Barely back from holidays and settled into work, the entire country was rocked to the core by a second severe earthquake heavily impacting Christchurch city.

The quake, centred close to Lyttelton at a depth of only 5km with a magnitude of 6.3, struck at 12.51pm on Tuesday 22 February. These dynamics translated into an intensity of shaking among the strongest ever recorded globally in an urban area.

The time of day could not have been worse, with many in the heart of the CBD back at the desk after lunch. Tragically, 185 people lost their lives, most unfortunately through building collapse, some triggered and preloaded after the quake five months earlier.

And if that was not enough, a third was waiting in the wings only a few months later. On 13 June at 2:20pm, another quake, this one a 6.0, caused another wave of destruction to the Garden City, obliterating what was left of any nerves.

In complete contrast, 29 April was a day of much delight and jubilation for us mere peasants of the Commonwealth.

We were roped in with 2-billion other viewers around the globe watching Will and Kate tie the knot.

The middle of the year marked a milestone in space travel, with the retirement of the Space Shuttle programme after 135 individual missions into orbit.

The missions were supposed to finish after the last trip. But when they returned from the 134th run into space, it was found that the replacement ship was not quite ready for despatch.

So,on 8 July, it was back into the DC again, and hook onto the quad loaded with fresh fruit and veg, Energizers, toilet paper and tinfoil, then head back to the ISS to restock the pantry and collect the Cheps one last time.

New Zealand’s major global attraction for 2011 – the Rugby World Cup – commenced on 9 September with much celebration and anticipation.

The hype that surrounded the games was palpable, as we all ended up in battle mode fighting to win the rights to tickets through the ballot system. There we were, hoping for tickets to the cup final at Eden Park, only to be informed that we were unsuccessful in that draw and instead had won the rights to purchase 27 tickets to the Botswana vs Turkmenistan pool K final for $407.90 each – plus booking fee.

A point worth noting is that the 2011 RWC holds the record for the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand, even larger than the America’s Cup of 2003 and the Taihape Gumboot Throwing Internationals of 1957, the year of the unfortunate steel-capped scandal.

In the wee hours of 5 October, we learnt there was a place called the Astrolabe Reef just off the coast of Mount Maunganui and that the installation of the new 75,000-tonne water feature and monument on top of said reef had been a storming success. Yes, at precisely 2:20am that morning, the MV Rena, owned by Greek shipping company Costamare Inc, had run aground directly on top of the reef as it was heading into Tauranga Port.

It was found that navigational errors were the cause, leaving us asking the question, how difficult was it for the skipper to navigate away from the gin bottle back towards the water bottle? On the trucking front, our selection of feature trucks for 2011 was an interesting polar shift on the year prior.

Throughout this year, we had the North Americans featuring on no less than six covers, the Japanese on three and the last two from Europe.

Once again, like last year, most have moved on from the original purchasers, while others have passed through multiple fleets. So, without further ado, we open the yearbook for 2011 and present to you New Zealand Trucking magazine’s class of ’11 and invite you now to drop in and see how well they have aged.

THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DIFF

Kenworth T904 Off-highway logging spec
Then: FLC340, CM Meihana
Now: Same owner

We kicked off 2011 in spectacular style, with the first of two Kaingaroa off-highway loggers to feature that year.

Charlie Meihana bought his Kenworth T904 with the vision of it being a 20-year truck. We commented, “many of the big hauliers around here are remarkably long-lived – when the operator gets the mix right, that is”.

As it powers into the second half of its projected operational life, Charlie clearly did just that. Given the off-highway payloads of 120-140 tonnes, he reckons it’s done remarkably well.

“It’s done over 1 million kilometres off-highway, about 28,000 engine hours,” says Charlie, who double-shifts the truck with his son Jesse. “I’ll never sell it. It’s immaculate inside and out. It’s never failed a CoF.”

One reason for that is Charlie’s meticulous approach to maintenance. At 11,000 hours, it had an engine rebuild, with another 15,000 hours later – just before last Christmas.

“Unfortunately, the conrod bolts (which have a stress spec and cannot be reused) weren’t replaced, which I did not know. So, one of them let go, and it punched a hole through the block.”

Other than that, it’s had a new radiator core and intercooler, a new compressor and a new turbo, and Charlie also replaced the actuators and injectors – “just to keep it in tip-top condition”.

After 7.5 years, he decided to swap in a brand-new factory gearbox too.

As for suspension, Charlie replaced the torque rod bushes every 4.5 years. The truck has gone through a couple of diffs, and both axles have had new bearings. However, the drive’s brake linings were only replaced for the first time last year, while the steerers are still original.

“We get a lot of comments on its condition,” says Charlie. “It still drives tight, too – like new. It’s been a real blessing our truck, considering the work it does and the nature of our job.”

LA CRÈME DE LA CRÈME JAPAN TOUGHENS UP THE HINO

Volvo FM480
Then: FMF973, Fonterra
Now: Hall Brothers Transport, Dunedin

Volvo trucks are often considered among the cream of the crop, or “la crème de la crème”, as we headed our main test of one of the 50 new FM480s Fonterra added to its fleet for 2011. If there’s one fleet that might hint at the capabilities of its chosen truck, Fonterra would be right up there.

Packed full of operation-specific technology and sporting Fonterra’s (at the time) new livery, FMF973 originally joined the Clandeboye fleet – which we reported would collectively rack up 19,000,000km per season.

Now in the hands of Dunedin-based Hall Brothers Transport, its current mileage is a cool 1,300,000km. For the past four or so years, the truck has mainly been doing tip-truck work around the Dunedin area, carting to and from construction sites and the odd outof-town job.

“We have purchased a few of these ex-Fonterra trucks over the years, and for value and driver comfort for the money, there is nothing better on the market,” says operations manager Marcus Bulger.

Marcus adds that other than general wear and tear, the only issue has been the I-Shift gearbox playing up. Thanks to Dunedin’s Diesel transport Service, a new control housing with the original ECM solved the problem.

LA CRÈME DE LA CRÈME JAPAN TOUGHENS UP THE HINO

Hino 700 Series FY2945 AIR
Then: FRT774, (PR & BJ Martin) NZ Post
Now: MYF515, RNS Transport, Auckland

April’s test of the new Hino 700 in NZ Post livery was also one of the first to showcase the 22m HPMV configurations just starting to enter service.

This 55-tonne GCM, eight-axle truck and trailer unit was operated by Phil Martin and was, in fact, his fourth big Hino.

The 700 Series FY2945 and 10.5m Fruehauf trailer was a regular sight on Phil’s 795km Taupo-Auckland-Rotorua run, which he’d already been doing for the past 14 years when we ran the test. To bring the 700 in line with HPMV requirements, all that was needed was to shift the Ringfeder back.

With 450hp (331kW) on tap, what really impressed us about the 12.9-litre, Euro-4 via EGR powerplant was the delivery of its 2157Nm torque. “The Hino puts up a respectable fight,” we commented, comparing it to Paccar’s MX and Cummins’s ISX units.

Drive was sent to the Hendrickson Air rear axle via an 18-speed Roadranger and 4.555:1 diff.

Today the truck runs out of Howick for RNS Transport, owned by Ronesh Sharma.

CORONADO PACKS A PUNCH

Freightliner Coronado
Then: 1DD151, Summerland Express Freight
Now: Same owner

Our first encounter with the new Freightliner conventional for the 2010s came dressed in the bright green colours of Cro Jellmwell’s Summerland Express Freight and was christened ‘Jelley Baby’ after its original driver, then 60-year-old Arthurey.

When compared with its predecessor, the Century Class, we declared that the Freightliner Coronado heralded “purposeful, aggressive styling” and “certainly packed a punch”, thanks to its new Detroit DD15 powerplant.

As we reported, Summerland owner Ross ‘Smilie’ Millard was determined to be the first to put the new engine on the road in New Zealand – a Detroit Diesel fan through and through, it was no wonder Summerland and Detroit Diesel became synonymous.

Maintained in-house, Jelley Baby’s 418kW (560hp) DD15 was rebuilt at 1,100,000km, and the truck has now clocked up 1,660,000km.

Today, Jelley Baby is still an integral part of the Summerland fleet and is the pride of current driver Craig Hewlett.

The duo runs general freight, with some tip work when required, mainly between Christchurch and Dunedin with the odd trip between Christchurch and Cromwell.

“Other than a few minor issues over the years, Jelley Baby has been a good truck that still does a good day’s work,” says Barbara Millard.

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

Western Star Constellation 4800FXC 8×4
Then: FUG674, Mike Lambert Ltd
Now: Same owner

When we tested the Mike Lambert Western Star Constellation, we stated, “… a ‘Made in the US’ sticker is what many in the logging game look for when it comes to buying a truck…” This new American was “making some big ripples in the bush”, and we set out to find out why alongside driver Murray Croft.

Ten years down the track and still carting logs for Mike Lambert Ltd, predominantly to local Northland sawmills or for export to the port at Marsden Point, the reasoning behind those initial observations have definitely been proved.

Tony Cummins, Holmes Group general manager, which took over Mike Lambert Ltd, says that the company has had several Western Stars and none has given many problems. This unit was equipped with the Detroit Diesel Series 60 EGR engine, putting out 391kW (525hp), and 18-speed Roadranger combo.

“The Detroit motors are an honest workhorse. It is about to hit 1,000,000km and has had very little done to it other than a new turbo. Most servicing and maintenance have been done in company workshops,” Tony says.

Over the decade, it has had only three drivers, with Ricky Corpuz being on it for three years.

“It will still be going to work every day for a few years to come,” says Tony.

THOR POINT

Scania R730 LA6x4MNA
Then: R730V8, Grandlit Transport (Daily Freight)
Now: Rudsits Transport, Papakura

A new bearer of the highest-horsepower crown is always a technological and performance achievement accompanied by intrigue and fanfare.

So much so that when we featured the new Scania R730 in July 2011, it was with a double test of the Grandlit Transport (Daily Freight Express) R730 LA6x4MNA Highline sleeper cab and the Rob Dham Logging R730 LB8x4MSA – the first R730 on logs in New Zealand. On both trucks, we concluded, “How much better can it get?”

With 1,375,000km behind it now, the Daily Freight R730 cover star today resides with Papakura-based Rudsits Transport, which purchased it in March 2018 when it showed up at sister company Broshmik Trucks with engine issues.

“Broshmik Trucks stripped it to a cab and chassis and sent it for a full panel and paint job. A low-millage, second-hand engine was fitted, along with hydraulics. An extensive amount of custom work was completed, including exhaust system, rear bumper, guards, sun visor, stone guard, and lighting,” says operations manager Brock Rudsits.

Since then, it’s done a variety of work, towing bottom dumpers, flat-decks, transporters, curtain-siders, over-dimensional work, and even as a yard truck.

However, most of the work for R730V8 consists of tipping artic work. “Bulk tipping is primarily where our work lies, so it makes sense to use it in that field, even though it might be a bit of overkill,” says Brock.

“The positives, the entire country seems flat now,” he says.

“Negatives, it can get a bit rowdy.”

THE MACTACULAR LEGEND

Mack Titan
Then: Papanui 5, Vern Higgins
Now: Wilson Brothers Earthmoving, Opotiki

A 100-tonne Mack Titan prowling the Kaingaroa in the colours of Vern Higgins & Sons… it’s hard to imagine a more enticing cover prospect.

At the time, Papanui 5 (Big Daddy) was the latest in a line of Vern Higgins Macks stretching back 26 years.

It featured a distinct Viking theme, green flames and “The Beast From the East” moniker, referencing Vern’s East Coast heritage – and, most likely, the Titan’s immense capability.

With the venerable 600hp (448kW) 15-litre ISX teamed up with Mack’s own 18-speed manual and a 160,000kg Meritor rear axle, there’s little Papanui 5 couldn’t be tasked with.

After about six years off-highway, the Titan joined the fleet of Wilson Brothers Earthmoving in Opotiki. The Titan, says Harry Wilson, has become a bit of a ‘garage queen’, parked up in a shed preserving its value.

“At the time, I thought it was a lot of truck for the money. The plan was to make it a transporter but then I ended up buying a Super-Liner which I thought was a better option,” he explains.

“We’ve done nothing to it other than take the logging gear off it. It still runs,” Harry says, adding he’s had offers.

“A few people have asked me whether I wanted to sell it and put it back to what it was doing. But trucks are getting dearer, and the wait for them is getting longer. We like to keep a spare up our sleeve.”

KENWORTH LOOKS FORWARD

Kenworth T408
Then: TLL10, Tranz Liquid Logistics
Now: KUE28, Abernethy Contracting, Gore

The second Kenworth to feature in 2011 came in September and was quite the opposite to Charlie Meihana’s T904. This time round it was the T408, which introduced a new look for bonneted Kenworths – and some impressive new technology.

It featured in Tauranga-based Tranzliquid colours, hauling a tri-axle tanker. When the T408 joined the fleet, Tranzliquid owner Greg Pert saw it as a “significant truck”.

We reported that Greg “actively sourced the safety options on the rig, which is believed to be the first fully EBSS-equipped [Electronic Brake Safety System] Kenworth in Australasia”.

Part of the EBSS suite included the Active Cruise Control with Brakes (or ACB), a radar-guided cruise control system that we concluded was “a neat little machine”.

The T408’s current owner, Craig Abernethy, agrees. “Yep, it’s still got that, and it still does what it should. In fact, everything still works fine on the truck,” he told us.

“It’s pretty high spec’d and people told me the original owners would’ve done everything to the book.”

While the truck had gone through a couple of hands beforehand, Craig says his short time with KUE28 has been trouble-free.

He’s had it for about six months now and uses it to cart the company’s three diggers around the Gore area. “It’s a pretty cruisy life,” he says.

“It will probably do 20,000km a year with us.” Not a bad gig for a truck with almost 1,400,000km under its wheels.

CHILL THRILL

UD GW26-470 Quon Air Suspension 6×4
Then: CALCON, Calcon
Now: No longer registered, written off

The UD GW26-470 Quon featuring in our October issue had a noble start.

One of six UDs (and Nissans) in the fleet of Christchurch civil engineering and construction firm Calcon, it was called into action in the aftermath of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes to do its bit rebuilding the city.

The Euro-5 via SCR and EGR model featured UD’s GE13TD engine, good for 340kW (470hp) and 2255Nm. It was coupled to a good-ol’ 18-speed Roadranger.

While it was concluded 400hp would’ve been sufficient for Calcon’s work, the extra 70hp of grunt was appreciated by driver Richard Blomquist.

Our test concluded: “Despite being near enough a completely new vehicle model … it’s still cut from the same cloth, and we’d be very surprised if it doesn’t go on to achieve the same reputation for reliability and driver satisfaction that previous generations have achieved.”

And so it did, remaining in the Calcon fleet when the company was sold to Higgins Contractors in 2013, soldiering on without issue to 2018. At this point, it met an unfortunate demise, being written off in an accident.

“It ran fine for us. There were no issues with it. They’re good trucks,” we were told by Hamish Waddell, operations manager for Higgins Christchurch.

THE ULTIMATE EXECUTIVE DECISION

Kenworth K108E 2.3m Aerodyne 8×4
Then: K2OO, Guy Knowles Transport
Now: JTA266, Brenics, Christchurch

Could there have been a better fleet to take on the world’s first K108E 8×4 2.3m Aerodyne rigid than that of Guy Knowles? Back in November 2011, the K108E was punted by Southpac as a facelift.

But there’s no doubt its look is almost universally associated with the K200 model designation that came later with the introduction of the SCR engine.

That was a characteristic Gary Johnstone, managing director of Brenics, was happy to use to the company’s advantage when he bought JTA266 from Guy about three years ago.

“Whilst it’s a K108E, it’s still a K200 to me, and what that did to the image of Brenics, even though it was second-hand, was really good. It lifted the profile of the company dramatically,” he says.

“When we bought it, we didn’t need to paint it – we just put a lime green stripe over where Guy had his red stripe and put Brenics curtains on it. It’s interesting, the truck has never been known as an ex-Guy Knowles unit. People just haven’t picked it up,” Gary laughs.

Gary fell immediately in love with it and drove it full time for more than 18 months. Today the truck runs full-time linehaul between Christchurch and Dunedin, and Christchurch and Nelson.

Now, with 1,450,000km on the clock, Gary says it has had a bit done to it mechanically. “But it’s still a real great truck. You can just keep rebuilding a Kenworth, so it will continue to be an important part of our fleet for the next few years.

“The truck is very dear to me. I have a soft spot for it.”

ISUZU GOES BUSH

Isuzu CYH530 LS 8×4 tipper
Then: FWN966, Forestry Roading Services
Now: FWN966

There’s always one… Unfortunately attempts to track down the current owner of FWN966 proved unfruitful. The last we were aware it was in and around the Wellington region.

When we featured it in the December 2011 issue, the Isuzu Giga CYH530 8×4 tipper was employed by Forestry Roading Services (FRS), and we caught up with it in the Mount Allan block, in the ranges just outside Mosgiel. At 390kW (530hp), it was a bit more powerful than the 400 and 460 Isuzus in the FRS fleet at the time.

With drive going through an 18-speed Roadranger, it was
the cross lock and Eaton Detroit lockers that festooned the rear axles which came in for praise.

“These trucks have wonderful differentials… they just don’t seem to want to die,” said its driver at the time Lindsay Alexander.

The unit was fitted with custom rear shock absorbers to mitigate road irregularities.

“If Mount Allan can’t break it, you have to wonder what it takes to make them bleed,” we concluded. We’d love to know how accurate we were… If anyone knows how this truck is doing today, let us know.