KPS backs International ProStar

Noel Killmore of NSW's Killmore Plant Services was all set to put on another high-profile North American truck, when his son Jamie – an avid truck fan and recently qualified diesel mechanic – suggested they take a closer look at the International ProStar.

After examining the specs and liking what they saw – especially the Cummins X15 engine and Eaton driveline – Noel then sought some feedback from a nearby Kiama-based operator who was perfectly positioned to comment.

"We'd noticed some ProStars working in the area with Gates Haulage, so I called Brian Gates and asked him what they were like.

"Brian has four or five of them on his fleet and spoke very highly of them, saying that they were a good solid truck and well up to the task for tipper-and-dog work. He said the ProStars were standing-up well to the demands of the work, and performing better than the other higher profile North American brands he also has on his fleet."

That was enough for Noel to go ahead and order a 6x4 ProStar tipper from Sydney Trucks and Machinery, with a Cummins X15 engine rated at 550hp and 1850ftlb and mated to an Eaton 18-speed manual transmission.

"Some of our other trucks also feature Cummins and Eaton drivetrain combinations, so it makes it easy for the drivers to jump from one truck to the other and be familiar with their characteristics," Noel said.

Related reading:
2019 International ProStar: review
International ProStar truck and dog: review
Safety boost for International ProStar
International ramps up ProStar push

The new ProStar has now been at work for several months hauling a triaxle dog trailer on a highway project in Wollongong. This sees the truck delivering road base products and removing soil on a loop it performs maybe a dozen times a day. All up, the ProStar is covering around 1000 kilometres each week.

"Nigel the main driver really enjoys the truck and I know he's taking really good care of it by the way he fusses with it and maintains it in pristine condition," Noel said.

"Out on the work site it has great maneuverability to get into the tighter areas and the visibility from the cabin is also excellent."

Noel was a professional driver himself for many years before he established Killmore Plant Services in 1992. Since then he's steadily grown the business, which now offers truck and industrial equipment hire, along with hydraulic and mechanical repairs.

And given Noel is in his mid-50s and that Jamie is also involved in the family business, chances are the firm's first International ProStar won't be its last…