International ProStar tipper smooths the road
Melbourne-based subbie says his new ProStar is paving the way in hauling products for road construction…A Melbourne-based subcontractor for the Alex Fraser Group, Peter Ioannidis, says his International ProStar tipper is showing its mettle when it comes to hauling road-base products like asphalt.
Peter takes loads all over metropolitan Melbourne, his truck equipped with a Hercules aluminium body and a three-axle dog trailer with electric tarps.
Under Performance Based Standards (PBS), the ProStar runs at between 33.5 to 34 tonnes – a weight at which it barely breaks a sweat, he says.
"I love the power of the 550hp Cummins; it gets the job done very easily," Peter says.
"I previously used a Northern European prime mover and the ProStar just has so much more power available – overall I'm absolutely stoked with the ProStar."
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Peter complemented the X15 powerplant with Eaton's Ultrashift Plus automated manual, rather than the 18-speed manual. With the ProStar now several months into its working life, Peter is completely satisfied with the decision.
The driveline has also been specified with 'ADEPT' technologies, which takes engine and transmission integration to the highest levels to deliver even better fuel efficiency.
"I was a little unsure at the beginning whether I should go for the Ultrashift rather than the manual, mainly because the 18-speed manual is known to be bullet-proof and has such a great reputation," Peter says.
"But now I've spent some time using the Ultrashift I wouldn't go back to the manual: the AMT does all the work for me; it makes for a much easier and relaxing driving experience."
Peter says he's also been impressed with the ProStar's vision and maneuverability.
"Going from a cab-over to a bonneted truck, some of my work mates were telling me that I wasn't going to be able to see well out of it: 'Good luck maneuvering it', they said.
"But with the ProStar's sloping bonnet, forward vision is fantastic; it makes getting around work sites and confined streets really easy.
"The other day I was stopped at the front of the traffic lights and noticed that because of the downward angle of the bonnet, I could still see the pedestrians crossing right in front of me – that's a good safety feature.
"The ProStar is an excellent truck; I'm really happy to have it."
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