Stand Out: Truckworks’ custom Kenworth T609 tow truck

Words: John Pier · Original photography from the ACT archive

John Pier talks to the Towing Manager, and driver, of Truckworks’ T609, Brendon Levi, about the rig and its performance on the job.

Adelaide based Truckworks has created a masterpiece with its Kenworth T609 – combining a modern paint scheme with an unusual colour combination. The result is a stunning looking tow truck. However, owning stand out vehicles is what Truckworks has done for years.

Today’s fleet consists of a T609 6X4, K200 10X4, and a Peterbilt 8×6.

Lynden Reynolds, owner of Truckworks, puts a lot of thought and effort into presenting his trucks which effectively become moving billboards for his tow business. Truckworks Towing Manager and driver of the T609, Brendon Levi, notes the truck as being a versatile recovery unit that he loves to drive.

Brendon says the customisation was built around the grille. “Starting at the front green grille, the truck has been put together around it, and it looks a treat,” he says.

“Nothing feels better than driving this up the highway. I think it’s the best truck in the fleet,” he says with a broad grin.

The 609 has a modern paint scheme, murals and the bling which has come together to provide one very impressive truck.

Even the usually red Cummins ISX engine received the treatment, being painted green before being fitted in at the Kenworth factory.

The Cummins is reportedly set at 700 hp and is coupled to a 22918 gearbox with 50/170 diffs sitting on AG460 suspension.

Bolted to the Cummins is a Century 70/35 wrecker manufactured by Miller Industries in the USA. It has two 35,000 lb winches and a coach under lift.

“The 609 is a very lightweight, versatile wrecker, a very handy unit. It isn’t the biggest truck in the fleet, we have a 10-75 5 rotator which is good for really big recoveries and lifting but this is an ideal unit for either handling a triple road train, B-double rollover or a HR recovery,” explains Brendon. Brendon originally started working at Truckworks seven years ago as a mechanic and it was the opportunity to assist with a couple of recoveries that saw him obtain his tow truck licence.

“After one assist, I did more and more and as I already had my HR licence, Truckworks gave me the opportunity to get my towing licence. I got trained up by the boys and have learnt a great deal,” explained Brendon.

“Today, I wake up every day with a smile on my face. I look forward to coming to work. It’s a very satisfying job. You never know each day what you will be doing, where you will be going or what will confront you.

It’s not only the accident but the terrain, where the accident happened and the weather; it all plays a part and no two sets of circumstances are the same. I love the challenge, it’s all about using your equipment and your knowledge to the best of your abilities without doing more damage or endangering anyone.”

The Kenworth is decked out with all the creature comforts, including a TV and fridge.

“We can do up to two days, but we do it in comfort, we can plug in the laptop or watch a DVD.”

On the outside, the truck has extensive customisation. The alloy buds were imported from America. There is extensive LED lighting, with LED lights under the bunk, front bumper, fuel tanks and tool lockers.

Leather seats have been fitted, there is a custom gear knob and the glove box has been painted. It has dual 7” cut off exhausts with custom cut exhaust shrouds. The stainless steel was laser cut by 3R Laser.

The Kenworth was originally a single grey colour. Truckworks added the second grey to the colour scheme while Rod Tickle applied his magic with the signwriting and murals.

Brendon’s recoveries can see him end up interstate, with permits to cover themselves 24/7 for over height, over width and overweight.

“We abide by these permits when we can, but when we can’t, we contact the relevant authorities and tell them our situation, and obtain the relevant permits. Sometimes you need to move things off of the side of the road, a tanker road train, you can’t leave them on the road verge,” he explains.

Truckworks have embraced modern technology and use digital cameras as much as possible. When Brendon arrives at a recovery, he takes photos that are uploaded to his laptop and sent to authorities, clients, insurance companies and back to the office.

“A picture says a thousand words and the photos give them an idea of what we are dealing with and then they will hopefully leave us alone to do our job. If you can send them a few photos they can see how bad their vehicle is or what damage has been done to the freight, it can put their minds at ease,” says Brendon.

Truckworks like their trucks to be seen and they can be found at truck shows and country shows.

“We will take them anywhere we can if they are free that weekend. We work in with the country CFS volunteers, police and ambulance, they have wives and kids that love to jump in it and have their pictures taken. I don’t mind showing it off, it’s a great looking rig,” he says.

Rear Vision: where are they now?

Do you know where this truck is today, or have an update on its story? We would love to hear from its owners, drivers or anyone who helped build it.