Kenworth twin-steer T359A Operator Review

When Inland Truck Centre’s Chris McDevitt recently invited us to join him on a run from Wagga Wagga to Leeton to visit some of his customers we eagerly accepted. The Riverina town of Leeton is nestled in some of the most productive farming regions of New South Wales where citrus, grapes, rice and wheat farms thrive.

Today however, we are calling in on HRD Readymix’s Evan Hillman who had recently taken delivery of a Kenworth T359A with an eight cubic meter barrel.

Evan took over HRD Readymix from his father a few years back and cites good old fashion family service as one of the key factors in his company’s success and growth. Another factor is his meticulous attention to the fleet maintenance and reliability along with the back-up service he gets for his trucks from Inland Truck Centres.

Chris told us that these eight-wheelers really deliver their greatest efficiency when they are feeding large concrete pumps and on long-haul runs.

“We have about 50 per cent of the concrete market in this region,” Evan explained. “We deliver concrete to nearby towns which means we have some long leads and that’s where these Kenworth T359A eight-wheelers really earn their keep. We can get up to eight cubic meters into one of them which means we are delivering more concrete with one truck and that’s a huge saving not only for us but also our customers,” Evan said.

Building on a reputation
The T359A builds on the success of the original T350A concrete agitator released some years back. The T359A range is available in 6 x 4, 8 x 4 and now 10 x 4 axle configurations. Its primary purpose is to provide all the characteristics for which Kenworth is renowned in a lightweight and versatile package. With a good turning circle and exceptional driver vision it also offers optimum payload and maximum concrete carrying capabilities.

Since the inception of the T3 series, many operators are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of running this truck in urban and intrastate operations where previously they may have thought a cab-over was the only sensible option. Companies who operate interstate line-haul style, long distance haulage operations expect maximum productivity and high utilisation, and therefore reliability and durability. Many of these companies are now demanding the same vehicle attributes for their local operations running in and out of distribution centres 24/7 and turn to the versatility and reliability of the T359.

The T3 series is an ideal choice for these high capacity metropolitan applications. Where a short bumper-to-back of cab measurement means a tight turning circle, it makes the difference between getting in and out of job sites… or not.

The T359A is only around 530mm longer than typical cab-over competitors. Practically, this will usually represent no compromise on payload, turning circle or trailer length, while still delivering the benefits of a bonnet configuration for ride, engine serviceability and safety.

Kenworth’s attention to detail in the T359A concrete agitator extends to every facet of engineering – such as the small things, like the way the electrical cables and hoses are separated off the chassis, so there’s less chance that they can be damaged or for potential rust and rubbish to get behind them. And, the large things: like the sheer size of their radiators. We’re told the T359A provides up to 15 per cent better cooling capacity than competitor models in the range.

Smart suspension
Kenworth incorporates eight air bags on the AirGlide suspension compared with only four bags used by other manufacturers. According to Kenworth, this gives the T359A Agitator better load-sharing ability, control and a quicker response time to level out or equalise the weight.

There are two load-level sensors and a 25mm diameter airline feeding into the airbags on the Kenworth-designed suspension system that provide rapid response to equalise the weight.

Typically, most heavy vehicles use only one level sensor on their rear suspension, which takes an average measure of both sides combined with smaller airline ports, which deliver slower response times to the suspension. Not really what you need when you’ve got a high centre of gravity load like concrete climbing the inside of the barrel.

We’re told that the levelling out of weight is critical to the safe operation of an agitator. That is because with the barrel constantly turning, a lot of weight is being transferred from left to right. The weight of wet mixing cement can shift dramatically, causing some trucks to lean.

However, Kenworth claims that its AirGlide airbag suspension means the suspension levels out quickly, maintaining stability without affecting the vehicle. The system will also enable operators in some states to take advantage of mass management allowances for road friendly suspension and carry an extra half a tonne under permit.

Easy living
The ease of access and safety around town of the bonneted T359A puts it in a class of its own. The T359A has ergonomically designed wide steps, with no wheel arch constraints, to make cabin access simple and safe. This is particularly vital in the urban distribution environment, where drivers are required to get into and out of the cab frequently on their daily route.

Once in the cab, drivers enjoy the comfort and functionality of the air suspended driver`s seat, sun visor, main spotter mirrors and air-conditioning – all as standard.

The T359A has new engine options from Cummins ISLe5 ranging from 280 to 380hp. It also comes with greater driveline configurations, 6 x 4, 8 x 4 and 10 x 4, offering more flexibility in more applications. Standard Daylite doors promote excellent vision, as do the one-piece curved windscreen and sharply sloping bonnet.

Our test truck was equipped with the Cummins ISLe5 380hp and 1254lb/ft of torque, an Alison MD3500P automatic transmission and Chelsea PTO. Rear axle is DSH40 with a 6.17:1 final drive ratio mounted on the Kenworth AirGlide 400. This eight-wheeler was fitted with the larger 150-litre fuel tank and 70-litre AdBlue tank.

Cesco Barrel
Cesco Australia Limited supplied the eight-cubic-metre barrel which is made from 5mm high tensile steel and includes an 8mm high tensile steel dished end with an inner wear plate.

Other features of the barrel include a 200-litre pressurised water system, slump and water meters and double-acting remote chute jack. The barrel can be controlled from either the rear of the truck or in the cabin via the centre-console-mounted controls or the remote control unit outside the truck.

During our test of the Kenworth T359A we found the manoeuvrability of the eight-wheeler around town and building sites was surprisingly easier than we had anticipated. The power of the Cummins engine was transferred willingly through the Alison auto to the drive wheels and the traction is firm and sure-footed with the bogey drive and diff locks at the rear. The operation of the barrel is simple enough too, with the various controls available.

“We’re more than happy with our Kenworth trucks and the service we get from Chris and the Inland Truck Centres,” Evan concluded.

Kenworth 359A 8x4 Specs:
Engine: Cummins ISLe5
Horsepower: 380hp at 2100rpm
Torque: 1254lb/ft (1700Nm) at 1300rpm
Air-cleaner: Donaldson mounted under hood
Engine fan: Fan Clutch ISLe5
Retarder: Cummins dash mounted engine brake
Gearbox: Alison MD3500P
Front axle: DANA E-1332I Twin steer
Front suspension: 12.0T taper leaf springs – load share
Driveline: Spicer 1710
Rear axles: DANA DSH40P with DCDL
Rear axle Ratio: 6.17:1
Rear suspension: Kenworth Airglide 400
Brakes: S-Cam
Bumper: Polished alloy (FUP compliant)
Fuel tank: 150-litre
Ad Blue tank: 70-litre
Interior: Charcoal cab trim HD studded vinyl
Seats: Charcoal KAB554B Air-Susp
Batteries: 3x12 volt mounted between LHS steer axles
Barrel: Cesco eight-metre