Fuso Canter 4×4 Field Review Words and Photography by Howard Shanks When it comes to specifying a vehicle to run in the remote west coast of Tasmania where the terrain is arguably the most inhospitable and rugged wildness in the land, the choice is limited. However Fuso’s Canter FG 4×4 is one vehicle that’s more…
The Riverview Run Words and Photography by Howard Shanks. The roads in far northwest Queensland are arguably some of the toughest in the world and that’s because they’re damn rough with deep river crossings often inhabited by dangerous crocodiles that lurk near the banks, yet for Hintz Livestock Transport and their 6900 Western Star it’s…
Hook, Line & Sinker – Kenworth T909 review Words and photos by Howard Shanks Hobart based Dillon Transport rely on Kenworth truck’s enviable and proven reputation for reliability for their sensitive live fish transport operation in southern Tasmania, as Howard Shanks discovered. Our love of and demand for salmon has risen exponentially in past decades…
It is midwinter in Northwest Canada where temperatures can drop to 40 below making it dangerous to leave any patch of skin uncovered. Yet it is only in midwinter when these gargantuan loads can be shifted as Howard Shanks discovered. At Dacro Industries Ltd in Edmonton, Alberta, it is a little after dark. Half a…
King Bullbar protects Mack SuperLiner with mDrive HD option Words and photography Howard Shanks (Images supplied by Kingbars – noted) Slingo Earthmoving have had Mack trucks working in their operation in one form or another for over 50 years and recently taken delivery of a new 685 horsepower Super-Liner coupled to an mDrive transmission with…
‘Ore-some’ Azmeb Quad Road Train Words and photos by Howard Shanks. Heading up the Lynd Road in Far North Queensland has until recently been a treacherous ordeal along a narrow pot holed road. Today, it’s all bitumen and there are fewer potholes, nevertheless it has still retained some of its notorious heritage which still tests…
Mercedes-Benz Actros 2658 Road Test Words and on-road photography by Howard Shanks (studio photography courtesy of Mercedes-Benz). Fuel economy is by far the biggest standout feature from the new Actros 2658 6×4 as Howard Shanks discovered on a recent test run from Sydney to Melbourne. A bleak cold winter morning with artic wind gusts greeted…
Freightliner Coronado FL114 in the Tall Timbers Words and photography by Howard Shanks The stunning looks of this Freightliner Coronado FL114 are not the only feature impressing driver Tim Knight as Howard Shanks discovered on a run into the rugged tall timber country of North East Tasmania. Sure enough, right on time, a silhouette of…
The Gangstar – Custom Western Star 4900 Story and Photography by Howard Shanks For well over a decade and half Western Star’s custom show winning 4900FX’s dominated major Australian truck shows, inspiring dreams and driving sales to an enviable market share. These prestigious rigs were the inspiration of, the marketing head at the time, Pat…
Scania’s R730 on the Long Run Words and Photography by Howard Shanks In the north of Western Australia, Iron Ore mining is the backbone of the region’s economy. In recent times the fall of Iron Ore’s price to below $60 a ton has many smaller mining operations questioning their on-going viability. Trimming operating costs to…