The day cab Superliner

The day cab Superliner being prepared by Truckstops Wiri for its journey back to certification and back onto the road. Note the turntable and subframe has been lifted off from the container locks that hold it into place. The truck is set up to run either as a tractor unit or as a tipper, having the turntable lifted off and a tipper body attached. Unfortunately the tipper body and locks didn't come as part of the auction however the intention is to use it as a tractor unit anyway. Note the massive diesel tanks and the two heads visible of the massive V8. Apparently she started easily after the mechanics wound it over on the starter to make sure it had oil pressure, pushed the engine stop cable back to the dash and fired up. The prognosis at this point is a chassis sandblast and paint, and a good run to see how sound the motor is. The branch Manager Nigel believes this truck had recent motor work which is good news if correct.

The doors on this truck are remarkably rust free, and open and shut easily. The top grill piece is new looking and in good condition, certainly doesn't look 25 years old - a bit like me. 

Self-loader, 8 wheeler.

The MH Mack 454 one of the last few Macks assembled in NZ, converted to a tipper and a log crane added prepares to crush and pick up a load of drums.

This truck has had a lot of teething problems since its conversion from a curtain-sider but is now coming into its work. It had fallen into disrepair after coming out of the TFL fleet into contract work. It was originally a tanker truck then converted to a curtain sider truck and trailer.

The crane is Jonsred 1070 with a 7.9m extension.

Lot 532 finds a new home.

A day after the auction, checking out the Superliner. A smart looking 86 Model. Hope to get it started Monday, certified and off for a panel and paint. Very straight and tidy, chassis needs a spruce and some water damage in the cab - probably from the top vent. Syd is checking out the tool box, probably looking for some lunch.

Superliner on idle.

The Superliner parked and waiting to move into place for a load.

Trailers made upside down, downunder.

Two photos here of a tipping trailer being made. This is a bathtub model or Burrel bin by another name. The curved bottom is to ensure heavy material always centres toward the middle when tipping, this avoids a big piece of concrete or steel sticking in one corner and  maybe the trailer going over when tipping. This model is 10 metres long and once up right and on its wheels will be almost four metres high. The bin has no chassis and tips by shortening the overall wheel base of the truck and trailer as the hoist goes up, the front two axles lifting off the ground. A smart operator or loader knows to put ugly or awkard steel, concrete or other material close to the back door. This is the 2nd week's work and should be ready in another 2 or so to go to the paintshop.

The CH back working with a new clutch dwarfed by a backdrop featuring a steel mill in full production. Note the trailer raised on its backwheel tipping onto a shredder pile. Today the truck did a return run to the north carting scrap steel showing the versatility a hard working Mack offers.

Whoops there goes the clutch.

The clutch on this 454hp Mack Elite went yesterday morning, the centre of the clutch plate collapsing. There are some minor associated problems with the spigot shaft, seals, lever arm and it had to be towed to the workshop in Wiri. This truck has been with us about 4 years and does a relatively high mileage daily. Unlike the earlier models it is comfortable to drive though a characteristic of these engines, which range from around 430 - 470 hp is that they fade on the hills and rely on an 18 speed gearbox to keep speed. In particular the steering wheel is downsize and less like a tractor steering wheel of the R and Superliner models, fairly good vision over the bonnet as well. This model largely avoided the European influence found in the cab over that superceded the ultra liners. I'm sure my next photos of this will be of this ex South Island truck, trailered up and working.