Benson Haulage has taken delivery of a new Kenworth T909.
The log carrier is a proven Kenworth loyalist, having accumulated four of the trucks – three T909s and one T659 – one way or another throughout seven years of operations.
These four Kenworths represent Benson Haulage’s entire transport capacity, and are driven by company Director, Aidan Benson, along with his father, and a small team of hard workers.
According to Benson, running Kenworths has been a persistent dream of his for a very long time.
“I’ve always wanted to own and operate Kenworth trucks,” he told Prime Mover.
“I’ve felt this way since I was a young bloke, and when I had the opportunity to get one, I jumped at it. I bought my first truck from Kenworth directly, then the next two secondhand because my mates were selling them, but decided to return to new Kenworths for this most recent T909.”
This new Kenworth T909 has been deployed towing a pair of tri-axle stags with hydraulic fold-up capabilities by Kennedy Trailers in a B-double combination, wherever Benson Haulage’s operations require it.
This extends anywhere from Victoria’s Geelong Mill and Melbourne’s various export yards, all the way to South Australia, where loads of pine are then hauled back across the Victorian border to the town of Portland.
A Cummins X15 with a 600hp output produces 2050Nm at up to 1400rpm and handles a 46-tonne payload. The Kenworth T909 is mass rated to 68.5 tonnes.
To Benson, the truck’s power and torque are necessary for effective log transport.
“A lot of our deliveries are through dense or steep terrain,” he said.
“We need the power and torque that the Kenworth provides to get us up hills and across forest areas.”
Benson was also sure to order his new Kenworth T909 with a variety of comfort specifications tailored to the needs of his tight-knit team.
These include a diesel Icepack air conditioner, a diesel heater, a fridge unit, a microwave, and a larger sleeping area.
Benson’s drivers were more than impressed with these additions.
“Our team of drivers were very happy with the truck,” he said.
“They’re a good crew of guys that are very capable and very happy to get the job done, and this truck is suited to their ability.”
Benson received the new T909 from the Kenworth DAF dealership in Derrimut, and praised Ron Lovebrook for his time, care, and devotion to the job.
“That guy knows how to spec a truck,” Benson said.
“For him, it’s clearly not just a job, but a passion. That’s the kind of love that makes the industry so great.”
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