Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 316 i Owner Driver

“IF IT WASN’T FOR THE ‘truckie’ and ‘bikie’ community, Rise Above wouldn’t be here.” Those are the words of Melissa Gardner, the CEO of Rise Above, a charitable organisation that looks after and supports nearly 500 families through the turmoil of dealing with cancer. It’s Melissa’s job to raise the money to assist those families. Her admiration for the transport industry stemming from massive support from the truckies and bikies that has led to the growth of the Rise Above Cancer Convoy. The Convoy has been going in one form or another for a couple of decades. Rise Above took over the running of the convoy in 2013 and Melissa and her team have grown it from 230 bikes and trucks to nearly 500 trucks and 300 motorbikes. It’s a…

HUNDREDS OF TRUCKS and motorbikes hit the road in southern Victoria on Sunday, April 7, to raise money for children’s charity Camp Quality. The vehicles drove in convoy through the streets of Geelong, culminating in a Show & Shine event at Avalon Airport. Principal partner Viva Energy was joined by aftermarket truck and trailer parts supplier Truckline in sponsoring the event, helping Camp Quality to bring laughter and optimism to children growing up with cancer, while giving their families a morale boost. For Truckline’s territory business manager (Vic/Tas) Casey Stewart, this event holds special meaning for her and her family, after sadly losing her niece to childhood cancer at just five years of age. “It’s been a wonderful day with drivers, riders and members of the public coming together to…

THERE ARE MANY WAYS to kill a Saturday afternoon in Tamworth. Being the home of country music in Australia, you’ve got the big Golden Guitar Centre as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame. If you want to get more involved there are countless bars and honky tonks where you can get your boot scootin’ boogie on. Due to the fact I look like a kid walking through spider webs when I dance, I decided to kill my Saturday afternoon doing something much more interesting. I set about tracking down a man whose ‘midlife crisis’ (that’s his wife’s words, not mine) is one of the sharpest looking Kenworth SARs you are likely to find. Denny and Sara Bowen are the husband and wife team behind Bowen Contracting, who were…

Don Henry and his son Thomas Henry rolled up at Penrith with two distinctly different rigs. Don brought along his striking yellow 2016 DAF XF tipper, while Thomas brought along his refurbished 1994 Kenworth T600. In fact, Thomas is a bit of a dab hand at doing up trucks, operating his own business, Choice Mobile Truck Detailing. “It’s aluminium polishing and truck washing, sanding and all that sort of stuff,” he says. Thomas bought the T600 from the Coffs Harbour region. An ex-Fred’s Freighters Kenworth, it’s by powered by a “redhead” Cummins.“I’ve always liked Kenworths and the T600 came up for a good price,” he says. “And it’s good mechanically so I bought it, and I’ve done a lot of work to get it to where it is.” Thomas plans…

TWO YEARS AGO, CUMMINS Inc. paid a big heap of money – around US$600 million (A$851 million) – to consolidate a joint venture with transmission and drivetrain specialist Eaton Corporation. The result was an entirely new division called Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies. In many minds, including this one, it was one of the smartest moves by Cummins in decades. Nor was it naïve for Eaton to strengthen ties with its fellow American to shore up defences against the rampant rise of European interests. ‘Fortress America’ fighting back, so to speak! Sure, Eaton and Cummins have worked closely for decades, but never this close and never with the complete intention of creating advanced powertrain packages developed as a single integrated unit. Overdue? Probably! Necessary? Absolutely! European truck makers are, of…

For tipper trucks, trailers and hydraulic trucks, and quality repairs, service and parts look no further than Shephard Transport Equipment (STE). STE has resources and capabilities to manufacture and repair trucks or trailers to the customer’s exact specifications. STE’s experienced staff makes sure the customer gets quality standard or custom builds made to their complete satisfaction. Its Brisbane facility offers quality aluminium and steel manufacturing, and design services for a variety of trucks and trailers including, dog, semi, side tipping, B-double, road train, dolly, flat deck dog, machinery, scissor lift and tag trailers. For trucks, STE can help with two-way tipping, water, hook lift and skip bin trucks. STE offers a wide range of services including painting, hydraulic fit-ups (with controls, guards and turntables), IROS and vibrator distributors and Okuslide…

HINO AUSTRALIA HAS CONFIRMED that its all-new smart Multimedia system, which includes a standard reversing camera, is being rolled out across its entire range of light, medium and heavy duty trucks. The innovative system introduces what Hino says is an unprecedented level of vehicle connectivity and entertainment functionality, together with the safety-enhancing reversing camera and can also include vehicle operational information and driver information. An integrated truck specific GPS navigation can be optionally enabled and delivers truck routing information based on the vehicle’s configuration, lane use restrictions and real-time traffic information. Another feature is a curated Hino application store, which allows the creation of customised apps for the driver and/or fleet, depending on individual or company needs. “For Hino, the smart Multimedia system is a platform for customers to remain…

FOLLOWING ITS US LAUNCH at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis in March, Australian automotive electric technology company SEA Electric followed that up with its exhibit at California’s ‘Advanced Clean Transportation’ (ACT) expo on April 24 and 25. The company used the ACT expo to display its 100 per cent electric-powered Ford F-59 ‘Stripped Chassis’ along with a fully electric Isuzu NRR. The display Ford F-59 stripped chassis is powered by the SEA-Drive 120b power-system that produces 150kW of continuous power and 250kW of maximum power. However, SEA Electric says, more importantly for a commercial vehicle, it has continuous torque of 1,230Nm and a maximum torque figure of 2,500Nm. The second of the display trucks, an Isuzu NRR, also features the SEA-Drive 120b power-system. SEA Electric says both vehicles have…

A growing customer base Australia-wide are choosing TRP Parts for its reliable range of quality, warranty-backed parts for all makes of trucks and trailers. Proudly under the PACCAR umbrella, it continues its nationwide roll-out of stores, becoming one of the fastest growing parts outlets in the country. TRP now operates four stores across Australia, all offering a quality, affordable alternative to OEM parts. TRP Parts are also available from the Kenworth and DAF dealership network, supported by the PACCAR Parts Distribution Centres in Melbourne and Brisbane. What began as a single outlet in South Australia has now grown to include four dedicated TRP stores nationally and 53 PACCAR Parts stores all stocking the brand. The Australian TRP stores join an international network of 170 TRP stores worldwide. Leveraging from the…

THE AUSTRALIAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION (ATA) honoured industry’s achievers at its annual awards ceremony during the Trucking Australia conference, this year held in Perth on April 5. The awards celebrated “those who go the extra mile and inspire others”. Formula Chemicals director Leigh Smart headed up the list of award recipients, crowned the Outstanding Contributor to the Trucking Industry for his diligence and safety in the transport of dangerous goods, leading the company he founded in 1973. From being its only employee, Smart expanded Formula Chemicals to employ 40 staff across four factors. He is a mentor in the WorkCover ‘Safe Business is Good Business’ program and was an accredited WorkCover consultant for 15 years. The ATA says Smart is a generous contributor to the trucking industry, involved in the association’s…

Lelox is a privately-owned Australian company that specialises in the manufacture of premium quality stainless steel and aluminium truck mudguards as well as a large range of high-quality mounting hardware and accessories. Lelox also offers a unique custom-made mudguard service. Lelox has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the early 1970s, producing a small range of mudguards and mounting accessories to now producing over 33 models of mudguards and large and varied range of mounting hardware and accessories. “LELOX IS THE PREFERRED SUPPLIER TO LEADING OEMS AND TRAILER BUILDERS.” In 1996, the company was purchased by Casey Nas and Frank Razza, who are still the current owners. Casey headed the business for close to two decades, during which period the company underwent numerous changes on how it…

A $6.25 MILLION TRUCK MUSEUM planned for Shepparton, Victoria, will recognise the history of trucking pioneers from the Goulburn Valley. A planning permit has been issued for the museum, which would be an extension to Shepparton’s Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) at the Emerald Park tourism precinct, about 6km south of Shepparton’s CBD. MOVE, which was previously known as the Shepparton Motor Museum, already boasts an extensive collection of cars, bicycles, motorbikes and tractors. The museum also houses the popular Furphy Museum Collection, which celebrates a local foundry famous for its iconic water carts. The proposal includes a 3,000 square metre building to display exhibits celebrating Goulburn Valley’s trucking heritage. There would also be interactive displays, including stories from pioneering truckies. Plans include a massive 7,000 square metre outdoor, undercover…

OVER 35,000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED To converge on the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), for the 2019 Brisbane Truck Show from Thursday, May 16 to Sunday, May 19. The jam-packed four-day event features all the big names, showcasing a comprehensive range of the latest trucks, trailers, components, equipment, accessories and technology spread over three levels. Todd Hacking, chief executive of Brisbane Truck Show organisers Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), says the 2019 show is part of a full week of celebrations showcasing Australia’s heavy vehicle industry. “The show has come a long way from its humble beginnings when 21 truck, trailer and component manufacturers and suppliers came together at Haulmark Trailers’ premises in Rocklea in 1968,” Hacking says. “The Brisbane Truck Show is by far and away the biggest…

Boral Transport had a good representation at Penrith, not only with the number of trucks on show, but also the drivers and their families. With a barbecue set up between their line-up of various makes and models, the day turned out to be a social event for the Boral team. Owner//Driver caught up with Peter Goonan, one of Boral’s long-standing employees. Peter has been with Boral for around 30 years, driving single trailers, doubles and working rotating shifts. However, for the past 12 years or more his role has switched to driver training, although he says he still takes a B-double out for a run occasionally. Peter is pleased with Boral’s recruits coming through, although enticing new blood to the industry remains a problem. “Yeah, it’s very tough. We’ve had…

VOLVO’S DUAL CLUTCH SYSTEM is clever technology. No question. Launched in Sweden in 2014, which suggests any bugs have been well and truly ironed out by now, it remains a world first for heavy-duty trucks. As Volvo declares, “Transmissions with dual clutches are used in cars, but Volvo Trucks is the first and only manufacturer in the world to offer a similar solution for series-produced heavy vehicles.” Built on the remarkably, and deservedly, successful I-shift 12-speed transmission, the dual-clutch assembly makes Volvo’s supremely smooth and responsive automated shifter even smoother and more responsive. Some of the time! But how much smoother and how much more responsive? A little or a lot, the answer depends largely on where the truck is and what it’s doing. Like, there were numerous occasions on…

PENSKE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES will debut the new, limited edition MAN TGX D38 PerformanceLine at stand 50 during the 2019 Brisbane Truck Show in May. Available in 580 and 640hp 6x4 configurations with either the XLX or XXL cab, the PerformanceLine includes the high power output, outstanding ride, driver comfort, and low whole-of-life-costs that MAN says its customers have come to expect. In addition to the standard features that the D38 boasts, the PerformanceLine features an energy-efficient, advanced light and visibility package, twin pairing of mobile devices, leather Alcantara seats with blue seat belts and seams, and steel blue metallic interior highlights on the dashboard and door trim with distinct PerformanceLine badging. “We are thrilled to be bringing the limited edition PerformanceLine to the Australian market and we are sure that…

MERCEDES-BENZ WILL PRESENT what it says is a revolutionary new truck with cameras instead of mirrors at the Brisbane Truck Show. Instead of using traditional mirrors, the new Mercedes-Benz truck uses the MirrorCam system, which features aerodynamic cameras connected to two large screens in the cabin that dramatically boost driver vision. Mercedes-Benz says its new generation truck, which will soon hit the road in Europe, also features a new multimedia interface system with two high-resolution tablet-style screens that can be customised for driver preference, much like displays in high-end Mercedes-Benz road cars. The new truck is reported to feature a raft of new features including GPSassisted Predictive Powertrain Control for increased efficiency, enhanced connectivity and the latest generation of advanced safety technology. Mercedes-Benz says the MirrorCam system can help deliver…

NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE Regulator (NHVR) corporate affairs executive director Joe Fitzgerald says a video series by Whiteline Television will identify the most common safety issues truck drivers encounter while on the road. “When a light vehicle driver makes a mistake around a heavy vehicle, the consequences can be extremely serious, even fatal,” Fitzgerald says. “I’m concerned that there is no formal requirement to teach new drivers about sharing the road with heavy vehicles. Nor is it a focus for most driver education programs.” Whiteline Television produced the videos, which are co-hosted by radio presenter Nicole Rutledge and heavy vehicle safety advocate and Owner// Driver columnist Rod Hannifey. They were funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative and supported by the Commonwealth Government. “The videos use a combination of on-road…

BAXTER TRANSPORT’S 36.49m AB-triple was front and centre at a performance-based standards (PBS) demonstration day recently, but while the productivity of industry’s vehicles may be increasing, access to the road network isn’t always keeping pace with the innovation. That was the message coming out of the event hosted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) at Temora, NSW. One of the biggest items on display was the aforementioned combination, created in conjunction with Baxter-owned trailer company Lyonhaul. In a video demonstrating its capabilities, the NHVR notes “an individually designed combination” like Baxter’s is “capable of a whole lot more payload [and] safer … than some of the other vehicles than can access depots like this in the Riverina”. “We’re keen to showcase this to councils … and transport operators and…

NOW A BIT OF HONESTY here guys as I can’t be the only one guilty of this. But when you see a truck with liquid waste disposal signage on it, your mind immediately goes to the movie Kenny. Right? “Just because we cart poo doesn’t mean it needs to look like poo.” Mine does and even as I started to write this article I wanted to begin with one of the many classic movie quotes like my favourite, “There’s a smell in here that will outlast religion” or Kenny’s classy warning, “Just watch it in there, mate. That machine, once you press that flusher, that thing will probably suck your guts out through your bum.” More fittingly for this story, however, is: “It takes a certain kind of person to…

THE INAUGURAL TRANZMILE Truck of the Year contest was a huge success. The competition marked the culmination of the first year of Owner//Driver’s highly-popular Truck of the Month feature. We asked our readers to vote for their favourite truck among the 12 finalists vying for the top gong. And thanks to Tranzmile, one lucky voter – Bruce Flint from Kallangur, Queensland – won himself over $5,000 in prizes, simply by entering the competition and selecting his favourite truck among the contenders. Tranzmile managing director Cameron Black handed out the prizes to Flint at a special presentation event at Tranzmile’s Wacol headquarters, Brisbane in March. Just in case you were curious as to what he won, here’s the long prize list: a Western Star esky, Western Star collectors model – 4800DC…

FRIENDS OF JOHN ‘THE FERRET’ Moran OAM have rallied around the former truck driver, transport magazine gossip columnist and Convoy for Kids co-founder to raise enough funds through a Go Fund Me website page to cover the cost of a mobility scooter. In recent years The Ferret, who turns 87 in June, has suffered from asbestosis and muscle deterioration in his heart. Asbestosis more often than not leads to the cancer mesothelioma. He admits that walking more than 25 metres has become almost impossible. “Gloria Bell, a friend of mine, she’s bloody talked me into it,” says John, referring to the Go Fund Me website page. “I said, ‘No, I’m not going to do that, I don’t expect my mates to buy me anything’. “Anyway, I relented in the end…

PENSKE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES will be hosting the 2019 Western Star Trucks Show n Shine in the grounds of the Museum of Fire in Penrith, NSW, on Sunday, November 3. The Museum of Fire is well known in truck show circles; it’s also the venue for the annual Penrith Working Truck Show as well as the annual Sydney Classic and Antique Truck Show. This will be the first Western Star Show n Shine event to be held in NSW. Penske says it will be a chance for Western Star owners to polish and display their much-loved trucks. Last year’s event held in Toowoomba saw North Queensland Truck and Machinery Movement’s ‘Phatcat’ 4800 take the truck of the show award, with KS Easter’s 200th truck taking home the title in 2017 at…

“Just because they don’t drive a truck doesn’t mean they don’t work for a trucking company.” THE ODDS WERE SLIGHTLY against this year’s 32nd Penrith Working Truck Show reaching the heights of previous events held at the Museum of Fire, especially when measured against the high mark of 2012’s 25th anniversary running of the show. Rain appeared to be the main concern, with 30mm falling on the Friday night, barely two days before show time on the morning of Sunday, March 31. Organisers acted quickly, ushering some of the 60 tonne park floats ahead of schedule on Friday, and holding back others until the grounds began to dry on Saturday. “It was by the skin of our teeth with the weather that hit on Friday night,” says Museum of Fire…

RUCKIES ARE THE BACKBONE of our great sunburnt T land. They’re honest, hardworking, extremely hospitable people, and importantly, they tell it like it is. My assumptions were confirmed when I ventured out to Goondiwindi, west of Brisbane, to meet Andrew Woods, director of Woods Transport (an important cog in the Woods Group agribusiness juggernaut). And funnily enough, all of those qualities above are mirrored through his fleet of Kenworth trucks, which happen to be the backbone of his business. Above and beyond Woods Group has been a ‘Kenny’ kind of business for decades. Andrew struggles to remember the days without a Kenworth truck in Woods livery, and that’s fair enough considering they purchased their first way back in 1972. “My father, Tom Woods, bought our first Kenworth SAR out of…

WHEN IT’S ATLAS, IT’S BALANCED Well-balanced tyres can make a huge difference in not only the drive but also the wear of the tyres, along with profit margins. That’s where Atlas Balance comes in. The Atlas Balance system is designed to self-adjust tyre and wheel imbalance to make the drive smooth and easy. Its wheel balancing rings eliminate uneven tyre wear, which extends the life of the tyres. Atlas Balance also delivers better traction and improved braking performance irrespective of the road conditions. Atlas Balance mounts directly behind the wheel assembly, which reduces the likelihood of damage. Its balance rings outlast most trucks so customers can avoid incurring additional balancing costs and reuse the products again. Atlas Balance Company will be at the Brisbane Truck Show on the Air…

The multi-disciplinary tyre sale, repair and management company has a long-established customer base in Brisbane. Expanding its presence in Queensland, the company recently opened a new depot in Rocklea, following the opening of its Townsville depot in October last year. The business prides itself in offering the best quality products at the best value to customers. You can bank upon the Tyre Evolution team to give you the most honest and independent advice. Tyre Evolution stocks a variety of products and access to any tyre you may ever need – all of which are rigorously evaluated by their team for safety, performance, longevity and price. The business understands that price matters to a buyer and that’s why the team at Tyre Evolution puts a huge amount of focus on finding…

FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION of the T610 and T610SAR in early 2017, with various cab configurations, Kenworth has now released the 1,400mm aero sleeper, completing the T610 range. Since 2017, Kenworth has progressively released the T610 day cab, 860mm aero, 760mm mid-roof, and most recently the 600mm aero sleeper. According to Kenworth, the new T610 1,400mm sleeper cab option is suitable for a variety of applications from single trailers to road trains and has been designed and engineered here for our unique regulations and conditions. Kenworth says it offers enhanced driver comfort, space and flexibility in fit-out, while it claims the most spacious sleeper in the Kenworth range comes with even more interior space and in-cab standing room. As standard, the 1,400mm sleeper comes with a 790mm inner spring mattress, and…