Powerstar powers on

Greg Robertson of Toowoomba-based Robertson Transport secured the first available Iveco Powerstar 7800 in 2012, and he says the truck has amply demonstrated its capability in the time since over nearly half a million kilometres.

Hauling either two or three livestock trailers over a territory that spans as far north as Cape York to Perth in Western Australia, the Powerstar 7800 sits among a fleet of 20 prime movers and 50 trailers.

In his understated way Robertson says the Iveco is "doing all right", and that it's at least the equal of the American trucks on his fleet.

The Powerstar 7800 represents a fusion of European, American and Australian expertise. The Robertson Transport Powerstar is powered by a 15-litre Cummins engine producing 600hp and 2050ftlb. It's mated to an 18-speed Eaton Roadranger gearbox, while the truck rolls on Meritor axles.

Relying on exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for emissions compliance, the engine doesn't need AdBlue like SCR-equipped units, and so also offers a tare weight advantage.

A team of Iveco Australia engineers worked tirelessly in the lead-up to the Powerstar 7800's release to develop an engine cooling package to handle the worst of an Aussie outback summer, while also honing the truck in myriad other areas to ensure its suitability for local conditions.

The company says the Powerstar 7800's class-leading wheel cut angles are just one example in this regard, delivering excellent manoeuvrability and a tighter turning circle in a triple trailer configuration.

With gruelling distances and harsh roads regularly on the agenda, Greg says comfort is a big factor for his drivers, and here the Powerstar 7800's Euro-designed cab delivers.

"The cabin's great; there's a lot of space, particularly if you're a big bloke – the drivers have commented very positively on this," he says.

Greg says he keeps his trucks for five or six years if they're good.

"They're not worth keeping any longer than that – they get too much of a battering out here," he says.

"There's no point rebuilding engines and gearboxes because the toll's too great on the rest of the truck."

He says the Powerstar 7800 has stood up to the abuse well, proving its worth in terms of durability, reliability and performance.

"It's done all right; I'd take a look at another Powerstar when we add to the fleet," Greg says.