Gold Coast-based Burke’s Haulage is the first company to
put Kenworth’s latest model, the T350, on the road.
The company is a carrier and agent for most of the brick
companies in south-east Queensland. Burke’s cart bricks,
pavers, masonry blocks, roof tiles and other building materials on
short hauls to building sites, from Tweed Heads in the south to
Bundaberg in the north.
Burke’s purchased the first T350 to roll off the
production line. It is currently handling frequent short hauls on
the Sunshine Coast. While it is still early days, Managing Director
Malcolm Wood says he is more than impressed with the performance of
the new model, so much so he has purchased a second T350, with more
to come in the near future.
The T350 is specifically designed for short-haul and urban
operations, with a carrying capacity of 46 tonnes. The tight
turning circle and short bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement makes it
a versatile performer with great manoeuvrability and
visibility.
Burke’s T350 is powered by a Cummins ISM 400 hp engine
producing 1450 ft/lb of torque, a 10-speed over-drive Fuller
transmission, Eaton DSH40 rear axles, and Kenworth’s AirGlide
200, eight-bag air suspension. It is configured with a specially
constructed tri-axle trailer and, like other Burke’s trucks,
an under rear-mounted, self-loading Moffett Mounty forklift. This
enables drivers to unload without any down-time.
“The T350 is an excellent vehicle,” Malcolm said.
“I purchased it for a number of reasons - the light tare
weight, the short wheel-base, the fuel efficiency and to comply
with new, strict pollution laws - and I’m pleased to say the
truck lives up to all of its promises.
“We haven’t done an exact mileage on it yet, but we
know we’re saving a considerable sum on fuel - it’s the
most economical model we run. And it’s also more productive -
we’re picking up an extra two tonne or more of payload than
expected,” he added.
Workshop Manager Graham Qualischefski elected to pick up the
T350 from Kenworth’s manufacturing plant in Melbourne and
evaluate it first-hand on the journey up to the Gold Coast.
“It was a terrific drive,” he said. “The T350
is so smooth. It gives us terrific fuel consumption; a comfortable
ride with Kenworth’s air-bag suspension and it’s also
very quiet.
“This is an extremely drivable vehicle - it handles like a
car, with great manoeuvrability, visibility and economy. Best of
all, it has a tiny turning circle, which gives us the versatility
to handle a decent stretch of road as well as city traffic and
tight building sites,” Graham explained.
Burke’s Haulage runs a 100% Kenworth fleet of 34 trucks
which includes several older models, such as the K100E, K125 and W
Model, as well as newer models including the T400 and now the
T350.
Graham says Burke’s range of new and old trucks, many of
which have well over two million kilometres on the clock, is
testament to Kenworth’s quality, durability and
longevity.
“Our old Kenworths still perform well. We have upgraded
the engines and transmissions over the years but the trucks keep on
going. We’re very happy with their performance. And, when
it’s time to sell, we know from experience the Kenworths hold
their value,” he said.
Another benefit of operating Kenworths, according to
Burke’s, is their aluminum and fiberglass cabs which
eliminate most rust problems.
“Our oldest vehicle is a 1971 Kenworth cab-over - how many
of the opposition’s vehicles would be around after 30 years
if they had operated on the coast all of their lives?” Graham
asked.
For Malcolm, running a trucking business means ensuring the
highest level of up-time for his fleet.
“An often overlooked advantage of Kenworth is the dealer
network. It’s second to none. We have had great service from
the Brown & Hurley group for years. And, with parts and service
outlets right along the coast, it doesn’t matter when or
where we need them, they’re there for us,” Malcolm
said.
Kenworth’s T350 is available in single or tandem drive. It
comes with a choice of fuel-efficient Cummins ISM engines from the
330 hp with 1350 lb/ft of torque to the 400 hp with 1450 lb/ft of
torque; Dana or Meritor rear axles; Eaton Fuller clutch; and a
range of Fuller transmissions, from 10 to 18 speed, including the
18-speed Autoshift.
The T350 includes many standard features, such as an
air-suspended driver’s seat, air-conditioning and
Kenworth’s acclaimed AirGlide 200 alloy pedestal suspension
for greater comfort and ride. Also standard are Daylite doors and
main spotter mirrors for improved visibility.
Kenworth trucks are designed and manufactured in Australia to
meet the world’s toughest applications. Kenworth, a division
of PACCAR Australia, is market leader in heavy duty trucks in
Australia. Its trucks are also exported to Papua New Guinea and New
Zealand. PACCAR Inc, a Six Sigma company, is a worldwide
manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks under the Kenworth,
Peterbilt, DAF, Leyland and Foden nameplates. It also provides
financial services and distributes truck parts related to its
principal business.
For further information contact:
Neil Willox
Marketing Services Manager
PACCAR Australia
Phone: (03) 9721 1500
Email: neil.willox@paccar.com