Emerald-based roadtrain operator Sterns Bulk Haulage has taken delivery of two new Kenworth C509s.
The big bangers will be used primarily to haul AB-triples moving sand, gravel, and coal from mine sites over the Central Highlands in Queensland.
As part of a fleet reset, Sterns Bulk Haulage has moved on four Kenworth T909s, some of which have been running since the business was founded by Michael Stern in 2012.
“We were working on a coal account for a couple of years which tied us up and we’ve finished that and sold all of our old gear including the Kenworth T909s,” he said.
“Those trucks are over ten years old and in some cases have two million kilometres on them,” said Stern.
The new trucks are travelling approximately 6,000 kilometres a week dependent on the job. Roadworks and railway networks encompass much of the ongoing deliveries, however, coal jobs come up intermittently.
Sterns Bulk Haulage often runs to the Adani mine carting sand and gravel into a concrete batch plant where they are hooked up as quad roadtrains.
“We’ve gone for a 165-tonne rated trucks to be able to do more of this type of work,” said Stern.
Sterns Bulk Haulage opted for a bigger, heavier spec’d truck for the punishing work in sweltering conditions that requires return legs across unsealed roads.
“We see a bit of dirt road, in fact 80km of dirt road. The C509 is more of a built-for-purpose bush truck that can handle the rough terrain a bit better,” said Stern.
The Kenworth C509s are fitted with Michelin tyres on the steer axles and Bridgestone on the drive axles.
Both trucks are equipped with Dana’s ultra-robust D52-190 drive axle set with dual diff lock.
The bins are built by 5 Star Side Tippers, a local operation based out of Bundaberg.
Stern opted for an 18-speed RoadRanger gearbox through a Euro 5 rated Cummins X15 producing up to 600 horsepower.
“I’ve never had a 509 and it was an opportune time to get something that could stand up to the dirt roads out there,” he said.
“By turning the fleet over we’ve initially downsized for the moment. The investment is in three C509s in total, with the first two recently arrived and a third one on the way.”
“We should see it by the end of next financial year.”
All three trucks have been delivered via Brown and Hurley Rockhampton through Salesman Tony Urzi.
“Brown and Hurley build a good product. They’re a good team to deal with. I wouldn’t go to any other brand,” said Stern.
“They back their product. Any little issues I’ve had they come to the party and are willing to help out.
“They try their best to keep you on the road — that’s for sure.”
“It’s the support you need when you need it.”