Shine on at Tassie’s annual Truck Show — 2019

Howard Shanks reports on the trucks and people at the 2019 Tasmanian Truck Show.

Words by Howard Shanks. Photography by Howard Shanks.

The number of entrants in the 2019 annual Tasmanian Truck Show might have been down from the previous year, but the quality and presentation of the machinery was some of the best seen in years. The show is hosted by the Lions Club of Deloraine at the spacious Agfest site just out of Carrick, 20 minutes west of Launceston in February each year.

The down turn in numbers was attributed to the large number of fires still burning in the state.

Nonetheless, it was pleasing to see a number of fleets that made a huge effort to have their equipment highly polished and on display that included a wide example of Kenworth models from Gradco and wide selection of Treloar’s International models, from the earliest to the latest Prostar.

Hazel Bros, had their K200 on display coupled to the first full size A-Double that is about to enter service in the state under a high productivity PBS vehicle scheme. We’ve booked a full detailed follow up article on this unit when it goes into service. Also on hand was one of their heavy haulage V8 Value-liners.

Another interesting truck on display was the 1959 Mack B75 with L-Cab. This imported truck is one in Dick Beckett’s collection and was an absolute pleasure to see at the show. The B75 models were a highway series with a longer bonnet than the B61’s commonly sold in Australia during the sixties. The larger bonnet meant more leg room and improved steering angle for long haul operations. The “L” designation featured more aluminium components to reduce weight. This B75 was powered by a Mack Thermodyne that produced 205 HP and 615 lbft torque. To get an idea of how much longer the B75 bonnet was compare it to the B61 with the log jinker on the back.

Highland Haulage’s recently restored LTL certainly attracted plenty of admirers and according to reports had only just returned from a trip across to Perth in Western Australia. A quick bit of history on the LTL model, Ford introduced this model in 1976 as an affordable model for long haul drivers and as a competitor to the Mack Superliner, Peterbilt 359, Kenworth W900 and GMC General. The longer bonnet and set forward front axle allowed room for larger engines and was a mechanic’s dream as there was easy access for routine servicing under the bonnet.

CR & S Jones, presented their 4800 Western Star complete with tautliner and T909 hauling a drop deck with the old International that owner Calvin Jones started his trucking career in.

Meantime there were also plenty of activities for the kids with jumping castle, mini-jeeps and roller balls.

The aim of the Lions Club is to provide a central location for Dealers, Owners and Drivers to display their trucks and to actively promote safety within the trucking industry.

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