Lusty 4x4 deck widener rear-steer low-loader 2022 Review

The bright flashing amber LED lights on top of Adrian Cassidy's T909 Kenworth broke the darkness way off in the distance a little before 6.00 a.m. Moments later, the Speaker LED headlights lit up the white frost-covered ground in front of me as the Kenworth appeared over the hill.

Thankfully, Adrian had the heater notched up, and it wouldn't take long to thaw out after having stood on the side of the road for only a few minutes.

"You won't see too many of these old dozers around nowadays," Adrian said, pointing rearward to the Terex bulldozer sitting on the low loader behind.

"They were a good machine back in their day, but they're more of a novelty machine these days. But they're ideal for hobby farmers who need a bulldozer for occasional use."

The Kenworth T909, Lusty Low Loader and old Terex dozer rolled steadily westward along Bridport Road. On this morning, the traffic was light apart from an old log truck or two heading east.

"This float sits on the road nicely," Adrian said. "I've towed a lot of different floats over the years, and I must admit that this one is one of the better and more stable floats I've had the pleasure of towing.

"The hydraulic suspension plays a big part in the stability," he continued. "Like any piece of equipment, you have your pros and cons, and it's the same with floats. For example, some blokes argue deck wideners are unstable because the wheels remain on the same track. But I believe if you load and operate them correctly, they're a versatile piece of equipment.

"You soon see how versatile and manoeuvrable it is when we get on the bush track to deliver this dozer," he explained.

"One of the biggest advantages with a deck widener is I can widen the deck to suit the machine width, but the wheels retain the same track as the truck. Consequently, it is ideal for operating on tight bush tracks and narrow farm laneways with narrow bridges. However, a full widening low loader where the wheels extend with the deck would certainly restrict my bush access."

The deck is 2.5 meters wide in the closed position, and it opens to 3.7 meters at the rated weight when fully extended. Another feature that adds to the versatility of this low loader is the front-mount winch. There is ample storage for rachet chain turnbuckles in the gooseneck.

In addition, there are chain storage lockers under the front of the deck. The hydraulic pack and controls are on the gooseneck's left side, and the gooseneck's right side has a 60-litre water tank.

In his spare time, and he is quick to add there is not much of that, Adrian is 'hot rodder' for want of a better term.

Consequently, his attention to fine detail, polish and chrome flow through to his trucks and machines. For example, both the hydraulic and water tanks on the float are polished alloy with chrome wheels, and the trailer is finished with signs and lines by Tasmanian's truck sign writing maestro, Kevin Brown from Spectrum Signs, who incidentally signed the truck.

The Kenworth T909 didn't miss out either. The polished deep Texas bumper boasts 24 LED lights with custom reversible oversize signs mounted on the polished stainless steel plates. Meantime, the headlights have a stainless backing plate with teardrop covers. Stainless elephant ears cover the air-cleaner inlet pipe from the larger 406mm diameter air-cleaners with the chrome deep bowl base.

Hints of Adrian's hot-rod passion are evident in the cabin, especially noticeable with the Pearlcraft Steering wheel and gear stick knob. In addition, the diff-lock, power-divider, and suspension dump switches have gold extensions, and gauges include the gold bezel option.

Adrian added that some of the credit for the shine on the truck must go to his driver Josh Bennett. "Josh spends a lot of time on it to keep it clean," Adrian added.

But this truck is no show pony. It's very much a working truck and set up for bush work with AIR-CTI central tyre inflation and Elphinstone loadcells.

"I must admit I was sceptical about the AIR-CTI at first," Adrian explained. "However, it works a treat. Especially in paddocks and muddy conditions, it provides amazing traction.

“But one of the biggest surprises is with tyre wear, I'm actually getting better tyre life, and the tyres wear more evenly. That is one aspect that indeed surprised me. Plus, the ride is far better when we're empty, and I've let the tyres down to 60-PSI."

The Elphinstone loadcells provide the most actuate on-board weighing system on the market. The beauty of the system is that when paired with the EasyWeigh reader, it can be connected to any trailer fitted with an Elphinstone system without requiring additional adjustment or calibration.

The Cummins Road Relay-5 unit is not a common option found on many trucks these days, but the system provides useable and unique features for drivers and fleet owners. The system has several functions that include providing accurate time monitoring of engine operating functions and conditions, recording and storing vital engine operating data and displaying engine fault code narrative.

Navigation around the Road Relay-5 is easy enough, with three top level menus, Data pages, Vehicle and configuration and settings menu. But more on how the Cummins Road Relay-5 operates later.

Under the bonnet is a Cummins Signature 600hp (447kW) that produces 2050 lb-ft (2779Nm) of torque, coupled to an Eaton 18-speed Roadranger. The rear axles are Meritor RT46-160GP with a 4.56:1 final drive ratio.

It was mid-morning when Adrian flicked the indicator to signal a left hand turn up the narrow bush track. Here, we get to see first-hand how the self-tracking BPW steering axles make manoeuvring the low loader around the tight bends and twists a lot easier. But it is not all plain sailing.

"You need to keep your wits about you when you're in the bush and have the trailer's steering wheels active," Adrian explained. "If you don't watch what you're doing, they can steer the trailer off the road in a worst-case scenario.

“I can lock them up electronically with a switch on the dash, which disables the steering action. For instance, the steering axles are locked in the straight-ahead position when reversing the trailer. This way, the trailer will behave like a traditional semi-trailer,” he said.

Overall, the steering axles on the trailer significantly improve tyre wear compared to fixed-axle units. Additionally, as the tyre scrubbing effect is reduced, there is minimal impact on the road surface.

Up around a few more corners and a friendly wave from the dozer owner signalled we'd arrived at our destination.

Adrian slowed down, pulled the truck and trailer straight, and flicked a switch on the dash. "It's imperative to roll forward in a straight line to ensure all the trailer wheels are facing straight ahead before engaging the steering lock," Adrian said.

He gently guided the trailer back into the bush clearing, paying attention to keeping the drive wheels on the hard, firm ground. "They've had a lot of rain down here in the past few weeks, so we won't be going back too far today," he added.

The old two-stroke 871-GM in the Terex took some gentle persuasion before finally coming to life on the cold frosty morning. Fifteen minutes later, the Dozer was safely in its new home, the float's ramps raised, all the chains and rachet turnbuckles stowed.

"Remember how I said those Terex dozers are a novelty machine," Adrian asked, "Well, the novelty wore off by the time I'd driven it off the trailer. But, my goodness, they are loud inside that cabin. It's little wonder the old fellas that used to drive them had hearing problems.

"All low loaders require a lot of maintenance," Adrian explained. "Especially ones with hydraulic suspensions because there are so many moving parts. But if you keep up the maintenance and keep everything finely adjusted, they work fine. They will steer where they are meant to steer and the hydraulic deck-height system functions as intended.

"I'm very particular about keeping up the maintenance on the truck and trailer," Adrian concluded. "The condition and presentation of our equipment reflect our pride in workmanship. We like to think that is why our customers come back to us."

Trailer Specs:
Model: Deck Widener Rear Steer Low Loader
Type: 4x4
Axles: BPW, self-steering
Hydraulics: 6.5hp Honda pull-start power pack
Storage: Internal chain trays
Ramps: Hydraulic
Spare wheel carrier: 4 x gooseneck mount
Lights: LED
Kingpin: 50mm fixed
Skid plate: Oscillating

Truck Specs
Model: Kenworth T909
Engine: Cummins Signature
Horsepower: 600hp (447kW) at 1850rpm
Torque: 2050lb/ft (2779Nm) at 1100rpm
Gearbox: Eaton RTLO20915B 18-speed Roadranger
Air cleaner: Dual Cyclopacs
Fuel filter: Fuel Pro and fuel/water separator
Electrical: 160A isolated alternator
Front axle: Meritor MFS73L
Front suspension: 7.2 T multi-leaf
Power steering: TRW Ross TAS 85
Rear axles: Meritor Rt46-160GP with DCDL
Rear axle ratio: 4.56:1
Rear suspension: Air-Glide
Brakes: HD (P-type) drum brakes with auto slacks
Windscreen: Two-piece, flat
Interior: Crimson cab trim, HD Diamond pleat vinyl
Seats: Charcoal HD Extreme air suspended driver's seat
Bumper: Polished alloy Bumper
Battery box: Slide tray LH under cab above tank
Extras: Severe Service Kit, Lower Radiator pipe shield, Remote diff breathers, Extended grease lines to clutch, Pearlcarft Steering wheel, Pearlcraft gear knob, Chassis checker-plate, Road Relay-5, Elphinstone Loadcells, Elphinstone EasyWeigh, AIR-CTI, Speaker LED Lights.

Here are a few examples of similar trailers from our classifieds, Click on the links to check them out:

2022 Lusty Lustec Tri Axle Deck Widener
2022 Lusty Lustec 4x4 Mini Quad
2022 Lusty Lustec 4x4 Deck Widener Rear Steer
1985 Lusty