Buying Used: Kenworth T404ST

The popularity of this model is evident today as used Kenworth T404ST models are scarce. When any hint of a good one coming up for sale is leaked through the grapevine, it is often sold long before it makes it into the classifieds.

The Kenworth T404ST is a versatile model capable of accepting 16-litre engines up to 550hp (410kW) back in the day when Kenworth customers had a choice of three different engine makes.

For heavy-duty road train applications, operators could opt for an Air-Glide 200 with a steel pedestal, enabling a GCM rating of 90 tonnes. In addition, in harsh environments, it boasted cowl-mounted high-rise air cleaners.

I recall meeting up with one of IFE’s T404STs, driven by Allan Hooper, hauling a triple road train at the infamous Burke and Wills Roadhouse.

The roadhouse, or The Three Ways, as the locals say, is considered the gateway to the Gulf and is situated at the junction of the Wills Development Road and Burke Development Road on the route taken by the ill-fated explorers.

Allan walked around his road train feeling the wheel hubs and tapping tyres, a procedure he does every couple hours, and then he wandered into the roadhouse. The greeting was, as you’d expect out here, friendly. Allan slid into the same chair he sits at most mornings in this diner, at a table by the window, and before long, a large pot of coffee arrived, followed by two huge plates of cooked breakfast.

Over breakfast, Allan told us about the Kenworth T404ST he commands and IFE, the company he works for on this job.

The Kenworth T404ST Allan drives is quite a unique specification for this model in that it’s built similarly to the larger C508 and T908 models. Firstly, it’s powered by a Caterpillar C-15 rated at 550hp (410kW) coupled with an Eaton RTLO20918 18-speed transmission. The final drive is Arvin Meritor RT50-160 at a 4.89:1 ratio riding on Kenworth 6-60 low-profile 6-Rod suspension, which enables it to haul a triple road train.

Wheelbase for this T404ST is 5000mm, which allows for a comfortable 36-inch flat-roof integrated sleeper, chosen along with the low-line stacks to enable the T404ST to drive under overhead gantries for loading. This heavy-duty specified T404ST is rated for 130 tonnes and has some unique IFE modifications.

“The first thing that’s done to our trucks is all the shrouds under the cab are removed, which is the key to allowing heat to escape,” said Allan.

“Out here and on the Tanami, these trucks can spend an entire shift, eight to 10 hours, at an average speed of only 40km/h under full load,” he added. “I can tell you back before we did all our little tweaks, you could hardly keep your feet on the truck’s floor.

“We also have a substantial-sized water tank fitted under the bunk because you need to carry all your own water out here. We may well be in the 21st century, but the harshness of the outback is just the same as it was centuries ago. The difference now is our gear and roads make working out here a little easier,” Allan said.

Like so many older operators who service the mining sector, IFE traditionally specified Caterpillar engines for more than just their proven reliability and economy. “You’re never short of a Caterpillar part and not far away from a serviceman either out at these mines,” Allan added.

Caterpillar spokesperson Ian Loy told us that the Cat C-15 (and its big brother, the C-16) had been the mainstay of the Australian trucking industry during its long production run in On-Highway equipment. “This milestone is the first time any engine has achieved it without a significant design change,” Ian explained.

Versatility is one of the main features of the Kenworth T404ST model. It was initially designed as the ideal truck for a 48ft single trailer and some pocket B-Double applications, where high horsepower and length restrictions come together.

However, it quickly gained an enviable reputation as a proven performer in many other applications as well. The set-back front axle allows optimum weight distribution and manoeuvrability. The traditional bonnet, with cowl-mounted air cleaners for harsh and dusty environments, adds to its flexibility.

“In my book, every classic Australian truck driver likes a classic Australian look – the square bonnet and the bigger grille even though there is the set-back front axle and shorter BBC, this truck has the look and the grunt to match,” Allan said.

Allan says that when you’re in the business of transporting dangerous goods, the job often makes demands on a truck’s weight and manoeuvrability. “Longer-bonneted trucks restrict our manoeuvrability. That’s why this shorter-bonneted truck is a real asset,” he said.

“In mine sites, where we encounter some narrow streets, a longer-bonneted truck wouldn’t have a hope. But the T404ST drives in and out like a dream,” said Allan.

“The T404ST also offers a lot more. It’s a great truck to drive – it has excellent vision, rides well, and is comfortable in the cabin and the sleeper.”

Another feature worth mentioning and often taken for granted in a Kenworth is the driver’s workplace. For example, the wipers and indicators are located all on one wand. Likewise, the engine retarder switch is on a wand, and the cruise control is on another. This means the driver does not have to take his hands off the steering wheel to access the most commonly used functions.

The switches are located in the overhead console and within easy reach. The dash is the traditional Kenworth woodgrain with gold bezel gauges to add a touch of prestige.

“It is the total package of a Kenworth truck that is a fundamental issue today with the driver shortage,” Allan said.

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“There is no question that a Kenworth truck is the preferred truck for these conditions in the north by fleet owners as well as drivers. When you are paid on a kilometre basis, as many drivers are, the driver wants a truck that will get there and back without a breakdown because drivers don’t get paid when the truck is broken down on the side of the road.

“Conversely, if a driver is paid hourly, the owner doesn’t want to pay wages for a driver to sit on the side of the road waiting for the truck to be fixed.

“One thing I must say is that the service we get from Brown & Hurley in Townsville is first class. Also, when I return to pick up the truck after the work has been completed, they always ensure it is nice and clean,” Allan added as the door to the roadhouse squeaked open.

“Are you blokes having a day off?” the newcomer to the roadhouse enquired. “Allan glanced at his watch, smiled and agreed it was time he and Kenworth T404ST went and stirred some dust on the last leg into the Century Zinc Mine.

As described earlier, the popularity of the Kenworth T404ST model is clearly evident: they don’t very often pop up for sale and, when they do, they’re snapped up quickly.

Consequently, you’d expect to pay a little more for one than a similarly spec’d traditional T404. Given that T404ST production ceased at the end of 2007, you might even ask yourself if paying a premium for the T404ST model is really worth it.

The current asking price for T404ST is similar to T404SAR models, and starting prices begin around $100K for a basic day cab and then extend to $170K for a fully optioned version with a sleeper.

Remember that most of the T404STs will have covered well over a million kilometres. So do your due diligence, research the vehicle’s service and engine history, then factor into your investment any repairs to bring the vehicle up to reliable working standards.

The good news is getting parts for Kenworth T404STs is very easy, including all the cab bits and pieces that most Kenworth dealers will have on the shelf. Thankfully, not much has changed in the running gear design, as the driveline and brake components are still fitted in current models today.

If you’re lucky enough to get a T404ST with a C15 Cat engine, rest assured that Caterpillar still supports this engine. And given this engine’s long production run and popularity, several aftermarket companies also supply components such as high-flow manifolds and piston skirts with a graphite coating that reduces friction in the cylinder. Also, tri-metal blend rod and main bearings to increase durability are worth exploring if you need to rebuild your C15 engine.

Suffice to say, if you can find a good Kenworth T404ST with a solid history, you’re onto a good thing.

Specifications:
Truck: Kenworth T404ST
Engine: Caterpillar C15
Power: 550hp (410kW) at 1500rpm
Torque: 1850lb/ft (2508Nm) at 1000rpm
Gearbox: Eaton RTLO20918B, 18-speed
Clutch: Eaton 2250lb/ft Easy Pedal Advantage
Front axle: Meritor MFS 7.3t
Front susp: Multi leaf 7.5t
Rear axles: Arvin Meritor RT50-160
Rear axle ratio: 4.89:1
Rear susp: Kenworth 6-60 low profile 6-rod
Main driveline: Meritor RPL25
Inter-axle driveline: Meritor RPL20
Electrics: Power distribution box under sleeper
Brakes: Bendix ABS with traction control
Fuel: Alloy tanks, 4 x 450lt
Wheels: 10-Stud Alloy