Dennis has worked on include serious haulers like this Western Star

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We’ve heard a lot about electric trucks and how they will help the world to achieve environmental targets around climate change, but are they up to the job? Our writer took on one of Queensland’s more notorious mountain climbs to investigate that question

Words | Steve Brooks

Electric HILL CLIMBING

It was a straightforward question by Volvo Group Australia’s e-mobility manager Tim Camilleri that had his audience thinking: Just a decade ago, maybe less, would any of us have really believed we’d be today driving an allelectric prime mover pulling a loaded trailer on a Brisbane test track?

An answer, I guess, depended on the individual but this brain immediately flickered, ‘No, probably not.’

All charged up and somewhere to go. With 100 percent charge, the dash readout indicated a driving range of barely 200 km. Fortunately, it proved to be a fairly conservative estimate

Next day though, I had good cause to ask myself something even more candid: Just a few years ago, could I have possibly imagined driving an all-electric semi-trailer up and down the famously hard slog of Cunningham’s Gap?

This time the answer was blatantly definite: Absolutely not!

Yet, thinking about it, maybe naivety had been clouding the view. After all, such has been the pace of technological change over recent years that nowadays, nothing seems out of the question. Or as Tim Camilleri casually added, “We are in a time of great transformation and change.”

Few would argue, but all this introspection actually started a few weeks earlier with a seemingly benign invitation to attend a half-

day ‘Volvo Trucks Drive Program’ at what is these days known as the RACQ Mobility Centre at Mt Cotton in Brisbane’s south-east.

For decades it was known more generally as the Mt Cotton driver training and test circuit, and over the course of all that time right up to the present day, it’s hard to think of a truck brand which hasn’t at one time or another tested, launched, showcased or demonstrated a new model or critical update on Mt Cotton’s sweeping circuit. Diesels, all of them.

Breaking the mould, however, Volvo’s drive program was two-fold, designed to not only showcase its latest range of I-Save Euro 6 diesel models but also, further highlight the Swedish maker’s leading commitment to the introduction of battery electric trucks. Obviously enough, the end goal (other than ultimately selling more trucks) was to demonstrate that Volvo is, as the company put it, ‘truly driving progress towards a cleaner, more efficient future.’

A worthy and typically well-managed exercise for sure, and over the course of four days groups of customers and dealers, business partners and media were given the opportunity to drive and compare loaded examples of everything from Volvo’s fuel-

conscious I-Save models in single trailer and B-double form to its heavy-duty FM and FH electric trucks. Likewise, and certainly not to be ignored given their undeniable potential for local distribution duties were a couple of medium-duty FL and FE electric rigid models, though for whatever reason, these carried no load.

Still, and as cynical as it may seem, the thought of flying to Brisbane to do little more than spend a few hours driving different models – even electric models – on Mt Cotton’s familiar circuits was neither enticing nor exciting, particularly when we’d already driven FM Electric and FH Electric articulated combinations a year earlier on Swedish roads.

So, without putting too fine a point on it, a request was made to drive one of Volvo’s two electric heavies – preferably the FH – on public roads the day after the Mt Cotton event. Gratefully, and somewhat surprisingly, the company agreed. Indeed, we gained far more than asked for but we’ll come to that shortly.

Meantime, for most attendees at Mt Cotton over the four days, this would be their first experience at the helm of a heavy-duty electric truck. More to the point though,

Volvo was keen to emphasise that despite the inevitable emergence of battery electric trucks and further down the evolutionary track, hydrogen-fuelled electric trucks, the days of diesel are far from done. In fact, not by a long shot and with its turbo-compound, high torque 500hp I-Save models as a prime example, Volvo’s unmistakeable message was that its diesel efficiency is today greater than ever, with even bigger efficiency gains likely before a new world order of zero emissions eventually drifts to dominance.

What’s more, while time in the trucks at Mt Cotton was extremely limited, there was at least the opportunity to compare similarly loaded diesel and electric models on the same track at much the same weight. Hill starts, for instance, where an electric truck’s constant torque output suggests a significantly smoother lift-off than its diesel counterpart.

And so, on the first pinch of a short, sharp climb on the Mt Cotton track, an FH 500 I-Save towing a single trailer and said to be grossing around 40 tonnes was brought to a standstill. Then, automatically starting in crawler gear with ‘Hill Hold’ engaged (seriously, you just have to love ‘Hill Hold’), the I-shift box made six shifts before levelling

Part of Volvo’s electric line-up at Mt Cotton. FH is obviously the flagship and was our choice for a first road run

out in 8th gear. Slick and smooth, for sure, but not without the drivetrain displaying some mild torque wind-up in the first few gears as the engine’s healthy peak torque of 2800Nm (2065lb-ft) kicked in from around 1000rpm.

This was one of the FH Electric’s first runs on the open road. It’s very early days but the smoothness is extraordinary

Repeating the exercise a short time later in what was said to be a similarly loaded FH Electric, its six batteries dispensing continuous outputs of 490kW (666hp) and 2400Nm (1770lb-ft) of torque, the I-shift transmission automatically started in 4th gear and made just two super-smooth shifts to also crest the climb in 8th gear. Notably, there wasn’t the slightest sense of torque wind-up and truly, the effort was smooth beyond description.

Again though, there needed to be more to the exercise than a couple of hill starts on a test track and vitally, Volvo had not only agreed to our request for a road run but rather than simply sauntering around city and suburban streets, decided to stretch the operational envelope with an ambitious 200km thrust from Volvo’s Wacol HQ to the top of Cunningham’s Gap and back.

By any measure, Cunningham’s is a long, hard haul and wisely, company insiders

had a week or so earlier discreetly tested the water by running the 6x2 FM combination, grossing close to 40 tonnes, over the same route. Their aim, of course, was to assess if the battery six-pack had enough power to do the distance, knowing the drag up Cunningham’s and the high likelihood of being stopped on the steep grade by ongoing roadworks would suck plenty of energy from the battery packs. Likewise, Volvo was keen to know how much battery recharge would ensue from the regenerative braking system with its highly effective downhill speed control function on the long run down the hill.

Anyway, word has it that after gaining a significant recharge on the descent, the single-drive 6x2 outfit made it back to Wacol with just a few percentage points of power to spare, no doubt much to the relief of the truck’s driver, Volvo Group Australia’s versatile media and public relations manager Matt Wood.

Then it was our turn, only this time in the tandem-drive FH Electric which, like its FM sibling, is currently the only one of its kind in Australia.

The tech side

Hooked to a lighter trailer than the day before at Mt Cotton and grossing just a tad under 35 tonnes – almost 10 tonnes under the 44 tonnes gross combination mass (GCM) rating of both the FM and FH electric models – some might suggest our run was considerably less than a conclusive appraisal of the FH Electric’s real world abilities.

Fair enough, but equally, this was also the FH Electric’s first assault on an Australian highway with anything like the severity of the Cunningham’s climb. Again, it’s worth reiterating that these are very early days and while Volvo remains a world leader totally committed to the pursuit of zero emissions transport, the road to the future will be trod carefully and patiently. The motto, if there is one, appears to be ‘hasten slowly’.

It is, after all, one thing to stretch the envelope of possibility and something else to tear it apart with a highly ambitious exercise and a ‘flat’ truck returning home on the end of a tow hook. It’s never a good look and as Volvo’s local vice-president Gary Bone succinctly stated, “Sustainability is a long burn,” meaning the transition to zero emissions trucks will not be an overnight event.

Besides, Volvo’s local team had shown considerable faith in handing over the reins of its one and only FH Electric and this commentator certainly didn’t want the title of Captain Hook. Nonetheless, as Volvo’s Matt Wood mentioned several times, the run up the Gap and back would be its toughest test to date.

As technology stands at the moment, Volvo has progressed to its third generation of batteries, explaining in an earlier press statement from Sweden, ‘The high energy density traction batteries use the latest generation of lithium-ion cell technology (and) an electric truck with six battery packs has … a range of up to 300km.’

It is, however, worth noting that the overall efficiency and subsequent driving range of an electric truck are dependent on many factors similar to diesel models, such as load, ease or severity of the route, and driving style. Indeed, a heavy right foot has the potential to syphon electric power even more effectively than it drains diesel so the current 300km range limit is perhaps more hopeful than probable.

In the FM and FH, the battery six-pack powers three electric motors coupled to the enduring I-shift 12-speed automated

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Volvo’s FH 500 I-Save model doing demo laps at Mt Cotton. Diesel is far from finished

Parked up at Wacol after the run to the Gap and back. According to dash figures, there was still 20 per cent battery charge left and up to 50km driving range. The result was better than expected

transmission programmed with what Volvo describes as, ‘a unique new gear shifting strategy optimised for electric operations (and) together, the motors and gearbox form a powerful electric drive unit that offers unprecedented, high-efficiency drivability’.

What’s more, as Jonas Odermalm, Volvo’s vice-president of electro-mobility product explained late last year in Sweden, “Because the truck always starts in the highest possible gear, energy efficiency and savings are achieved thanks to minimised gear shifting. At the same time, lower gears are available for steep roads or in starting situations that require additional torque and control.” In other words, the broad ratio spread of the I-shift box is tailored specifically to the needs of the electric propulsion system.

Technology, however, is an endlessly evolving exercise and Volvo does not hide the fact that in maybe three of four years from now, I-shift will be replaced in the electric truck powertrain by an electric rear axle, or e-axle in modern parlance.

Moreover, it does not take an engineering guru to figure that the main goal of replacing a conventional transmission with an e-axle is to free up chassis space for more batteries, thereby increasing driving range. Or as Volvo states, ‘The new e-axle allows even more batteries on the truck by integrating the transmission into the rear axle (to) create opportunities for long distance transports to also be electrified.’

Meanwhile, don’t be too surprised if the e-axle comes on stream in Sweden as early as 2025, when customer trials are expected

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Driving with a Difference

Whatever you’ve driven, wherever you’ve driven it, nothing quite prepares you for the experience of driving a heavy-duty electric truck on the open road for the first time.

It is all at once, both foreign and fascinating.

Sure, in so many ways it’s just another truck. You climb in, adjust the seat and maybe the steering wheel and mirrors, reacquaint yourself with all the knobs, levers and control functions, then buckle up, turn the key and …

And everything’s different. In Volvo’s case, the dash tells you things like battery charge, driving range, weight over the various axle groups, how many kilowatt hours are at your disposal every 100km, and a few other details like ambient temperature, what gear the truck’s in, and along with a few convenience facts like what radio station you’re tuned into, and the current and overall mileage count, that’s about it. Forget about gauges, there are basically none.

In effect, turn the key and nothing much happens at all. There’s no noise. No rattle and hum of pistons exploding up and down and no hint of thousands of pieces of beautifully engineered metal working in perfect partnership to create a breathing, pulsating powerhouse. There’s no sense of anything really.

Yet despite the surreal silence, it moves with what seems an effortless energy at the slightest touch of the throttle. Load or no load, there’s no groan. No surging sensation of muscle against mass. Instead, just a mute, almost ghostly glide into momentum that simply flows without fuss or fury.

Above all else though, it’s the silence. Especially at the start, the almost complete quiet as wheels turn and the mass moves.

There’s no rumbling idle, no clatter, no warning that this large lump of hardware is about to roll to life.

Dangerously quiet?

It seems so, and that’s why Volvo has developed an acoustic alert system for electric vehicles. As the company explains, it is actually four different sounds relevant to what the truck is doing: moving forward, idling, reversing, slowing down or accelerating.

Effective at speeds up to 20km/h and varying in intensity as speed increases, the different sounds are nonetheless, surprisingly subdued. In fact, it’s to be wondered if they would be even audible in heavy traffic.

Unfortunately, the FH Electric in this exercise wasn’t equipped with the acoustic system but the need for noise – artificial or otherwise – was certainly made plain by an obviously rattled driver at an Aratula roadhouse, suddenly finding himself strolling into the path of a silently moving truck.

“Shit, that thing’s too quiet. It needs a bloody whistle or something.”

Fair point and no doubt, a recorded whistle would do the job. Or maybe something more imaginative. A barking dog perhaps, or the bark of a Jake brake, the crack of a whip or the simple burble of a big bore engine at idle. Maybe a short burst of the Beatles classic, ‘Get Back’.

Whatever, all have merit but it’s hard to think of any warning noise being more effective than the ancient blast of a Mack air starter. Guaranteed to fill silence and undies far and wide.

Just a light hearted thought, of course, but it’d certainly get everyone’s attention.

Are electric trucks dangerously quiet? It seems so because Volvo has developed an acoustic alert system to warn pedestrians of an electric truck’s movement

(to start on Volvo’s hydrogen fuel cell electric truck. But that’s a story for a day well down the track.

On the inside. From the driver’s seat, the electric truck dash layout has many differences compared to diesel versions. It is simply simpler

As we’ve written before though, all these evolutionary events are part of a bigger picture slowly emerging through the shifting veil of modern technology and its place in commercial and operational reality. Nothing is yet entirely clear except for the indisputable fact that Volvo is among a group of the world’s leading commercial vehicle innovators pursuing distinct paths to carbon-free trucks; battery electric, fuel cell electric and internal combustion engines that run on renewable fuels like biogas, hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO), or so-called ‘green hydrogen’ produced by energy from wind, solar or hydro systems. Most experts in the renewable energy field now predict all these technologies will play a part in ultimately achieving carbon-free road transport rather than one technology emerging as an environmental silver bullet. Whatever, battery electric is the current

spearhead and while Volvo both here and abroad doesn’t shy from its commitment to a carbon-free future, nor does it shy from the scale of the task ahead or acceptance of the fact that an electric heavy such as the FH fits a highly select clientele. In fact, determining which haulage operations are actually compatible to an electric truck – large or small – remains an ongoing exercise aided in large part by what Volvo calls its electric route simulator (ERS), designed specifically to remove much of the guesswork around driving range.

Again though, these are infant days and there’s little doubt Volvo is on its own learning curve, steadily building a picture of possibilities and potential. Like, the feasibility of a run up Cunningham’s Gap and back, for example.

Silent assassin

After demo duties the day before at Mt Cotton, the FH Electric had been on the charger at Volvo’s Wacol logistics centre most of the

night to ensure it was fully charged for the next day. Still, with the digital dash showing 100 per cent charge yet a driving range of just 202km, it’s perhaps easy to appreciate why there was a quiet fusion of excitement and apprehension in the cab as the unit silently mingled with the mid-morning motoring masses. Going on the initial dash readout, it seemed there’d be barely enough ‘juice’ to make it back.

This time, VGA’s Matt Wood was in the passenger seat and with his earlier run in the FM Electric as a guide, it seemed astute to accept the suggestion that the truck’s adaptive cruise control system set at a modest 85km/h would make most effective use of available power.

And no doubt it did, just as there’s no doubt that a couple of southbound linehaulers caught behind weren’t too impressed with the electric truck’s gentle pace.

Consequently, there was a certain sense of relief pulling into the BP at Aratula to take stock of the 70km leg since leaving Wacol

and let the big bangers punch ahead.

According to Volvo’s calculations, the FH needed around 66 per cent of battery power remaining at Aratula if it was to make the run up the Gap and a turnaround point a few kilometres further on, and subsequently make it back to Wacol. Fortunately, the outward trip had been relatively easy on energy stocks with the dash readout at Aratula showing 70 per cent still remaining and a potential driving range of 154km. Sweet!

Yet as regular runners know only too well, it’s at this point where the Cunningham’s climb starts in earnest and with auto mode allowed to make gear selections, the FH Electric handled the fluctuating grades easily, migrating between 8th and 9th gear with road speed ranging between 35 and 45km/h. It was an undeniably strong and consistent performance, putting power to the ground through a 3.09:1 rear axle ratio.

As anticipated though, the climb’s ongoing roadworks forced the truck to a stop a

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kilometre or so from the top. But just as it did the day before at Mt Cotton, the FH Electric lifted off smoothly in 4th gear before shifting to 6th, then 8th, and almost seamlessly pulling back to 6th gear for the famously cruel lip at the top of the long climb.

The hard haul had, however, extracted plenty of energy and at a turnaround point a few kilometres further on, there was no shortage of nervous energy in the cab with the dash readout showing 40 per cent battery power remaining and more worryingly, driving range of just 48km. Wacol suddenly seemed a very long way off.

Obviously, a lot was riding on gaining a battery top-up from the regenerative braking system on the downhill run. First setting the amazingly effective speed control system at 30km/h for the drop over the lip and then gradually increasing the speed level up to 40km/h, it was a genuine relief to see battery charge steadily improve and along with it, a significant increase in potential driving range. Indeed, back at Aratula, battery charge had improved to 50 per cent and critically, potential driving range to 92km.

From here, the 70km run back to Wacol

was an easy stress-free stroll and with seemingly ample power still available, it was decided to increase cruise speed to a touch over 90km/h and as traffic flows increased, use the throttle rather than the adaptive cruise control system.

After a total trip of 193km, the end result was a truck and trailer silently rolling into Volvo’s logistics centre with 20 per cent battery charge still available and vitally, 50km of driving range up its sleeve.

So, was the exercise worthwhile or more objectively, successful?

Absolutely, for no more valid reason perhaps than demonstrating that even in this most elementary period in the evolution of battery electric heavy-duty trucks, there exists the potential to tackle tasks beyond basic perceptions.

Again though, there’s a long way to go and much still to be achieved and evaluated –cost, recharging infrastructure, battery life and market acceptance, just for starters –before the technology starts to careen into commercial conscience.

Be in no doubt though, the journey has started and there will be no turning back.

Recharging at Mt Cotton. Again, it’s still very early days but potential and possibilities are perhaps greater than perceptions

Hill start on Mt Cotton highlighted the remarkable smoothness of the FH Electric compared to its FH 500 diesel equivalent

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3208T CAT MOTOR ONLY DONE 6 HOURS FROM NEW. $12,000

DETROIT14LITRE 2002,Reonditioned Blockandheadfully done.Crankshaft Checkedturbo. 06R0739059. TA1171233.

$33,000

DETROIT871T Exfiretruckmotor. Doneagenuine17,000 milesfromnew.370HP. S21. TA1157915.

gerard-elliott.tradetrucks.com.au

DETROITDDECVI EGRmotor,1fully reconditionedlong DDECVlDetroitEGR motor.Recoblockand headwithfrontandrear cover'sandsump.With warranty.S17. TA1137305. $22,000

CATERPILLARC12 Reconditioned.Block MachinedBrandnew head.2KS59579. TA1171236.

KENWORTHAGITATOR 2008,WreckorSell.S195. TA1196007.

CATERPILLARWRECKING CATAcert.S168. TA1182075. POA

HINORANGER 4cylmotor.S174. TA1182078. POA motor,autogearbox.S183.

MANWRECKING badlydamaged,Complete MANmotor.S189. TA1182085. POA

FUSOTIPPER 1992,WreckorSell.S196. TA1196008. POA

STERLINGWRECKING Detroit12.7LT,twin steer.S170. TA1182076. POA

FREIGHTLINERWRECKING Cumminsmotor. S176. POA

KENWORTHWRECKING 460Cumminsmotor. S185. TA1182082. POA

ISUZUNLR nocabin.S190. TA1182087. POA

FREIGHTLINERWRECKING CATAcert.S166. TA1182074. POA

KENWORTHWRECKING C15CAT.S172. TA1182077. POA

IVECOSTRALIS 2007,WreckorSell.S198. TA1196009. POA

IVECOWRECKING motor.S187. TA1182084. POA ISUZUNLR ..S192. TA1182089. POA

2020 Ultimate Trailers Deck Widener

Blue/Red.

2022 Bullet Drop Deck Widener

2023 Bullet Machinery Drop Deck

Series III

NEW. BULLET EBS braking systemADR approved. Engineered to carry heavy loads safely. Low deck height 990mm (19.5 in wheels), 45-ATM rated trailers, road train rated.

2023 Ultimate Tri Axel Side Tipper

2020

2014

**

170

2014

2018

2020

2019

2019 HINO 300 SERIES

2015 Isuzu F Series

2018 Isuzu F Series

2017

2011

8m

8m deck, 1m beaver tail, 9 leaf spring suspension. Hydraulic checker plate ramps 900mm x 2800mm (can be made to suit customers specs).

7.5m

2023 FWR 3 Axle Dog Trailer

2023 FWR Elite Tri Axle Tag Trailer

2023 FWR Elite Single Axle Tag Trail-

2023 FWR Elite Tandem Axle Tag

2022

2

2023

2023

2023

2023 FWR 4 Axle Dog Trailer, FD2

2022 FWR Tri Axle Drop Deck

2023

2009

2022

2023

2007

2005

2020

1999 Tieman Quad Dog Tanker

2001

2005

2001

1993 Freighter 40FT Bogie Skel

2009

2016 Howard Porter Sideloader

Tri

1887 Freighter Curtainsider A Trailer

12

2002

40FT Retractable Skel

Tri

2007 Barker 12 Pallet Dropdeck Curtainsider A Traiiler

Tri axle (BPW), airbag suspension (BPW), 10 stud hubs, chequer plate floorJost , 275/70R22.5 tyres & wheels, LED lights, toolbox, twin position king pin, jost turntable.

2005 Customquip 30FT Tri Axle Skel Road Train Lead

Tri axle (KHitch), spring suspension, spider hubs, 11R22.5 tyres & wheels, LED lights, twin position king pin, stabilising legs, road train Llead, ringfeder, 20FT container pins. Just $41,990!

Scan

2014 Vawdrey 20FT Retractable Skel

SN# 230512, tri axle (KHitch), airbag suspension, 10 stud alloy hubs, 11R22.5 tyres & wheels, LED lights, twin position king pin, landing legs, raise/ lower valve, 20FT container pins.

Scan

1981 Krueger 20FT Skel

SN# 230423, bogie axle, spring suspension, spider hubs, 11R22.5 tyres & wheels, LED lights, bolt in king pin, landing legs, 20FT container pins.

1978 Freighter 20FT Skel

SN# 230425, bogie axle, spring suspension, spider hubs, 295/80R22.5 tyres & wheels, LED lights, bolt In king pin, Holland landing legs, 20FT container pins.

1979 Krueger 20FT Skel

SN# 230424, bogie axle, spring suspension, spider hubs. 11R22.5 and 295/80R22.5 tyres & wheels, LED lights, welded king pin, Maxus landing legs, spare tyre carrier. Just $9,900!

Scan code to view, or call 03 9116 6693

1999 Freighter 22 Pallet Curtainsider

Tri axle (Hendrickson), airbag suspension (Hendrickson), spider hubs, J loader steel floor, 295/80R22.5 tyres & wheels, LED lights, toolbox x2, bolt in king pin.

Scan code to view, or call 03 9116 6693

2016 AAA Dropdeck with Ramps and Manual Outriggers

Tri axle (Fuwa), spring susp, 10 stud hubs, chequer plate floor, 235/75R17.5 tyres & wheels, LED lights, twin position king pin, jost landing legs, chain lashing points, hyd ramps. Just $69,990!

or call 03 9116 6693

2009 Iveco ACCO 8,000L Water Truck

Approx.

2023

BRAND

BRAND

2023 Hino 500 Series - FM 2635

2017

300 Series -

2016

2014

300 Series -

2012

FSR850

2022

2023 FreightTrans Tag Trailer

2022 FreightTrans Semi

2023 FreightTrans Semi

New FreightTrans heavy duty dropdeck triaxle extendable with electric over hydraulic bifold ramps, 13.73m closed and maximum 19.6m extended or 45 foot to 64 foot.

2023 FreightTrans Semi Quad Axe Loader Float

New FreightTrans Quad axle low loader trailer with 2.5 to 3.5, deck widener, Diesel power pack to operate deck and ramps, 11.4m long deck, heavy duty Bifold ramps. Just

2022 Flat Top Semi

2020

2022

2018

2008

Single

Scan

2013 Gippsland Aluminium

Toadtrain B Double Set

Sliding

Just

Scan code

Cummins crate engine fitted by Cummins 170km ago, receipts available, 132t rated AG460 Haire on air 8 bag upgrade, rear cross locks, side tipper hydraulics.

Scan

1987

Big Cam Cummins 400hp Fresh Inchassis rebuild, heads, new Injectors, PTO, Everything works, LED Spotlights and is very tidy truck inside and out for its age.

Just $60,500!

Scan code to view, or call 07 3707 6350

1986 Homemade Dog Trailer

2013 Kenworth T909

Tipper

620hp

12

420hp,

2023 BTE Alloy Grain Chassis Tipper

2ft6”

2003 Kenworth T950

2004 Volvo FM12

2006 Scania R420

Plant & Equipment

The new HiLight B6+ light tower is now available. Image: Atlas Copco

Specialist Machinery

Family-owned ESP Machinery Australia specialises in new and used heavy-duty machining equipment, operating worldwide from its base in Melbourne

The origins of ESP Machinery Australia begin back in the 1960s, when 21-year-old Graeme Davies completed his apprenticeship in tting, machining and toolmaking and ventured out on his own.

Setting up his business Everlast Steel Products Pty Ltd he started o working on old factory machinery in the Melbourne suburb of Sunshine.

Davies o en said that many of the big companies must have felt sorry for him, because the work rolled in, and it wasn’t long before he needed to invest in a larger premises and better machinery. The 60’s and 70’s were a golden time for manufacturing in Australia.

Expansion of the business required the buying of second-hand machines and selling o the old equipment, giving Davies a good insight into the used machinery business.

He then developed this aspect of his work to the point where it became a major entity in its own right and he spun it o into a new business, using the initials of Everlast Steel Products to create ESP Machinery Australia.

ESP Machinery Australia now positions itself as being Australia’s

largest used machinery dealer, with a 5,000 square metre facility on 12,000 square metre site with four street frontages in Braybrook, Melbourne.

ESP Machinery Australia continued to develop and has also branched out into specialised new machinery, particularly the Megabore brand of big bore and heavy-duty lathes, for which ESP is the sole worldwide distributer.

ESP retains specialised tting, rigging and electrical/FANUC (Fuji Automatic Numerical Control) specialists who make sure all used machines are in good working condition before being delivered to clients.

Specialising in heavier machinery, ESP’s o ering includes: Megabore manual and CNC heavy duty lathes; Proma, heavy duty CNC roll and cranksha grinders; Radar CNC boring mills; and vertical, horizontal and combination machining centres.

The facility has eight OH travelling cranes and can pick up 70 tonnes in a single li .

For more information on ESP Machinery Australia, visit: machineryesp.com

Bright idea

Light up your job site with Atlas Copco’s new HiLight B6+ light tower

Atlas Copco has announced the release of its Hi Light B6+ LED light tower, designed to be ultra-quiet.

Atlas Copco says that the lamp’s durability is notable, with the light tower equipped with high-performance LED lights that o er up to 50,000 hours of service life.

The HiLight B6+ is designed to be easily transportable on a trailer or moved around the job site due to its compact size, lightweight design and two-way integrated fork pockets.

It also has specially designed optics o ering wide light distribution –illuminating an area of up to 6,000 square metres at 20Luxes, making it suitable for lighting large job sites.

Downtime is minimal, with the HiLight B6+ only requiring a simple tool-less service every 600 hours, lasting 40 minutes at a time.

With operating noise levels as low as 55 dBA, Atlas Copco says the lighting tower is ideally suited for providing illumination at events or temporary public lighting, as well as enhanced visibility at construction sites located near residential areas. An inbuilt photocell feature will automatically activate the lamps, or the timer can be preset via a control panel.

For more information on the Atlas Copco range of lighting equipment, visit: atlascea.com.au

KALMAR(NEW)DRU450 SOLD-Another available.Reachstackerfromglobalindustry leadingporthandlingequipment manufacturer.S89. TA1081384.

ForSaleorHirePOAHiretoBuy

HYSTERH18.00XM-12 2008,stacks12,000kg highcube20'&40'4high.ELME55820x40 spreaderwithtopentrytwistlocks.Frontline unitready for immediatedelivery.R3547. TA829125.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

HYSTERH20.00F 2009,Smallestinthisfamily ofmostrobust20tonto32tonforklifts.Can landtransportfullyassembledready for work Cumminsengine,sideshiftandfork positioning2440mmforks.E008E02372G. TA1153814.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

CLARKC500Y650D 1983,stacks28,000kg20' highcubes3high.Hassideshift&fork positioningplus8'forks.Cummins6CTdiesel, ClarkHurth28000powershiftxmsn.Easy staircaseaccesstohighviscab. 084AUFL4890. TA1153864.

GoodRunnerataffordableprice$55,000 FreeCall1800688788

KALMARDRT450-65S 2013,Stacksladen 20x40containers5high.CumminsQSM11 dieselengine.Dana15.5HR36000 transmission.Fullyenclosedairconditioned cab.H10300280. TA1153805.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

HYSTERH18.00XM-12 2008,18,000kg highcube20'containers3highwith2440forks +forkpositioningsideshift.Option14,000kg withELME558Sidelift for 20'and40' highcube.R3282. TA511086.

ForSaleorHirePOA$FreeCall1800688788

HYSTERH16.00XM-6 2010,canstack20' highcubecontainers2highcirca11,000kgat 1200mm.Cumminsdieselengine.2440mm forks,sideshiftandforkpositioningcarrige A/Ccab.S100. TA1153811.

MOBICON33T loadunloadandtravel 33,000kg20'and40'shippingcontainers.For sale&wanted.R3299. TA148664.

ForSaleorHirePh:1800688788POA

KALMARDRF450-60S5M 2012,Stacksladen 20x40containers5high.CumminsQSM11 dieselengine.Dana15.7TE32xmsn.Axletech driveaxlewithwetdiscbrakes.ACcab.S99. TA1153810.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

HYSTERH18.00XM-12 withforkpositioning sideshiftcarriage,2440mmforks,Cummins engine,fullyenclosedairconditionedcabOption20x40sideliftcont.frame.R3632. TA1124211. POA

CATERPILLARDP160N 2009,hassideshift withforkpositioningand2440mmlongforks. Fullyenclosedairconditionedcab,powershift transmission.Easymastontransportready for workwith4500mmliftheightabletostack20' highcubecontainers2high.T40A10068. TA1153855.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

KONECRANESSMVSL32-1200B 2011,rated 32,000kgat1200mmloadcentre,canstack highcube20'containers2high.Road transportwithoutdemobe.R3376. TA1038152.

POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

$30,000+GST=$33,000

RentalSpecmachinesandcomewithsinglephase andthreephaseoutletsandall are locatedinBrisbane..G2001&G2003. TA1201342

$12,500+GST=$13,750

intestuntil2027.These are RoughTerrainmachinesrunningonelectricpowerwithan additionaldieselgeneratortoprovidepowerwhenthebatterychargeleveldrops. Machineshavea680kgSWLanda1.5metrerolloutextensiondeck.They are located inBrisbaneandSydney.S26357BEN-S26366BEN. TA1204796

$25,000+GST=$27,500

are locatedinBrisbane,SydneyandTownsville.Variousfrom KB6070G7-KB6083G7.KB6070G7-KB6083G7.

$45,000+GST=$49,500

2014, 19'ElectricScissorlifts,severalmachinesoffered.227kgliftcapacityallingood condition.LocatedinBrisbaneandintestuntilJune2024..Various. TA1019568

$6,500+GST=$7,150

SKYJACKSJ12 2012, 12'ElectricManlifts,plentytochoosefrom.227kgliftcapacity,allingoodcondition. LocatedinMelbourne,Sydney,Brisbane&NorthQueensland.Allmachines are nowout oftest.Variousfrom.M1217-M12106. TA1085279

SKYJACKSJ46AJ 46'4WDDieselKnuckleBoom.1unitremainingwitha227kglift capacityandingoodcondition.LocatedinTownsville.Thismachineisnowoutoftest. UnitofferedisinBrisbane.KBD4639. TA1160082

DENYODCA-25ESK Silenced20kVaDenyoGenerators,2016models,2availablein exceptionalconditionwithlowhours.Thesehaveinternalfueltanksand are skid mountedwithforkpocketsandtopliftinglugs.All are equippedwithfuel-efficient Komatsudieselengines.These are

GENIEGS2669BE GeniehybridDiesel/ElectricScissorlifts,10machinesavailableandall

JLG600AJ'S 2012, 60'JLG4WDDieselKnuckleBooms.7machinesofferedandallmachines are nowout oftest.Machines

TA1160083

SKYJACKSJ3219

19-29 Curlew Cresc

Tamworth NSW 2340

www.philhuntparts.com.au brendan@philhuntparts.com.au

PARTS

FIATALLISM100C Justinfordismantling,Allis10,000 seriesengine,wetengineclutch,transmissioningood

RING ALL HOURS

NEW AND S/H PARTS

ALLIS-CHALMERS/HANOMAG/MASSEY

JOHN DEERE INDUSTRIAL

PARTS FOR Dozers, Loaders, Drotts, Graders, Scrapers

WRECKING DOZERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: Model “M”, HD5, HD6B,E, HD7W, HD7G, HDIIB, EP, HD15-16, HD16DC, HD16DP, HD19-21, HD41B FIAT: 451C, 555, 605, 50CI, 70CI, AT7C, 8B, BD10B, FD10E, BD20

HANOMAG/MASSEY: 2244, 200, 300, 3366, 400, 500, L400C, L600C, D600D Super, D700C

JOHN DEERE : 1010C, 850

LOADERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: TL12D, TL14, TL20, 545, 605B, 645, 745B,C FIAT: FR20B

LD3, LD5, LD7 & LD9 Scoopmobile HANOMAG/MASSEY 22,33C,44, 55, CL55C,66C-D, 77 GRADERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: D, DD, M65, 65B, AD30-40, 45, 145, M100A, B, FG95

DRMCO/CHAMPION 562, 600, 720, 740

JOHN DEERE 570, 570A, 670A, 770, 770A, 772A

ALLIS WHEEL TRACTORS

AC D17, D19, D21, XT190, 7000, 7010, 7020, 7040, 7060, 7080, 8010, 8050, 8070, 7580, 8550, 440

ALSO AVAILABLE

Track Chains, Rollers, Idlers, Sprockets Various 4-1 Buckets, POA

Allis Chalmers • Fiat Allis • Hanomag • Massey •

JD Industrial