UN2989 – 1996 WESTERN STAR 4964
The first in the fleet to be inducted is the mighty 4964 Western Star. New on the road for M&C Brown of Christchurch back in 1996, the big Star was put to work to service a contract with BOC Gases.
In an age before the Constellation Series, UN2989, or Grumpy as it was named at the time, was built with the smaller steel cab and the extended hood. Coupled with the full-length chassis side skirts, the tractor unit had a long sleek look all its own. Topping the build off, the boxes were ticked on both twin stainless steel exhausts and air cleaners.
Looking over the history of the Western Star, we find that it has also spent time in the fleets of Smith Cranes and Morris Mines pulling various trailers, as well as a stint in Tranzlink blue also in the mix. Now residing within the Greg Donaldson Contracting fleet of Ashburton, the big Star is front and centre specialising in machinery movements, pulling the company’s three rows of eight transporter.
“About 10 years ago, we were looking for a heavy-duty frontline tractor unit, and it was the 135-tonne rating that attracted us to the Western Star when we looked at purchasing it. It needed some work, but having that rating was the starting point we required. We have gone right through the truck, starting with a complete back-to-chassis rebuild in our own workshops, including a total strip-out and refit of the cab. It was built with a Cat 3406E originally, but we were looking for a bit more, so we sourced and fitted a fresh C15, as well as a new heavy-duty 18-speed Roadranger. We wanted it to be as reliable as a new unit, but for a fraction of the cost of new,” says Greg.
The GDC team takes a lot of pride in the big Star, and keeps it looking sharp. It is testament to the hard work that they put into its restoration and the ongoing maintenance, and most definitely proves without a doubt that if a truck is specced correctly, then there is absolutely no excuse that the best part of 30 years later, it can’t be still out there at the frontline every day earning a solid crust, and looking damn fine doing it as well.
