4
NEWS
Iveco delivers for livestock hauler
A trial of an Iveco Powerstar 7800 has sealed a purchase and a second order for SA’s Trans Australian LivestockSouth Australian livestock carrier, Trans Australian Livestock, says it’s found a reliable, capable, comfortable and economic prime mover in Iveco’s flagship model, the Powerstar 7800.
A recent trail of the truck showcased its strengths in the demanding livestock arena, its performance sealing the purchase of the Powerstar and, not long after, an order for a second one.
The Powerstar 7800 has found favour with both the company’s drivers and its Operations Manager, Jason Thornhill.
While principal driver, Graeme (pictured), says he’s pleased to have a comfortable and roomy cabin to call home, Jason’s interest in the truck’s performance is a little broader, with obvious importance given to the vehicle’s reliability and overall running costs.
It’s a family business, with Jason’s parents Gary and Suzette and brothers Damian and Wade also involved in running the company and managing the fleet of 50 prime movers and trailer stock.
The Powerstar 7800 is the third Iveco on fleet with the performance of an earlier Powerstar 7200 impressing Jason enough to give the 7800 a shot. Now having covered over 100,000 kilometres in the 7800 in only a few short months, he says the decision has proven to be a sound one.
Operating the fleet from its Lucindale base, Trans Australian Livestock carries sheep and cattle to abattoirs in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland and to feedlots and sales yards even further afield. The trucks are normally configured as B-doubles grossing 68.5 tonnes, but if a third trailer is needed the Powerstar 7800’s 140-tonne GCM easily has it covered.
“Our driver Graeme can be on the road for six days per week, so he appreciates the Iveco’s well-appointed cabin and the extra space you get compared to some of the other trucks; he really loves it,” Jason said.
“I like the fact that underneath it has Cummins power, an Eaton Roadranger transmission and other American componentry – it’s reliable and easy-to-service. We have five mechanics on staff and we do all our own servicing, so having a common drivetrain provides us with a lot of efficiency when it comes to servicing and maintenance.”
Trans Australian Livestock isn't the only carrier in this part of the market to discover the Powerstar's strengths. Queensland's Robertson Transport snapped up the first commercially available Powerstar 7800 in 2012, and is still singing the model's praises.
Developed and engineered in Melbourne specifically for the Australian market, the Powerstar 7800 is available with a number of engine options up to 600hp, but Trans Australia’s truck is specified with the 15-litre Cummins ISX, good for 550hp and 2508Nm of torque.
Despite the powerplant being an EGR unit, Iveco developed a market-leading local cooling package for the engine, designed to keep it running nicely even when the mercury hits well into the 40s.
“I had no concerns with going for the EGR engine; I had full confidence that Iveco and Cummins would come up with a specification that works well,” Jason said.
“So far the performance has been strong and there have been no problems at all.
“I’m also very pleased with the fuel figures the Powerstar is returning: it’s hovering at about 1.4 to 1.5 kilometres per litre, hauling two full trailers – that’s an excellent outcome. Although diesel is at the moment the cheapest it’s been in a while, it’s still important to minimise fuel costs as much as possible.”
Jason said the Powerstar’s strong performance, along with the excellent service and relationship with the selling dealership, Adelaide Iveco, has seen the company order a second 7800.
“The truck is performing well and the follow-up and support from the team at Adelaide Iveco is outstanding,” he said.
“If there are any issues or concerns, they’re quick to deal with it and they’re a great bunch of guys to deal with, and this has given us the confidence to order a second 7800.”
Share this article
Written byTrucksales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a trucksales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayRelated articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent