All trucks are not created equal, especially in the highly competitive urban, short-haul market where operators demand a delicate balance between performance, payload and economy.

That’s why, when it was time for three independent Readymix subcontractors to upgrade their vehicles, they each chose Kenworth’s new T350.

Paul Gauci, like colleagues Angelo Gauci and Vincent DeGura, has been subcontracting for Readymix for almost three decades. They have always chosen secondhand vehicles in the past, but Kenworth’s latest model was too hard to turn down.

“Kenworth has always had a reputation for being the premium brand on the road – and generally you pay a little extra for a lot more truck,” said Paul, who operates P.G. Hauling. “But we were surprised how price competitive the T350 was against various American trucks we considered. What sold us was that the T350 offered far better value for money. It’s a superbly engineered truck with a variety of advantages, including improved performance, light tare weight and a big payload, without sacrificing economy,” he explained.

Designed specifically for short-haul and urban applications, Kenworth’s T350 offers the best of both trucking worlds: the maneuverability, tight turning circle and short bumper-to-back-of-cab-measurement of a cab-over, with the smooth ride, visibility and serviceability of a conventional vehicle.

The Readymix subcontractors purchased three T350s, configured as tandem drive, rigid tippers, which cart crushed rock and aggregate from quarries in Melbourne’s western suburbs to construction sites throughout Melbourne. Paul says that Melbourne’s combination of narrow suburban streets, tight construction sites and somewhat diverse terrain can make life challenging for many trucks, but not the T350.

“We expect a lot of our trucks. We need vehicles that can handle relatively harsh mining conditions as well as the unique challenges of metropolitan driving, handling 80,000 km a year, which is a lot for urban, short-haul work. We need trucks which combine power and payload with improved maneuverability and visibility – not to mention low operating costs. The T350 does all of this and more,” he said.

“I like everything about the T350. It has light tare weight, thanks to the aluminum cabin and alloy wheels. The eight AirBag suspension give us a comfortable ride and improved tipping. It has a tight turning circle, excellent visibility over the bonnet and around the truck with the Daylite doors. And it also has easy access in and out of the cab. Everything caught my eye – and it even looks good on the road.”

Powered by an 11-litre Cummins ISM engine, rated at 410 hp, Paul’s T350 provides a range of advantages over other models.

“Compared with my old 210 hp truck, the T350 gives me twice the power, three times the torque and the same payload (over 15 tonnes) with better fuel consumption (over 2.9 km per litre). That’s a magic combination. Best of all, the T350 makes driving easier, faster, quieter and more comfortable. It has more power to cruise on the highway and negotiating hills takes less gears. On longer trips to Sunbury and Gisbourne, I can cut the travelling time in half, and I come home refreshed from the trip instead of exhausted, like I used to be,” Paul added.

The T350s purchased by Paul’s colleagues – Angelo and Vincent – are powered by 8-litre Cummins ISC engines, rated at 315 hp. Despite having smaller engines, the two other T350s weigh relatively less, enabling them to also carry a payload of over 15 tonnes.

Kenworth’s bonneted 6x4 is only around 530 mm longer than typical cab-over competitors. Practically, this represents little compromise on payload, maneuverability or trailer length, whilst still delivering the benefits of a bonnet configuration for ride, engine serviceability and safety.

The ease of access and safety around town of the T350 puts it in a class of its own. The vehicle has ergonomically designed wide steps, with no wheel arch constraints, to make cab access simple and safe. This is particularly vital in the urban distribution environment, where drivers are required to get into and out of the cab so often on their daily route.

Available in single or tandem drive, Kenworth’s T350 delivers an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, and offers a generous payload capacity of up to 46 tonnes GCM. The model comes with a choice of fuel-efficient Cummins ISM engines (330 hp or 400 hp) or the Caterpillar C-12 (up to 410 hp); Dana or Meritor rear axles; Eaton Fuller clutch; and a range of Fuller transmissions, from 10 to 18 speed.

Standard features include 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 Manager
PACCAR Australia
Tel: (03) 9721 1500
E-mail: neil.willox@paccar.com