All this talk about car makers leaving Australia - what about trucks??

[MrZ]

With all the recent talk about Holden/Toyota/Ford, why is nobody talking about Australia's biggest truck maker, Kenworth? How long can they survive here? One model they sell dates back to 1971 and has been largely unchanged since then. I don't really see much of a future for them, with the move to more efficient and aerodynamic truck designs. Thoughts?

[GASWAGON]

Kenworth/Paccar are just down the road from me.....Apparently they already trimmed some fat last year.

There are some great new models..... And the big square K200 is still very popular.

Mind you i personally would'nt want to be the transport industry at the moment the payrates are all screwed down pretty hard.

[GASWAGON]

I know of a 22 yr mechanic that i was working with at HSV with a while ago..... He's got his HR license already.....he's going to borrow $120k and buy an older truck and trailer and go all the way to QLD for work... Has got rellies up ther to stay with i think.

He reckons thers alot of driving work up ther.....I told him to be bloody careful with the way things are at the moment not to mention the running costs of a truck.

[Wretched]

Kenworth will be laying off more staff.

[BroadyFord]

Kenworth recently laid off 50 workers (some of which were white collar too).

They still have around 800 staff in Bayswater.

Don't forget that they export too.

[BroadyFord]

Doesn't look like they're going anywhere soon:

From this year:

KENWORTH’S 50,000TH AUSTRALIAN-MADE TRUCK ROLLS OFF PRODUCTION LINE

http://www.paccar.com.au/latest-news...42f954fc9648a/

Australia’s number one heavy-duty truck supplier, Kenworth, has delivered its 50,000th Australian-designed and manufactured truck at its Bayswater plant in Melbourne.

Mike Dozier, Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, handed the keys of a K200 prime mover to long-standing Kenworth customer Peter Rodney, Managing Director of Rodney’s Transport Service, the largest privately-owned trucking company in the Riverina.

Mr Dozier said Kenworth’s achievement in manufacturing 50,000 trucks was a major milestone, not only for the company but for Australian manufacturing. Kenworth has designed and manufactured uniquely Australian trucks since 1971, and it has been the number one heavy-duty truck supplier since 2001. Kenworth trucks are the mainstay of Australian transport businesses of all sizes, from large fleets to single owner-operators. Its trucks are also exported to New Zealand, Japan, Thailand and Papua New Guinea.

“The heavy-duty truck market in Australia is one of the most competitive in the world,” Mr Dozier stated. “In an industry with no tariff protection, no government financial assistance and a high Australian dollar, Kenworth successfully maintains its status as the market leader against dozens of imported brands from the US, Europe and Asia. We continue to successfully deliver high value-added manufacturing – that is, world-class trucks which provide distinct business advantages,” he said.

Mr Dozier said Australia had a diverse range of operating environments unlike anywhere else in the world. Trucks must deal with extreme heat in remote, dusty mines and across deserts. Others must haul loads that are two or three times heavier than overseas, and on rough and unmade roads. Often trucks are required to perform an inordinate amount of hours, some as much as 24 hours a day.

“It’s crucial that this country has a local manufacturer which understands these challenges. Kenworth is the only manufacturer offering full design capability, technical expertise and resources to application-engineered trucks for the most extreme on and off-road operations,” Mr Dozier explained.

“Our trucks are designed to satisfy these unique needs. They feature higher cooling capacities to handle heavier weights and hotter conditions, more robust construction to manage the roughest roads, and embody a design philosophy that ensures cost-effective maintenance and reliability. And, before model’s are introduced, test vehicles undergo millions of kilometres of road testing in Australia’s harshest conditions to ensure they meet Kenworth’s standards,” he added.

Mr Dozier said Kenworth’s 42 years of local manufacturing has a significant ripple effect that has benefited many Australian industries.

The company employs more than 800 staff in Melbourne, the majority of whom are directly or indirectly involved in the manufacturing operations. It also supports the industry’s best nationwide network of PACCAR dealers who employ about 3000 people throughout Australia. In addition, the company supports a variety of local suppliers who provide the majority of the parts and materials which make a Kenworth.

As part of its manufacturing commitment, Kenworth has made a substantial investment in design engineering. This enables it to purpose-build trucks with extremely short lead times – a feat imported trucks cannot match.

The company has also made a long-term investment in training. As a Registered Training Organisation, PACCAR Australia delivers qualifications and numerous other certifications in partnership with external firms. It has been recognised for its training efforts, being named Victorian Employer of the Year for 2012 and 2007, and winning the Federal Government’s 2007 Industry Training Award for Manufacturing.

“We are committed to maintaining a highly-skilled workforce – our people play a crucial role in our continued success,” Mr Dozier said. “Local manufacturing remains the driving force behind our business, and we’re in it for the long haul. We are continually reinvesting in expanding our operations, continually refining our techniques and introducing new technologies. Most importantly, we listen to our customers and we meet their needs.”

Rodney’s Transport Services takes possession of 50,000th Kenworth

Mr Dozier said it was fitting that Kenworth’s milestone truck was built for Rodney’s Transport Service.

“Rodney’s Transport Service (RTS) is one of our long term customers and contributes valuable feedback based on extensive operational experience,” Mr Dozier said. “We have had honest and open communication with Peter Rodney since day one. His feedback has helped make our products better and, consequently, his business more competitive. It’s been a win-win for both parties, and it’s the epitome of how we conduct business with all of our customers,” he said.

“Peter is an industry innovator. His company has a good spread of transport applications, and it continues to be successful by diversifying its business which is built on Kenworth trucks. RTS is most deserving of our 50,000th Kenworth,” Mr Dozier added.

“It’s gratifying to receive this milestone vehicle,” Peter Rodney said at the official hand-over. “We have been working with PACCAR for so many years; it’s like being part of a family. They satisfy all of our trucking needs – not just sales, but also finance, servicing and parts. PACCAR takes the headache out of maintaining a large and diverse fleet, enabling us to focus on improving our service to customers,” Mr Rodney said.

Established in 1992 near Wagga Wagga, RTS has grown from a small business running three trucks to a major regional transport operation with two depots boasting large storage facilities for up to 100,000 pallets of stock and 20,000 tonnes of grain harvested from the Riverina.

The company operates a Kenworth fleet of 104 prime movers configured with tanker, tautliner and tipper trailers for handling a diverse range of duties. The trucks haul everything from general and container freight to industrial products, scrap metals and waste throughout the eastern states and SA. In addition, the Kenworths transport livestock and a variety of agricultural products, including fertilizers, lime, gypsum and grain.

RTS employs various Kenworth models to handle the different applications. These include a large number of T909s, T609s, T409SARs, T359s and Kenworth’s cab-over, the K200.

The company’s latest K200 – Kenworth’s 50,000th truck – is powered by a Cummins ISXe5 engine, producing 550 hp and 1850 lb/ft of torque. The engine utilises SCR exhaust after-treatment technology for emission reduction, which meets Euro 5 and Australian ADR 80/03 emissions regulations.

The truck is equipped with an Eaton Fuller RTLO20918B 18-speed manual transmission, Meritor FG941 (6.6t) front axles and Meritor RT46-160GP rear axles. It also features two 750-litre, long-range fuel tanks, Kenworth Airglide 460 suspension and a 2.3-metre Aerodyne sleeper.

RTS’ K200, configured as a B-double tautliner, has a carrying capacity of 50 tonnes. It will join the company’s 27 other K200s on linehaul operations, carting a wide range of goods, from batteries and paper to various agricultural products, including salt. The new truck will make interstate deliveries to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, clocking up around 7,000 km a week.

Kenworth’s K200 is Australia’s best-selling heavy-duty truck model. In just three short years, it has established itself as a versatile workhorse which can manage a variety of applications, including interstate line haul up to 26m B-double and B-triple combinations.

The model features one of the most spacious interiors for a cab-over. It has a virtually flat floor, allowing a six-foot-tall (183 cm) driver to stand upright in the Aerodyne version. Its ergonomically-designed, curved dash and overhead console provide convenient access to all instruments and information displays. It also has a driver-friendly Smart Wheel, with buttons on the steering column for controlling the truck’s engine brake, cruise control and high-beam headlights.



Mr Rodney says the K200, like all Kenworth models, offers significant advantages compared with other American-style and European brands he has tried over the years.



“We have bought almost 200 Kenworths, and we continue to buy them every year because it’s good for business. They are designed and manufactured in Australia for Australia’s harsh environments and applications. And Kenworth builds trucks to our exact specifications and requirements. No other manufacturer can do that – and that makes all the difference,” he said.



“Kenworth trucks are more reliable, durable and cost effective to run. They can handle hard work, long hours and many years of service. It’s no wonder our drivers love them. The trucks are tough but they’re also safe and comfortable to operate, and they perform well under any conditions,” he explained.



Mr Rodney says Kenworth’s nationwide dealer network also plays an integral role in its transport efficiency. “Our trucks cover a lot of territory, so it’s comforting to know that if they ever have a problem, there’s a Kenworth dealer nearby,” he added.



In addition to the 50,000th Kenworth, Rodney’s Transport Service has just taken possession of a number of Kenworth T909s with further K200s on order.



Kenworth trucks, with a payload capacity from 39 to 260 tonnes, cover the full spectrum of heavy and extreme-duty applications. This includes multiple-trailer regional and interstate freight, tipper and dog construction work as well as off-highway operations for the logging and mining industries.





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 global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

[prydey]

the average transaction price of a truck is slightly different to a falcon or commodore. they are also not geared up to rely on volume.

as for the industry being in trouble..... i doubt it, unless you mean there will be a major driver shortage. then you might be close.

if you have HC/MC and experience, you won't have too much trouble getting a job.


also on a side note, i notice the article states that kenworth is the market leader in heavy trucks in australia. haven't seen the latest figures but volvo/mack were closing in fast, if you combine their figures, considering they are essentially the same company.

[FPV GTHO]

I had an induction with Volvo trucks last week, they were still claiming the #2 spot

[GASWAGON]

Australia has probably THE harshest conditions for trucks in the world......Especially in the west and up north......The yanks dont even come close....Most U.S truck trailers are only two axle.....In Oz most are Tri axle carrying much heavier loads....

The young bloke i was previously talking about was telling me he did a job last year to Darwin in a MACK 470 'Triton'...... The load was a 70 tonne excavator.... All up he would have been 100 tonne.....He dragged the bloody thing from Melbourne to Darwin and drove home empty.... Got paid something like $4.5K for it!

I ahve told him if he's going to go and borrow the money and buy a truck to do it but work bloody hard for ten years and himself ahead....

He was telling me the problem with all the new trucks is the new emissions laws and now most trucks have to run an 'Ad Blue' tank which helps the diesel burn cleaner..

The Ad Blue is just as expensive per litre as diesel is!

I did part of diesel mech apprenticeship at Cummins years ago and i've always said one day i'll get HR license and go driving.....Loooove twucks!

[prydey]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

I had an induction with Volvo trucks last week, they were still claiming the #2 spot

yeah, they are still counted as separate brands, but basically, a bonneted volvo is a mack, and a cabover mack is a volvo, in this country anyway.

[Nikked]

With a truck, you don't have joe blow ducking down to Hyundai and buying a i92 because it has a aux input for a lower price...


You buy a Kenny because its a Kenny, because you want your freight delivered lol

[thexd351]

Mate , you are so far off the mark. Trust me.
A cabover Volvo is no Mack. Never has been and never will be.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Nikked

With a truck, you don't have joe blow ducking down to Hyundai and buying a i92 because it has a aux input for a lower price...


You buy a Kenny because its a Kenny, because you want your freight delivered lol

actually, the japs are starting to make a bit of a dent in the local stuff. plenty of UD's, Hino's etc starting to appear. cheap, and do the job.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by prydey

actually, the japs are starting to make a bit of a dent in the local stuff. plenty of UD's, Hino's etc starting to appear. cheap, and do the job.

They are coming, noticed futon's are getting about. But as far as the heavier stuff goes, I think people are set in their way.

As for Ovlov, a mate used to drive them, and swore buy them...but copped it from another mate that's a truck mechanic lol

[prydey]

Originally Posted by thexd351

Mate , you are so far off the mark. Trust me.
A cabover Volvo is no Mack. Never has been and never will be.

mack is part of the volvo group. if you want a bonneted model, its a mack, if you want a cabover, its a volvo.

you live in brisbane. wander down to the assembly facilities at wacol.

i believe thats how it works. happy to be proven wrong.

[FPV GTHO]

Originally Posted by prydey

yeah, they are still counted as separate brands, but basically, a bonneted volvo is a mack, and a cabover mack is a volvo, in this country anyway.

I think they were talking about the whole group, including UD

[smoo]

Originally Posted by prydey

mack is part of the volvo group. if you want a bonneted model, its a mack, if you want a cabover, its a volvo.

you live in brisbane. wander down to the assembly facilities at wacol.

i believe thats how it works. happy to be proven wrong.

Off the top of my head, Mack use Volvo cab wiring, some interior parts (headlight switch, dash vents, indicator stalks, steering column), engine mounts, metric/Volvo chassis and cab bolts, viscous fan, fan, absolutely **** radiators (Behr, last 5 minutes doing real work), and chassis x members. They still have usual crap American chassis wiring, and air systems. Thrown together in 5 minutes. Take a look at a Triton and then a Volvo, they are far from the same truck.
Fact is there is only one truck built for real work that doesn't need a list as long as your arm of modifications to stop them breaking. Either way companies should be buying local, there are a good range of locally built trucks.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

I think they were talking about the whole group, including UD

ok. still, they are making ground though.

Russ doesn't have the figures up yet for first half of 2013, but here is the end of year figures for 2012 for 15T+ segment.

http://fordforums.com.au/pub_images/Cat32012b.jpg

[GASWAGON]

And don't forget Ford long bonnet Louisvilles were pretty tough too....Hard as hell chassis.....Most fitted with the mighty Cummins NT engines.

Sterling have bought the biulding rights or designs now....Not as good!

[GASWAGON]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

I had an induction with Volvo trucks last week, they were still claiming the #2 spot

I'm pretty sure I heard the newer ones are pushing 700HP!

I did my apprenticeship on Volvo earthmoving equipment.... Expensive but bloody nice to drive.

[thexd351]

Hi Prydey.
I'll take your advice and I'll use my swipe card on Monday to get into the office at Wacol and I'll wander on down the assembly line and have a look but I don't think to much would have changed since I left this afternoon.

[GASWAGON]

Originally Posted by thexd351

Hi Prydey.
I'll take your advice and I'll use my swipe card on Monday to get into the office at Wacol and I'll wander on down the assembly line and have a look but I don't think to much would have change since I left this afternoon.

LOL!

[prydey]

Originally Posted by thexd351

Hi Prydey.
I'll take your advice and I'll use my swipe card on Monday to get into the office at Wacol and I'll wander on down the assembly line and have a look but I don't think to much would have changed since I left this afternoon.

so, fill me on where i went wrong? are you saying i can buy a cabover mack? or a bonneted volvo? in australia?

i'm not arguing with you. i'm just clarifying what i meant, but i think most knew what i was getting at anyway.

also, to clarify, i don't know the ins and outs of the industry. i only have a casual interest due to a couple of family members being in the industry, so i'm the first to accept i got something wrong.

[Nikked]

Nothing beats a good old T900



I remember when truckin' life held its annual bash here in tamworth, this thing was soooo cool when I was 10 lol

[GASWAGON]

Tough as nails.......Though i still love Volvo's and the V8 Scania's too!

[nstg8a]

One of the companies we depot for at work runs kenworths only, he's a real nut about them.
His own is modded, 700hp or something, seems to clean up at truck shows when ever he enters it.

It's quite nice when a driver thanks you after loading them up for not using the sides of their trucks as forklift brakes, and as a forkie, I always take a little more care when you see trucks that are obviously meticulously well looked after.

Like a time warp climbing into them, so retro on the inside its unreal.

[MrZ]

A lot of people have misinterpreted my post as being about the trucking industry. It is not. It is about the truck *manufacturing* industry. Kenworth currently have the oldest range of trucks in Australia - they are unable to release a completely new model due to the huge costs involved, combined with our small market, so they have to keep upgrading 40+ year old designs. These trucks can't continue forever - customers will eventually switch over to more modern trucks, it's just a matter of when.

[smoo]

Originally Posted by MrZ

A lot of people have misinterpreted my post as being about the trucking industry. It is not. It is about the truck *manufacturing* industry. Kenworth currently have the oldest range of trucks in Australia - they are unable to release a completely new model due to the huge costs involved, combined with our small market, so they have to keep upgrading 40+ year old designs. These trucks can't continue forever - customers will eventually switch over to more modern trucks, it's just a matter of when.

Have you seen both models for yourself? That is like saying the 170cui from the '60s is the same as FG dohc 4.0. The technology or lack of underneath KW is no different to any other impoted US truck. Mack are now putting Volvo running gear into their conventionals and we priced up crate motors and exchange g.boxes. The MP10 is about twice the price of the Cummins and the I shift 3 times that of the legendary 18 speed. Then you need the software and trained men to diagnose problems. One mob around the corner from us run Volvos and have a Volvo fitter on site full time. And an old V8 Mack with low loader to go and rescue them when this Euro crap ***** itself because they can't handle the heat, the weight or the roads. We hear that V8 nearly everyday. When you have a job to do you can't beat proven tech that can be fixed on the side of the road if need be. As I said before only one truck, designed and built here that is available out of the box to be put to real work. Reckon there will ever be Mercedes or Scanias pulling triples on livestock in the middle of no where...

[GASWAGON]

Originally Posted by smoo

Have you seen both models for yourself? That is like saying the 170cui from the '60s is the same as FG dohc 4.0. The technology or lack of underneath KW is no different to any other impoted US truck. Mack are now putting Volvo running gear into their conventionals and we priced up crate motors and exchange g.boxes. The MP10 is about twice the price of the Cummins and the I shift 3 times that of the legendary 18 speed. Then you need the software and trained men to diagnose problems. One mob around the corner from us run Volvos and have a Volvo fitter on site full time. And an old V8 Mack with low loader to go and rescue them when this Euro crap ***** itself because they can't handle the heat, the weight or the roads. We hear that V8 nearly everyday. When you have a job to do you can't beat proven tech that can be fixed on the side of the road if need be. As I said before only one truck, designed and built here that is available out of the box to be put to real work. Reckon there will ever be Mercedes or Scanias pulling triples on livestock in the middle of no where...

Exactly.....Tried, tested proven results like the might AU Falcon......And fixable on side of road most of time....And now all the Euro stuff requires 'Ad Blue' as well...... Even CAT/Cummins are having second thoughts on making engines anymore because the emission laws have gone too far.

Volvos/Scania's are bloody nice trucks but damn there expensive to maintain!

[K_Man]

What about the dear old ACCO? Thats still soldiering on as an Iveco (built here still i believe?), still see heaps of new ones getting around, another one of those old school designs that can be fixed on the side of the road. We had one at work, such a tough little thing, in a completely different league to the hino rigids we have.