Bulldog Vol 4

Volume 4 Winter 2006

®

WORLD RECORD POSTER INSIDE

macktrucks.com.au

Its aerodynamic shape puts up an attractive argument for operating efficiency. But the beauty of the Vision is more than skin deep. Under the bonnet you ll find 370Hp, 410Hp, 435Hp or 470Hp new generation Mack EA7 CCRS power, so fuel bills won t be too ugly either. Have a look at the wide range of cab, sleeper and

MACK VISION

drive train options and you ll see that this is onetruck that can handle almost any highway - and do it your way. Mack Vision, take a closer look.

Once again I am pleased to introduce this edition of the BulldogNews to you.

In particular I am very proud of the photo shown on our front cover.The truck it features will go down in history as one of the toughestever built. You can read the full story of our world record win on thefollowing pages. As part of our feature on this unforgettable event, wealso pay tribute to a special man. John Atkinson was behind the wheelon February 18, when the mighty Titan made history. Through hiswork with us over the past 15 years, John has sat behind the wheel ofmany a Mack truck, delivering them safely to customers nationwide.During the past decade we have called on John’s experience to helpus improve our product and test our trucks in some fairly demandingsituations. There’s no doubt we are a better company for having hiswealth of knowledge to draw from. We needed a great truck to get usover the finish line for the world record. But we needed a great drivertoo. Luckily, we have both.

From world records to best sellers, I am excited to see how ourMetro-Liner has dominated the light construction market over thepast 12 months. It was our highest selling truck for 2005 and had thecompetition watching our every move. Some of you may havenoticed that other ‘Kompanies’ have followed suit and released alightweight eight-wheeler rigid conventional of their own. As thesaying goes, imitation is the finest form of flattery! Jokes aside, thereality is that the light construction sector represents a highly soughtafter chunk of the heavy duty market share and it makes goodbusiness sense for others to try and muscle in. What we have on thetable though is a proven product that has raised the bar considerablyin this sector and our continued growth is a good indication of this.

I would like to take this opportunity to make a very big welcometo Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV). As the newest kennelmember, CMV offers a dedicated and professional focus on theretail side of things for the South Australian and Victorian states,allowing us to focus on delivering innovative products at anaccelerated rate. Mack is extremely excited about this alliance andthe improvements it can offer our customers.

Until next season

Gary BoneSenior Vice President Mack Trucks Australia

Special thanksThank you to Scott Curtis of Werribee in Victoria for his photography work at Trucks in Action.

Published byMarket to Market CommunicationsPhone: 0401 146 103Fax: 07 3398 2493

CopyrightNo part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means withoutpermission. Permission must also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrievalsystem of any nature. Whilst every care is taken with submitted material to ensure factual accuracy, noresponsibility can be accepted by Mack Trucks Australia or any editor or contributor for any loss ordamage arising as a result of information contained in this publication. The views expressed byindividual contributors and not necessarily those of Mack Trucks Australia.

t h i s i s s u e

w e l c o m eCOVER STORIES

FEATURES

REGULARS

06 Making HistoryTitan Hauls World Record Load

12 Classic Mack StyleNow Street Legal for B-Doubles

14 Size Matters10x4 Metro-Liner enters the Mix

13 Mack’s Military Muscle Cleaning up Cyclone Larry

16 Living his DreamProving the bite of the Bulldog is infectious

10 Welcome to the PackTipping the Scales of Success

11 Welcome to the PackBush-bashin’ for a Living

12 ProductsTalking technical

18 Dog BitesLatest news and views

20 Start LineNathan Petty: Say good-bye to the Sideline

22 Sales FocusTruckworld Rental Division

23 Events

24 Mack Merchandise

26 LettersTake our quiz and see if you’re a true Bulldog

We’re ready to launch our FUPScampaign so keep

an eye out for thisattractive fella!

Big. Bold and Burly. This image pretty much speaksfor itself. It’s the world record breaking Titan thathauled a 1300 tonne load to reclaim the GuinnessWorld Record for the longest road train ever pulledwith a single prime mover. Measuring just shy of 1475metres, the record helped raise more than $25,000 for theVanessa Memorial Cancer Care Fund. The event wassponsored by Hogs-Breath Café with locals of the Cliftonarea lending a much needed hand. A special thanks toLionel Moore Trailers who donated a trip to New Zealandfor eight nights to be drawn amongst those whovolunteered trailers, dollies and tractors. We would also liketo thank the hundreds of truckies, mechanics, volunteersand suppliers for their support during the day. Withoutyour help, this new record could not have been set.

Front cover image reprinted with permission of PowerTorque magazine

o n t h e c o v e r

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Do your kids like to draw Mack trucks? If youhave a budding da Vinci at home, send us oneof their best. We are searching high and low forthe front cover of our 2006 Christmas card. Ifyou think you’re on to a winner, please send allentries to: Leah Davis, Mack Trucks Australia,PO Box 364, Richlands Q 4077. The winner willtake home a Kids Mack Pack valued at $120.

It’s Competition Time

24

10

WORLD

RECORD6 The BULLDOG Magazine

Mack hauls one hell of a load to take back the world record.Along the east coast of Australia, under ahot late-February sun, 70-year old truckdriver John Atkinson climbs behind thewheel of a Mack Titan. Anxiously lookingon is a crowd of 8,000 people, includingofficials from the Guinness Book ofRecords. In John’s rear view mirror,hooked to the Titan, are 113 trailersstretching back almost 1.5 kilometresalong the main road of Clifton, a tiny townon the Darling Downs nestled 57kilometres south of Toowoomba.

John’s job? Harness the power of theheavy-duty Mack truck to move this 1300tonne load 100 metres and recapture theworld record for the longest road train everpulled with a single prime mover.

Although the Titan’s job on this day is tohaul more than one hundred times its ownweight, it is a base tri-drive model – nomodifications made – built locally atMack’s Wacol factory.

Despite the soaring temperatures,

John, with 50 years of transport industryexperience, remains cool, having been atthe helm in 2003 when Mack first set theworld record. Like last time, the event israising funds for an invaluable cancerappeal. But this year, there are twice asmany spectators and a lot more trailers!No big deal for John. With steely nervesand the 18-speed clutch-work of aseasoned veteran, he eases the Titan’s620-horsepower engine into gear, and thelong train bursts forward, its front wheelslifting off the ground. Back on tar, theTitan starts forward.

As John steady’s the roaring Titan, theexcitement is electric. It’s hard for those ofus in the crowd who have been involvedfrom the beginning not to reflect on howthis all started.

In 2002 Mick Boyce, an agricultural pilotnow living in Bowen, Queensland, came upwith a plan to help raise money for cancersufferers and their families. Mick’s world

had been turned upside down after a closefriend lost his daughter to leukaemia.Determined to make a difference to cancervictims, Mick decided to attempt theworld’s longest road train pull – kickstarting a fundraising campaign that wouldultimately see more than $40,000 raised forthe Vanessa Memorial Cancer Care Fund.

But getting the idea off the groundwasn’t easy.

“Getting the 2003 attempt readydepended a lot on the help and good willof other people. We had to find a heap oftrailers, a heap of volunteers, a heap ofbusinesses to make donations and on topof all that, we had to find truck drivers andentertainment and sort out insurance.

“And just for my troubles I got a heap ofgrey hairs too!

“Thankfully, Mack came forward andhelped us out with the biggest thing ofall. They donated a Titan built especiallyto do the job.”

World Record for Mack

WORLD

RECORDThe BULLDOG Magazine 7

Top: An overjoyed driver John Atkinson celebrates his victory with wifeMichelle (far left) while organiser Mick Boyce punches the air

Middle: The mighty Mack Team gather in front of the super-star Titan – they are Number 1

Bottom: During the day more than 8,000 people called in to Clifton for alook at the Titan

Right: Photo taken at 10.30am shows a lot of work still to be done

ord for Mack

John’s 1950 Commer

Who is John Atkinson? His face hasbeen all over the news lately as the Kingof the Road after steering the worldrecord breaking Mack Titan into thehistory books.

Those who know John describe himas very hard working, respected and‘one of a kind’. Even on rainy days youcan bet he will have a smile on his face.

Please meet John, Johnnie to hisfriends, a trucking legend in his own right.

With more than 50 years experiencedriving trucks, John was the obviouschoice for the world record task. Hestarted young, at age 14, driving a 1949Diamond T to deliver groceries to farmersfrom his dad’s general store inTallygaroopna, Victoria. He was 17 beforethe local police came calling andsuggested he apply for a licence. “No testneeded,” they said. They’d seen him outon the back roads making his rounds.

With more interest in sport than hisschool work, John was a natural bornathlete. He was an A graderepresentative in both football andcricket, and believes that hisachievements in team sport gave himthe confidence and ability to managemost situations in life.

From delivery driver to engineer for alocal firm, at the age of 29 John decidedto go out on his own. He bought a newLeyland Beaver and a stock crate, andmoved stumps to Goulburn to start abusiness of his own.

In a short period of time Johnestablished the largest livestock transportbusiness in the Goulburn district, provinghis ability as a top operator.

But he didn’t stop there. John has atrue enterprising spirit and what beganas a transport business quickly grewover the years to include five farms, adry cleaning business, Laundromat,boutique store, industrial buildings andproperty development.

However, it is John’s love of trucksthat always remained. John built hisbusiness on top service, punctuality andrespect. To this day he believes thatevery employee has their ownpersonality and you need to respect thatand learn how to operate as a team.

During his 22 years in Goulburn, Johnoperated a mixed fleet including Mack,Mercedes Benz and International. By thetime he left Goulburn in 1986, he hadtravelled more than 12 millionkilometres.

Now living in Brisbane, John wasoffered his first glimpse inside Mack in1991 after taking a factory tour of theRichlands site. He was approached byThierry Brisson, the Senior VicePresident for Mack at the time, whooffered him a job as a contractordelivering the CHR and CLR units tosouthern and western branches. With hiswife Michelle by his side, the rest, asthey say, is history.

John’s partnership with Mack hasspanned more than 15 years. Hisknowledge and expertise have beencalled upon many times to help with thetrouble shooting and fine tuning of theMack product. He is a true and trustedmember of the Mack team.

Now with his son Lee by his side,John continues to give 100% to his workwith Mack. His old fashioned, easy goingstyle gives him a warmth that few canresist. His lifetime of work within thetransport industry gives him an honestvalue few can match.

Behind the Wheel with

John

8 The BULLDOG Magazine

It took Mick almost a year to prepare theevent. The tiny town of Mungindi, located onthe QLD/NSW border, was chosen to host theevent because of its close connection to thetrucking industry. Mick also wanted to see asmall community benefit from the event.

As thousands gathered on the outskirts ofMungindi in March 2003, the mighty Titaneasily set a new and greatly prized worldrecord. The road train pulled 87 trailers in total,over a distance of 330 metres. The truck andtrailers totaled 1.235 kilometres in length, theequivalent of 12 football fields.

The Titan broke the previous world recordof 79 trailers held by a Kenworth tri-driveC501T set in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Itseemed the Kalgoorlie organisers were keento get the record back when one short yearlater, they replied to Mack’s win with asuccessful attempt of their own.

Spurred on by Queensland pride, Mick set towork to reclaim the record and bring it hometo the Sunshine State. Mick was determined toput an end to the record ping-pongingbetween the two states.

This time Mick really wanted to smash therecord. He wanted to use more trailers thananyone had dared suggest. Mick rolled up hissleeves and dedicated the next year of his life toplanning the 2006 attempt. He called on the helpof his friends from Mungindi, and approachedMack for their support one last time.

Gary Bone, Senior Vice President forMack Trucks Australia, did not hesitate toget behind the event.

“We saw the terrific results that came fromour involvement in the 2003 event. Thousandsof dollars were raised for a very worthy causeand that is what we are most proud to be apart of. Records are made to be broken, we allknow that. But this event provides us with a

Running repairs kept volunteers busy

Mechanics escape the searing temperatures for a few minutes

The BULLDOG Magazine 9

way of truly helping others.”With the nod coming from the top, a tri-

drive Titan was put into build at the factory.It took only two short weeks for the Titan toroll off the assembly line.

Mick approached the great minds ofJohn Atkinson and Gary Richards, Mack’sManager of Product Order andFulfillment, to see what they thoughtabout trailer numbers. With a firm idea inmind, the collection of man-power andmachinery began.

At 5.00am on Saturday 18th February,Mick gathered with 25 Mack mechanics andnumerous other volunteers at the Cliftonsite to begin assembling trailers. It is a jobthat would take more than nine hours tocomplete, in conditions reaching 37º.

“We had planned to have 120 trailersassembled which would have given usalmost 1700 metres in length,” explainsMick. But problems setting up meantreaching this goal wasn’t possible. Some ofthe transport providers involved weren’table to volunteer their dollies as arranged,

delaying the start of the event by morethan two hours while the frantic search foradditional dollies began. John, waitingpatiently beside the Titan, began to worryabout the reliability of the road. As thebitumen began to bubble, water truckswere called in to help cool it down.

By 1.40pm there were 2020 wheels, 506axles and more than 2000 sets of brakesready for action.

And here we are. Back on the side ofthe road at Clifton. The sound of the Titanroaring towards us. There are thousandsof people cheering along both sides of thenarrow road. And there’s John behind thewheel, a smile starting to crack throughthe concentration. He’s got a good roll onnow as he crosses the 50 metre line. TheTitan is looking in good shape to go thewhole 100 metres. He’s over the 70, nowthe 80. There goes the horn!

As the Titan crosses the finish line thecrowd flocks to the front of the truck. Mackonce again holds the record for the world’slongest road train. It’s a demonstration that

Australian built Mack trucks truly are bredfor big jobs, made for our relentlessconditions. And it shows what one mancan achieve with the help of some friends.

As John emerges from the cab, hewaves a black and white Bulldog flag andyells, “Only a Mack! Only a Mack!”

You better believe it.

Truck Specs• TITAN XHD • TRI AXLE PRIME MOVER • 175 TONNE GCM • CUMMINS 620 HP • MACK T318 LR21 TRANS

• I-150S FRONT AXLE • MACK S65 TRI DRIVE ON NEWAY AD378-5.88:1 RATIO • FRONT XZE-2 295/80R22.5 TYRES

• MICHELIN XDE-2 11R22.5 TYRES • FRONT S/DISC 335MM PCD WHEELS • 40" LOW RISE SLPR DUAL RR MUFFLERS

• OUTBACK POL. BULLBAR • ISRI LUXURY EURO DRIVER’S SEAT • EXT. BREATHERS 4X FUEL TANK

• EXT. BREATHERS SLEEPER • 2.3 KG FIRE EXTINGUISHER • 20 TONNE JACK

The world record holder steps from the cab

Titan gets a roll on

Quick FactsWhat: Mack set new GuinnessWorld Record for the longest road trainever pulled with a single prime mover

Truck Used: Mack Titan tri-drive

Trailers Pulled: 113

Total Length: 1474.3 metres

When: 18 February 2006, 1.45pm

Where: Clifton, QLD

Why: To raise $25,000 for theVanessa Memorial Cancer Care Fundand bring the record back to Queensland

Caloundra Sand & Gravel wasestablished by a single owner-operatorover 30 years ago when Caloundra waslittle more than a casual holidaydestination for ‘Brisbanites’. Located onlya stone’s throw from glorious beachesand within a one hour drive north ofQueensland’s capital, it wasn’t long beforeCaloundra was ‘discovered’ and a boomhit the area. The remarkable wave ofgrowth that ensued carried CaloundraSand & Gravel with it.

Ray Francis, General Manager for thecompany smiles proudly as he talks aboutthe business today.

“A company is only as good as itsemployees. And this is a rule we operateby today. Each person has an equallyimportant role within this company,whether it’s the guy who washes thetrucks, any of the drivers, my WorkshopManager, the in-house Accountant or myOperations Manager. If anyone fails to dotheir job correctly, the company as a wholeis failing to operate at its peak efficiency.”

Looking around the company’s yard ondusk it becomes obvious that thiscompany doesn’t have any problemsperforming. There are 30 trucks in totalresting for the night, a good size fleet forany owner. They are all washed downand gleaming. It’s a good indication ofthis company’s pride in their work and intheir work horses.

“Essentially, we are involved in the

supply and cartage of sand, soil, fill,quarry products and general landscapematerial,” explains Ray.

“We service predominantly theSunshine Coast region but we findourselves reaching further a field withcustomers in Brisbane and the GoldCoast, and we travel north out pastGympie on a regular basis.”

So it seems business is good. Sure,the growth that the small town hasexperienced over the past threedecades helped kick-start the company,but what’s kept it growing andsucceeding over the years when othershave fallen by the wayside?

“Well,” says Ray, “we pride ourselveson our flexibility and our reliability.Having a fleet of modern trucks that don’tbreak down means the job gets doneefficiently every time. Having a number ofdifferent configurations in our fleet meanswe can supply the vehicle that best suitsthe type of work needed.”

Twenty-one of Caloundra Sand & Gravel’stipper fleet are Mack trucks. It is a friendshipthat began in 2000 with the purchase of twoCHs. But as Ray explains, his fondness forthe Bulldog began much earlier.

“I personally bought my first Mack wayback in 1981 when big horsepower was a350 Cummins. But my 320 Coolpowerused to out-pull them all. Back then, noone ever asked why you chose to buy aMack. It was like asking someone why

they chose Levi jeans.”The legendary toughness and reliability

that made Mack a household name hasheld true for Ray and his company.

“Out of the nineteen Tridents wepurchased in 2005, we have experiencedonly three and a half hours in downtime.That’s in total. In my books, that’s goodenough to suggest Mack trucks have whatit takes to get any job done.”

And the Caloundra Sand & Gravel rigsshould know. The trucks average 7000kilometres a month and carry up to 38tonne each payload. Ray says that theyhandle the work without a hitch and theirtwo CHs have given more than 750,000kilometres of good service.

But the benefits don’t stop there.“The Mack product has helped us

increase productivity. Our maintenancecosts have been slashed. They are nowbelow 3% of total revenue as compared towell over 20% eighteen months ago. Nowthat’s what I call a challenge for any ofMack’s competitors!”

With figures like these to back up theirwork, it’s little wonder Ray has justordered another five new Tridents.

“We have become a part of the Mackfamily. Mack, the company, takes apersonal approach with us and their keypersonnel are only a phone call away.We deal with the Mack dealership inBrisbane and we rate their service assecond to none.”


WELCOME TO THE PACK

Tipping the Scalesof Success


WELCOME TO THE PACK

The dusty road that heads up to theBushy Park homestead may be rough andripped apart by corrugation, but itpromises a glimpse of true outback livingand shows just what a hard workingfamily can achieve.

Situated 120 kilometres north east ofAlice Springs, Sam and HeatherGoldsworthy are the proud owners ofBushy Park Station. Sam first caught thecattle bug in 1978 when he bought BushyPark, and has since added anotherproperty, Maryvale, to their holdings.

Sam has always held the belief that ifyou work hard enough and plan wellenough, you are sure to win through.This is a belief shared by Sam’s twochildren, Cameron and Amanda whohave taken on the challenge of producingcattle. Cameron now manages BushyPark with the help of his wife Leeannwhile Amanda manages Maryvale withher husband Simon.

Both stations can be found in remoteparts of the Northern Territory and arelinked by roads that look more like creeksfor most of the year. Transporting stockwhen and as needed is a big part ofgrazing and it’s a job most propertyowners are happy to contract out to truckcompanies. But the Goldsworthy’sweren’t so sure this was the best solution.

In 1994 the Goldsworthy’s introduced aMack Titan to their team. The truck would be

used to cart cattle between Bushy Park andMaryvale and to the saleyards as needed.

Over the years, and with more than317,000 kilometres clicking over, theTitan helped establish the Goldsworthy’sas a success story in the area of stockself-transportation. Cameron is entrustedwith the job of carting for both his placeand Maryvale and is sole driver of theirnew Mack Titan.

In mid 2005, Cameron welcomed theupdated Titan into the fold and since thattime, has been hard at work travellingsome of the most unforgiving roads ourcountry has to offer.

Cameron trucks cattle to Longreach,Roma, Adelaide and Darwin. Operating atruck of their own means that theGoldsworthy’s decide when and where totransport their stock. They can load up andleave as needed to take advantage of thebest prices on offer and aren’t held ransomto the availability of transport companies.

On average, Cameron and his Titantravel 90,000 kilometres a year together,pulling about 120 tonne each load. Thishas given Cameron a lot of time to get toknow the truck inside out.

“Our Titan is very comfortable on theinside, and like anyone in the transportgame will tell you, that’s a pretty bigbonus. I’m also regularly impressed bythe sheer pulling power of this truck,”says Cameron.

Mack’s legendary Titan first forged areputation for itself in the late 90’s andquickly became known as the backbone oftransportation in Australia. The Titan wasbuilt to deliver supreme quality, strengthand durability to the road train market, andduring the past two years the engineeringcrew at Mack have been working to perfectthe Titan for a new generation of Outbacktruckies – truckies just like Cameron.

Cameron knows first hand how reliablethis truck is. “My Titan’s engine isdependable. Its reliability earmarks one ofthe reasons I’ll buy Titan again.”

And his faith in his truck is never moreobvious than when he mentions the familyoutings. Since their children were twomonths old, Cameron and Leeann have setoff as a family, on highway adventures.

“Our only regret,” confides Leeann, “isnot writing down the kilometres ourchildren have travelled!”

“The kids have been taking trips sincethey were two months old. Ray andSophie love going in the truck with theirdad. We don’t do as many trips now thatboth children are full time students withthe Alice Springs School of the Air but if itis school holidays then we all climb in andoff we go. We even put an Engel’s fridgein the truck to help keep everyone happyon the long stretch to Longreach. It’simportant we spend time together whenwe can.” And thanks to Titan, they can.

Bush-bashin’ for a Living


did youknow?

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the California Custom

Products range. Described

as auto finish products for

serious people, the results

are addictive. Premium

finish on paintwork and

metal surfaces combined

with body protection at a

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minimum effort.

For more information visit

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PRODUCTS

Recent changes in regulations now allow B-Double operators to extend the overalllength of their combinations from 25 metresto 26 metres. There are two special vehiclerequirements needed to allow the longercombinations to be used.

For all suitable trucks built in 2006, theyneed to be fitted with cabs that comply to aEuropean regulation (ECE29) known as cabstrength and must be fitted with anapproved Front Underrun Protection(FUP) device (tested to another Europeanstandard known as ECE93).

Mack has released the first in a series of26m B-Double compliant models, with theintroduction of an optional factory fittedFront Underrun Protection bumper andbullbars for Super-Liner LT and HD models.

The tough Mack CA65 steel cab wasdesigned to meet the requirements of theECE29 cab strength requirements andcoinciding with the release of the FUPS(ECE93) devices, the cab will carry suitablecab strength compliance identification.

For LT units built before 2006, retrofit FUPdevices are available via the MackAftermarket organisations.

Over the coming months, the two Tridentand Vision models will be available forcompliant cab and FUP devices.

Mack offers 26M B-Double Solutions

Shortened ChassisRail Liner for Super-Liner LTMack’s focus on improving transportproductivity continues with the latestrelease of a new chassis rail liner optionfor the Super-Liner LT model.

The shortened rail liner allowswheelbases from 220” to 236” to operatewithout the need for a full double railchassis. This advantage is guaranteed tosave on costs and deliver an impressivetare weight improvement compared tothe double rail option.

The maximum GCM for the new innerliner equipped units is 70 tonne.

Qantum Alternator ChangeThere has been a recent alternatorchange made to the E7 poweredQantum.

All Qantum vehicles built fromJanuary 2006 onwards have changedfrom a Delco 24V 100amp alternator to aLeece Neville 24V 140amp model.

The new alternator provides a higheroutput at lower engine RPM and willassist in maintaining battery charge.

Chassis MountedHook up LampThe option of a chassis mounted hookup lamp has been removed from allmodels and replaced with the provisionfor a chassis mounted loading lamp,which consists of chassis wiring and aswitch to suit.

Changing lamp fitment to a Dealeractivity means that the best fittingposition can be determined oncemudguards etc are fitted.

Hook up lamp rear of cab remainsunchanged.

For all enquiries regarding these updates, please contact your local Dealer or phone Paul Illmer, Product and Production Supervisor on 07 3718 3321.


Mack’sMilitary Muscle

Australians watched on in horror asCyclone Larry lashed the far northQueensland coast. What has been describedas one of the worst natural disasters to hitour shores lasted only minutes but left atrail of damage that has affected the lives ofthousands of people. Gale force windsuprooted trees, lifted roofs off houses andflattened entire crops. And luckily, our Mackdealership in Townsville withstood it all.

The Townsville dealership was firstestablished to support the Army Presencein the North Project. For more than 25years Mack has shared a strongpartnership with the Australian DefenceForce and that relationship has never beenmore respected than it was on March 21st.

Within 24 hours of Cyclone Larry strikingnorth Queensland, hundreds of troops arrivedwith much needed relief supplies. The militarypresence was felt over air, land and seathroughout most of the devastated area.

On land, the troops were backed by animpressive fleet of diesel V8 Mack trucksthat were called into service to haul 20tonne trailers loaded with supplies,equipment and tools.

Operation Larry Assist delivered hope tothe region along with more than 50,000meals, 300 tarpaulins and the restoration ofkey services. The relief effort also helpedwith repairs to the hospital, schools andbridge and provided specialist tradesmenincluding plumbers and electricians.

Lending a hand to what looked like a warzone were several Mack employees whotravelled to the shattered town of Innisfailto support the clean up effort. Clearingdebris and operating heavy machinerywere on their list of things to do as they

worked side by side with ADF personnel,civil agencies including the SES, police andfire brigade, and everyday men andwomen of the region committed torebuilding their homes and communities.

To say the least, late March was aninteresting time for Mack’s Townsvilledealership and those who were there.First established in 1994, the dealershiphad never witnessed anything remotelylike this, and prays they never do again.At its peak, the category 5 cycloneregistered winds of up to 290km/h.

Although Townsville did not experiencethe severe punishment inflicted uponplaces like nearby Babinda, Innisfail andKurramine Beach, some parts of thecoastal city were hit hard.

As skies clouded over and weatherwarnings began, there was nothing todo but prepare.

Ross Gordon, Dealer Principal for theembattled dealership shut downoperations on Monday 20th and sentemployees home to be with their families.

“Employee safety is paramount at ourdealership and this includes when they

are at home. We had to make sure thateveryone was given the best opportunityto prepare for the coming storm.

“Now, after the storm people are trying topick up the pieces. From here on out timeswill be hard, that’s for sure. You only have tolook at our roads to see the lack of trucks atwork. Trucks carrying loads of cropsnormally leave this region by the thousandseach week. Now, you’d be lucky to see fifty.That can only be described as a crisis.”

Up to 80% of crops including cane andbananas have been lost. As the economicdamage continues to climb into thehundreds of millions, it is obvious thetransport industry is hurting.

Ross and his team are feeling the pinchalong with thousands of transport ownersand drivers within the affected region butthey are determined to maintain the samelevel of support and service that theircustomers have come to expect.

“The way we do business will not change.Each of us at the dealership has beenaffected in different ways by Larry, but as abusiness we are committed to meeting ourcustomer’s needs and expectations,regardless of what’s happened. As always,our customers come first and we will dowhatever we can to help them through this.”

On the corporate front, Mack is busyraising funds for the Cyclone Larry Reliefappeal. To date, the appeal has raised morethan $18 million dollars and Mack hopes tomake a significant contribution to the cause.The Wacol factory has already gatheredclose to $3000 in employee donations aloneand an initiative was recently launchedwhereby the company plans to matchcontributions dollar for dollar.

Cyclone Larry caused chaos in north Queensland but it is hearteningto know that help arrived swiftly, on the back of Mack trucks.

Working side-by-side with civil agenciesincluding SES, police, fire and ambulanceworkers, ADF personnel played a key role inproviding emergency aid, and so did their Mack trucks

The good folk at Mitchell Mini Mix andTuggeranong Pre-mix are making amockery of the old saying: it’s the size ofthe fight in the dog that matters – not thesize of the dog. And why wouldn’t they besmiling with two of the biggest Bulldogmixers parked in their driveway.

Now, I’m not talking Titan. Or Bigfootfor that matter. I’m talking a Bulldogwith ten wheels and a payload to makeyou sit up and beg.

Chris Rutledge, Manager for MitchellMini Mix and Tuggeranong Pre-mix inCanberra is one of only a handful ofpeople world-wide to experience theimpressive benefits of a 10x4 mixerconfiguration. As part of his agitator fleet,Chris operates two 10x4 Metro-Linersaround the greater ACT area, withenvious eyes watching his every move.

“Sure,” says Chris. “I have peopleapproaching me on a regular basis to talkabout the 10x4s. And why wouldn’t they? It’sthe next obvious step for the agitator marketand I have no doubt that we’ll see more andmore of this type of truck on our roads. Whatwe are achieving with our Metro-Liners isthe aspiration of an industry.”

Chris is more than the Manager ofthese sought after trucks, he is also themastermind behind their production.

In 1990, Chris visited the Mack factoryin South Carolina and was intrigued bywhat he saw. It wasn’t the first CH modelto ever come off the assembly line thatcaught his eye, but a concrete truck in forrepairs. What he saw got his mindbuzzing and by the time he attended theWorld of Concrete in Atlanta, Chris hadsketched a new style of truck.

“I first came up with our current 10x4idea many years ago. I was on a trip withMack at the time and during our travels

across America I saw a similar type ofthing to what we’ve now built. It was a lotdifferent to what we’ve done, butcertainly the idea behind it was the same.

“I remember seeing it and thinking howmuch more productive we could be witha few modifications. At the time, I wasn’tinvolved greatly in the agitator businessbut I knew the idea was a winner.”

Chris has worked as Manager for theElvin Group of companies now for morethan eight years with Mitchell Mini Mixand Tuggeranong Pre-mix two key areasof the company.

The Elvin Group of companies wasborn from humble beginnings. It wasstarted by Tom and Leonie Elvin in 1970,as a Garden and Landscape Business.During the last 30 years, through hardwork and perseverance, the Group hasgrown to include the two fixed concretemix plants plus a trading house.

Vic and Craig Elvin, sons of Tom andLeonie, have been involved with thebusiness since 1990. The Elvin Group isamongst the most respected andsuccessful independent readymixconcrete suppliers in the Canberra region,and Vic and Craig are ready to take thecompany the next level, with their mightyMack 10x4s at the helm.

Chris pauses before explaining that Tom


Size mattersCompact and cutting out the competition,

the 10x4 is squeezing onto a job site near you.

Chris Rutledge, Manager for Mitchell Mini Mix and Tuggeranong Pre-mix standsalongside one of his 10x4 mixers.

Elvin passed away in April of this year.“Tom was a good bloke. Very hard

working and honest. One of the best. Heand his wife Leonie have raised twoterrific sons and I’m proud to workalongside them.”

Chris oversees the day to dayoperations of both Mitchell andTuggeranong plants and believes theirongoing success will be helped greatly bythe 10x4 advantages.

“We’re involved in a very competitive sliceof the transport industry where any edgeover the local competition is a good thing. Atthe end of the day, the upshot of these trucksis greater volume, and that’s when thebottom line really begins to smile.”

Getting these trucks from paper to powerplant wasn’t an overnight job. It tookmonths of planning and testing of theweight distribution before Chris had thedimensions in place that he was happy with.

“I just kept looking at it and thinkingabout ways to go about it. The key thingthough was that I needed to find the BESTway to go about it. The best possible wayI could think of. I sat down and came upwith a heap of different figures and we didexperience a bit of trouble trying to figureout where the weight was going to bethrown to. It was just a matter of workingthrough it all. After I sat down with achassis specialist in Sydney, we firmed upa plan that I was happy with.”

From there it was only a matter ofdays before Chris had the 10x4 ready forwork. Within two weeks the extra axlehad been fitted underneath and withregistration and signage taken care of,the 10x4 was loaded up.

Chris put their first 10x4 to work in late2005. Working ten hour days, six days aweek, the truck has to handle the general

working conditions plus the extra weight.“Mack trucks are the true work horses

of transport. They are a solid truck and Ithink, realistically, they are the only onesthat can cart all of that extra weight.”

Chris points out that his fleet of 26agitators are a mixed bunch.

“The company hasn’t always usedMack trucks. It’s only been over the past18 months that we’ve become acustomer. I personally have a long andhappy history with the Mack product and

believe they have a great deal to offer us.They just seem to suit this type of work.

“As well as the two 10x4s we have foureight wheelers. Everyone has beenimpressed by their work and the driversreally like them. For my money, Mack offersthe product that best suits this industry.”

Each of the trucks are tested on a regularbasis, logging up to 300 kilometres a dayand averaging six loads between sites.

The compact dimensions of the 10x4means that maneuvering around narrowroads are no worries. And for drivers whohave persevered with the semi-traileroption, they will truly appreciate how easybacking into a concrete pump can be.

Mitchell’s second 10x4 Metro-Liner wasintroduced to the fleet in February thisyear with some slight modifications beingmade. Neither of the trucks haveexperienced any problems but Chris wasdetermined to get a shorter wheelbase.

Truck number two has been shortened by380mm, brining it down to about 5.1m inlength. And Chris doesn’t plan to stop there.With another Metro-Liner moving down theassembly line as we speak, Chris plans toshorten its wheelbase by 200mm again.

“My ideal length is 4.9 metres,” saysChris. “That’s my goal. We haven’t had asingle problem with either of the trucks andthe way they’ve responded to the addedweight has been very positive. I have nodoubts that a 4.9 wheelbase will work.

“The 10x4 concept helps create a bettertruck for job sites. It offers companies achance to increase their payload and that’swhat this whole trial has been about.We’re aiming to develop one of the mostproductive trucks available and it’s been areality for us for over seven months.

“Mack has well and truly gotten thejump on the competition with their Metro-Liner. It just doesn’t put a foot wrong. Andit is perfectly specced to handle this higherwork load. It’s just what we needed.”

Speaking of bigger payloads, the 10x4carries an extra one metre of concreteeach load. Add that up and it equals onefull extra load per day, per truck.

That’s a big advantage. Even if it doescome in a smaller package.


“ Realistically, Mack trucks

are the only onesthat can cart all ofthat extra weight. We get an extra

metre of concreteeach load – that’s a big advantage.”


There is something about the image ofMack trucks that transforms ordinarypeople into Mack fanatics. Regardless ofage and walk of life, a Mack enthusiast,once bitten by the Bulldog, is never thesame again.

Dennis Taylor received his firstBulldog injection in 1971 at the Rockleaplant. He joined the factory as a 20-something looking to take on a motormechanic apprenticeship. He had alwaysappreciated trucks, and was excited tobe working for one of the greatestnames in transport. What Dennis didn’trealise at the time was that his sevenyears with Mack would inspire a dreamhe would fulfil some 20 odd years later.

Dennis was raised as many men of hisgeneration were – to be hard working andearn an honest living. He managed to gethis foot in the door at Mack as a trade’sassistant, working on the Production andSpecial Build line. He went to Mack withthe aim of gaining his accreditation as amechanic but instead worked hands on inassembly. Dennis remembers his time atMack with a smile, content in theknowledge that he worked alongsidesome of the most well-known andrespected Mack-men of all time.

“Working at Mack in the 70’s was aspecial time. I made a lot of good friendsand I still keep in touch with a few ofthem now. I was lucky to work withpeople like Don Hoey and RussellSimpson, Max Evans. They are one of akind. It was a bit of a sad day for mewhen I left, but I wanted to start workingmore with trucks, not just on them. Myultimate dream was to own a transportcompany, and although I thought it wasnaïve at the time, I needed to get outthere and give it a go.”

Dennis gave up the spanners for atemporary job truck driving for a mate.

“Don’t ask me how three months turnsinto fifteen years, but that’s whathappened. I gave the nod to help out forthree months and ended up staying morethan a decade. It was a good job at thetime. I had reliable work and with a familyto support, a regular pay check isimportant. Driving kept me near trucks, andthat kept me happy. I had always wanted towork with them in some capacity, so I wasjust glad I had the chance.

“As I became older, and I like to thinkwiser too, my life began to change. Mykids were older and I didn’t have anystrong ties anymore that really needed

my attention. That’s when I decided togo out on my own. It was the next naturalstep for me. It was time to fulfil a dream.”

Dennis bought a FR Coolpower andtrailer and got to work. He resurrected acompany name that he had firstregistered in 1978 – Dennis TaylorTransport Services.

Based at Kingston, south of Brisbane,Dennis Taylor Transport Services hasbeen in operation since 1995. Thecompany specialises in rolling stock, arailway term given to describe thetransportation of rail componentry.Dennis, along with two other drivers andtwo full time subbies, deliver rail carproducts along the east coast of Australia.

The evolving nature of this marketmeant that Dennis had to grow with it, orrisked going under.

He had entered the business at a timewhen the rail car manufacturer involvedwas expanding their services, and astheir customer base altered and theirrequirements changed, Dennis had toadd value to his services.

He leased land to store rail cars andbought machinery to load and unload thestock, transforming his business from asmall transport company to a support

Living his DreamThe bite of the Bulldog is infectious and as Dennis Taylor discovered,

it can open your eyes to a whole new world of opportunities.


network for rail car manufacturers. Nowadays, Dennis provides transport

and loading facilities as well as storageservices.

It has been a highly publicisedprediction over recent years thatAustralia’s domestic freight task willincrease by 80% between 2000 and 2020.During that same time, it is predictedthat road and rail transport will almostdouble, increasing from 268 to 523billion tonne-kilometres.

Dennis is one of a handful of peopleinvolved in both sectors. Over the pastten years, he has gained an insight intoboth road and rail, and is convinced thepredictions are accurate.

“The transport task in this country willdouble over the next twenty years, withouta doubt. The issue is; how are we going tohandle it? I don’t believe trucks or therailway can manage this on their own.There’s got to be a meeting of the minds.We need to find a way to work together.There’s no doubt about it, that’s essential.”

Dennis operates a fleet of three Macktrucks, a CHR, a Titan and a Super-LinerHD. Each truck takes care of their share ofthe 30,000 kilometres travelled each month,with Dennis’ son Peter driving the HD fromTaree to Rockhampton twice a week.

“I chose the HD option because of the Rseries rails it has. I’ve never liked straightrail trucks; I’m just old fashioned that wayI guess. So I’m happy Mack understandsthis and keeps that option going.

“Mack is so unique,” explains Dennis.“I worked there almost thirty years agobut Mack is still a big part of my life. Ichoose to run Mack trucks becausethey’re spot on. Why would I goanywhere else when they’ve served mewell all this time? I couldn’t be happierwith my evolution with Mack, and thatgoes beyond the trucks.

“After all this time I still feel like I’mpart of the extended family. There are afair few of the blokes working at Macknow who I’ve watched grow up and stepthrough the ranks. My sales rep, SteveSchostakowski, first started with Mackduring my time there. I knew him as anapprentice. There are others too, likeShane Hodby. They’re all good fellas.

“I go in to see the service people at theBrisbane dealership and run into somany familiar faces. The offices are filledwith generations of Mack people. Blokes Iworked with now have their childrenworking at Mack. I honestly don’t thinkany other company has this type ofhistory or family connection.”

Dennis is fortunate to call threegenerations of Mack employees hisfriends. And the trucks he owns alsorepresent a fair slice of the Mack truckrange over the years. The three Bulldogs

he works today, from the CHR firstintroduced into Australia in 1991 to theSuper-Liner he took delivery of only twomonths ago, each reflect an era withinMack. And the B-Model sheltered in hisshed adds to the scope of his collection.

“My B-Model has a story of its own. I

restored it in 1978 for a friend of mine,Fred Nowlan. Fred had come up with thiscrazy idea to track down the very firstMack truck he had ever bought, and itwas this B-Model. He’d purchased it onthe 17th August 1960 and ended uptrading it in for a V8. Finding it wasn’teasy but Fred kept at it. He eventuallyfound it at a second hand truck dealer inSydney. By that stage it was a fairlyuntidy bit of gear.

“We wanted to bring it back to itsformer glory, so I spent more than 750hours doing a complete rebuild. It startedwith a blaster and went on from there.

“Sadly, Fred passed away about nineyears ago and some how a conversationcame up with his family and I ended upbuying the truck.

“Having such a personal history with thetruck does make it that bit more special.She’s my pride and joy that’s for sure.”

Dennis later restored another B-Model, butthat one is still hard at work on the highway.

“Trucks are built for completelydifferent reasons these days,” Dennissays. “No one really buys a truck to run itfor ten or twenty years anymore.Nowadays, trucks get turned over everythree years or so. But regardless of thechanges in the transport industry, it’sgood to know that a Mack truck can stillkeep going and going. You can have aMack built forty years ago and you knowthat it can still work today. It might not beas driver friendly as some of the modernvehicles, but you can bet they’ll work.

“And I guess, in a way that sums upMack as a company too. The true blueMack people wouldn’t work anywhereelse. They’ll stay there until the day theyretire while the rest of us put those greatwork horses to use.

“I didn’t end up getting myapprenticeship ticket from Mack. Butwhat I learnt there, and the friends that Imade, have helped get me to where I amtoday. I dared to live my dream partlybecause of what I learnt at Mack, andthat’s a debt you can’t repay.”

“After all this time I still feel like I’m

part of the extendedfamily. There are a fair few blokesworking at Mackwho I’ve watched

grow up.”


DOGBITES

Mack and the Australian Defence Force(Army Reserve) have introduced a uniqueapprenticeship opportunity that will seethe two groups “grow their own” highlyskilled work force.

Dubbed Operation Patriot, Mack hasjoined forces with the Army Reserve tooffer young mechanics the chance to worktowards two very valuable career paths.

The joint four year program will seeaspiring mechanics develop their heavycommercial trade under the guidance ofboth Mack’s Brisbane dealership and theArmy Reserve. The apprentices willalternate every six months between Mackand 7Combat Service Support Battalion,instilling the experience and knowledgeof two world class facilities.

Six successful candidates recently tookpart in a Signing In Ceremony held atMack’s Brisbane dealership located atWacol, south of Brisbane. With Mackemployees, Army representatives andfamily and friends looking on, the newapprentices were welcomed as the firstmembers of Operation Patriot.

The dual apprenticeship program will beongoing within Mack Brisbane with ananticipated eight to ten new recruitsexpected to join Operation Patriot each year.

Mack andArmy Unite

With the 2006 Mack Trucks SuperbullSeries well underway, there is one manwho has staked his claim as the main

challenger for the ChampionshipBuckle. Moogerah pro bull rider, SarasRamsay has started the year insensational form and has a minor leadover former two times AustralianChampion, Tim Wilson from St George.

Round 2 of the Superbull Series alsosaw the return of Troy Dunn’s Mack AllStar Bulls. Dunn was overwhelmed bythe performance of his bulls, with eachone remaining unridden in Round 2.

The Mack All Star Bulls can be seenat the following events:

•Bundaberg – May 6th•Rockhampton – May 27th•Mackay – June 10th•Rockhampton – June 24th

Following on from the success of theWorld Record Truck Pull, Mack TrucksAustralia found another meaningful wayto help the small community of Clifton.The Mark Harrigan Recovery Fund waslaunched during the record attempt,bringing the cause to the attention ofGary Richards, Manager of ProductPlanning and Order Fulfilment for Mack.The appeal is raising funds to help MarkHarrigan, a 20 year old resident of the

local area who was seriously injuredafter a seven metre fall. A well knownsporting personality, Mark isrecovering in hospital. To support thefund, Mack auctioned the bull bar fromthe World Record Titan. It was an itemthat Mack bid hard for and won. The$2000 raised by Mack was donated tothe fund and Gary along with theentire team at Mack would like to wishMark a safe and speedy recovery.

The Mack kennel has launched anexciting new breed of Bulldog, one bornfrom the no nonsense, fuel efficient andpayload focussed Vision.

The Vision FleetSpec is ready to takethe cost-cutting nature of Vision to thenext level, setting an exciting benchmarkfor the short haul segment.

The lightweight FleetSpec wasdesigned with metro and intrastatedistribution in mind and combines theproven advantages of Vision with thefeatures and benefits identified by shorthaul operators themselves.

With an industry leading low tareof 7050kg, FleetSpec ensuresmaximum productivity and a solidreturn on investment.

As Dean Bestwick, National SalesManager for Mack Trucks Australiaexplains, the FleetSpec has been carefullydesigned with the customer in mind.

“FleetSpec is a dedicated model. Ittakes on board the performance,productivity and low operating costs ofVision and raises the bar for short haulmachinery in Australia.”

The FleetSpec is a mighty worker withoutstanding fuel economy. Itsaerodynamic styling and the efficiency ofMack’s CCRS engine take the pain out ofthe hip pocket. The CCRS is the most fuelefficient and environmentally friendlyengine ever developed by Mack and itsreliability and strength has earned it thereputation as “the return to V-MAC II”.

Visit your local dealership today for more information or visitwww.macktrucks.com.au and look under Latest Products.

Old Dog,New Tricks

Support for Clifton continues

Mack Superbull Series


DOGBITES

Mack Trucks Australia has announced anagreement to align itself with CommercialMotor Vehicles (CMV Group) in southernAustralia, thereby creating one of thelargest retail transport operations inVictoria and South Australia.

This innovative move includesdealerships located in Melbourne andAdelaide and provides Mack with theopportunity to combine their world classproducts with a dedicated and professionalretail organisation, adding substantialvalue to customers and employees alike.

From 15th May 2006, the CMV Group

will be the new home of the Mack productfor the greater south Australian region.

The decision ensures that the Mackbrand is uniquely positioned to build ontheir market supremacy within theoutlined region and as Gary Bone, SeniorVice President for Mack Trucks Australiaexplains, the decision was made with theintegrity of the brand itself in mind.

“Mack has formed a business alliancewith the CMV Group so that we canfocus on what we do best – that is,develop world class products to suitAustralian needs. The current situation

in south Australia is very unique to thatregion. We were presented with theopportunity to join a well-known andsubstantial operation that focusesexclusively on the advancement andsuccess of transport operators withinthat region. We have safeguarded thesupport of our customers by choosing atrue leader in the retail business.

“As the transport industry continues toevolve, Mack’s alliance with CMV willenable us to offer greater value and serviceto our customers, while accelerating ourdelivery of innovative product solutions.”

Retail Partnerto BoostBusiness

Gary Bone, Senior Vice President of Mack Trucks Australia (right), and Paul Crawford,Managing Director of Commercial Motor Vehicles, announce news of the alliance.

Trucks In Action is a major highlight onthe truck industry calendar and the 2006expo staged at Lardner Park in Victoriadid not disappoint. Celebrating their 25thAnniversary, the event showcased animpressive selection of the truck andtrailer hardware available today, andMack was well and truly in the mix.

Mack’s presence at the event alwaysdraws a keen crowd and this year was noexception. The only dynamic truck showin Australia, Trucks In Action allows showgoers to trial trucks first hand, and

people lined up to take a ride in thestunning Super-Liner LT.

The LT wasn’t the only messagedelivered from the Mack camp. An 8-wheeler Metro-Liner and the newVision FleetSpec grabbed their fairshare of the attention.

Trucks in Action presented Mack withan Anniversary Appreciation Award inrecognition of their continued support.Mack was an initial exhibitor at the firstevent held in 1981, and has maintainedtheir support during the past 25 years.

Trucks in Action 2006

Mack’s National Sales Conference kickedoff in Cairns this year with the focus ongrowth and development.

The strong heritage that backs thislegendary brand was used as a catalystfor the event, inspiring and motivatingthe sales team.

For three days, Conference attendeeswere briefed on how Mack plans to takethis enduring heritage to record levels.Education and information were at thefore with product sessions, market

monitoring, new sales tools and aconfidential preview of Mack’s new truckrange set to debut in 2008 demonstratingwhy the future is so exciting for Mack.

A long line of international guests spokeof Mack’s presence on the global stage.Frank Meehan, Senior Vice President forMack Trucks Inc travelled from Allentownin the US to share news on Mack’scontinual growth into previously untappedcountries. At present, more nations thanever before are benefiting from the Mack

product. Now that’s exciting news!A highlight of the conference was the

pre-recorded customer testimonials. Morethan nine customers took time out of theirbusy schedules to record words of advicefor the Mack team.

Gary Bone, Senior Vice President has nodoubt that the conference was the start ofbigger and better things to come. “We havethe know-how and the product to take ourbrand to the next level. Let’s shift things upa gear and make 2006 another record year.”

Sales Team hits Top Gear


Say Goodbye to the Sideline

STARTLINE

With a fulltime V8 Supercar drive firmly tuckedunder his seat, it seems Nathan is sitting pretty.

It would seem ironic that well-known racedriver Nathan Pretty had never secured afulltime V8 Supercar drive until now.

Pretty’s racing resume is extremelyimpressive; he has driven for leading LevelOne V8 teams such as the Holden RacingTeam, the Holden Young Lions, KmartRacing, Garry Rogers Motorsport and,more recently, Supercheap Auto Racing.

While driving for those teams, he hasfinished in the Top 10 in Australia’s GreatRace, the Bathurst 1000, four times.

In addition to his incredible Bathurstsuccess, Pretty has also laid claim tonumerous state karting titles, an AUSCARRookie of the Year title, an Australian Jet SprintBoat Championship, and four round wins inthe Australian Nations Cup Championship.

Without a doubt, the highlight of Pretty’scareer came in 2002 when, along with histeam-mates, Steven Richards, Garth Tanderand Cameron McConville, he drove HoldenMotorsport’s now infamous yellow 7 litreMonaro to victory in the inaugural Bathurst24 Hour race, with the four returning thefollowing year to finish second to PeterBrock, Greg Murphy, Todd Kelly and JasonBright in a spectacular Holden Monaro 1, 2.

At a race in late 2005, a quizzical RobertSmith, team owner of the Mack/SmithsTrucks V8 Supercar team and always afan of Pretty’s talent, wondered aloud to a

couple of Holden Motorsport people as towhy Pretty was sitting on the sidelines formost of the year. When he received theanswer he hoped for – that no one hadoffered Pretty a fulltime deal – he wasquick to recognise the opportunity andwith Mack’s blessing, jumped to sign the32-year-old to contest the 2006 Fujitsu V8Supercar Series for his team.

BULLDOG: Life appears to be prettygood for Nathan Pretty at the moment.How is it from your side?

NATHAN PRETTY: Yeah, life’sfantastic! My wife, Amanda, and I had ourfirst child recently, a beautiful girl, TaylorJane; my ride car business, the PrettyRoar Experience, is up and running – it’sdoing well and the association we havewith Winton Motor Raceway is workingwell for both parties – and I’ve finallylanded my first fulltime V8 Supercar ridewith Robert Smith’s Mack/Smiths Trucksteam to contest the Fujitsu Series.

BULLDOG: With four top ten finishesat Bathurst amongst a bunch of othergreat results, it’s taken a long time foryour efforts to be recognised with afulltime V8 Supercar ride.

NP: Yes, but you have to understandthat money plays a big part in motorracing and I have never had much behindme to get me here any quicker. It’s not

always just about outright speed and that’sthe way the sport works sometimes. Youjust have to accept that and work within it.

Understanding that, one of the thingsthat I’ve done with the opportunities I’vehad is to make sure that, rather thansticking the car into the wall or sandpit, Ibrought the car home.

My strategy has always been to be alittle conservative and don’t risk going foran extra tenth or two if it’s going tochance crashing. It’s worked in someways, maybe not in others, but I think I’vedelivered for the teams I’ve driven for.

Thankfully, Rob and the people at Mackhave recognised what I’ve done and I’vebeen given a terrific opportunity tocontest the entire Fujitsu V8 SupercarSeries with the Mack/Smiths Trucks team.

BULLDOG: You seemed to deliverstraight away for the Mack/Smiths Trucksteam with a fourth place finish inAdelaide.

NP: It was a good start to the season,although it would have been better if wehad made it to the podium. But all thingsconsidered, with our little drama inqualifying – the pressure relief value onthe oil pump popped and I was strandedon the track after only three laps, whichleft us 18th on the grid – it was a goodresult and showed what our potential is.


BULLDOG: Coming from 18th on thegrid must have been interesting – howdid you find the driving standards in theFujitsu series? Has it made for someexciting racing?

NP: Look, there’s certainly guys thathaven’t done a lot of racing that are moreworried about what’s going on in front ofthem rather than what’s going on behindand looking in their mirrors, but you get thatin all categories of racing, so you’ve just gotto deal with it and drive accordingly.

We got through Adelaide with astraight car and that’s what matters most,especially when a lot of other guys didn’t.

BULLDOG: How did you find thestandard of competition?

NP: There’s some quality opposition inthe Fujitsu Series, there’s no doubt aboutit. There’s Level 1 teams like PerkinsMotorsport and Dick Johnson Racing outthere, then there’s teams like D’Albertos,Howard Racing, Speed FX, Mark Porter’sMsport Racing and the like who all havelinks to Level 1 teams.

Some of the cars out there are evenlater models than what some of the guysin the main game have – D’Alberto forexample, he’s running a newer car thanwhat the Supercheap Auto Racing guysare running. Now that’s a gun car.

So when you look at the calibre andquality of the competition, it’s certainlythere and it means you’ve got to be onyour game if you’re going to besuccessful. You still have to do a betterjob to beat them.

BULLDOG: What about your newteam, it is a fair bit different from theones you’ve driven with in the past?

NP: It’s a small team and is a lotdifferent to the teams I’ve been with inthe past. But, while it might be small, it’sa good team with a close-knit group ofguys and sponsors and I’m really excited

to be with them.They’ve always run strongly in the past

and (team owner) Robert Smith isn’tafraid of investing in the right equipmentto go fast and the results are on theboard. They’ve won races before, just notthe championship, and that’s why Roband I came to a deal. Rob is serious aboutwinning the championship and so am I –we want to achieve it together.

They’ve also been the strongest Holdenteam out there for the past couple ofyears in the Fujitsu Series and that’swhere my allegiance lies.

BULLDOG: You’ve run with the biggestnames in the sport, certainly on theHolden side. Will that experience benefitthe Mack/Smiths Trucks team?

NP: Oh, I’d like to think so, absolutely.That’s what I’d like to do, use theexperiences I have from working withthose other teams to benefit what we’redoing. Obviously, there’s alwaysconfidential things you’re privy to in otherteams that can’t be disclosed when youcross over, but there’s certainly a lot ofother things – like working systems andprocesses, management, leadership, etc –that can and will be of benefit.

I’ve also been lucky to drive some ofthe best cars going around, so that helpswhen you’re looking to improve on-trackperformances.

BULLDOG: You mentioned sponsorsearlier – the team seems to have someblue chip names in Mack and Holden…

NP: Absolutely. I’ve had a greatrelationship with Holden for a long timenow and that was one of the thingsconsidered when joining this team.

I met the Mack people in Adelaide –Gary Bone, Heather Brodie and a fewothers – and they were great. They’repassionate about their involvement inmotor racing and I’m looking forward to

working closely with them and helpingthem promote their association with theteam and the fantastic range of Macktrucks. The same with Lubrimaxx, whohave been with the team for a long time.

BULLDOG: Good luck for the rest of the year.

NP: It’s going to be busy with a newbaby, racing for the Mack/Smiths Trucksteam and Supercheap Auto Racing,running the Pretty Roar Experience andjuggling sponsor commitments, but it’llbe exciting too, so thank you.

“I’ve been luckyto drive some of

the best carsgoing around, sothat helps whenyou’re looking toimprove on-trackperformances.”


SALESFOCUS

When Mack dealer, Truckworld WA,established a Rental Division in July 2004,the idea was to showcase the Mack truckrange and offer a service to furthersupport those in the transport industry.Eighteen months down the lineTruckworld Rental Division is a majorforce in both the truck and trailer rentalmarket in Western Australia.

Operating from the Mack dealership inSouth Guildford, Truckworld Rentals offera large and diverse range of trucks andtrailers, suited to all aspects of thetransport, mining, machinery, contractingand farming industries.

Truckworld Rentals offer the Mack truckrange of prime movers from 90 to 140tonne GCM, in both 6x4 and 8x4configurations. The rental trailer fleetincludes 45-foot flat tops, curtain sides,drop decks, tippers, freezer vans, dolliesand specialist drop deck B-double sets.

As Mike Dunbar, Truckworld’s RentalDivision Manager explains, the reason fortheir success is simple and is based onthree guiding principals.

“Number One is good gear. It’s assimple as that. We have made a hugefinancial commitment and chosen new

vehicles where possible. We havepurchased some second hand trailers whentime lines didn’t allow for the procurementof new units, but on the whole, themajority of our equipment is new.

“Number Two is a strongcommitment to servicing andmaintenance. Our fleet is accreditedunder the Main Roads WA accreditationscheme, but we ensure the preventativeand scheduled maintenance requirementson all Truckworld Rental vehicles farexceed the normal standards.

“And Number Three is listening tothe market. We grew the fleet based onfeedback from our customers rather than onour perception of market needs. We simplylistened to what the market had to say.

“Being part of a national dealershipnetwork has many advantages forTruckworld Rentals. First and foremost isthe ability to offer a 24 hour breakdownservice. Truckworld has a vast serviceagent network throughout WA. Thismeans we can activate a response to anymajor or minor mechanical problems in avery short space of time. Coupled to the

Mack dealership network throughoutAustralia and their subsequent serviceagent networks, we are very wellconnected in the after hours service area.

“Truckworld Rentals is definitely on themove. Plans are well advanced in thedevelopment of a network of TruckworldRental Agents. We are currently settingup agent agreements in the Pilbara andGoldfields regions. The Truckworld subagent in Karratha, Norm Godfrey, hassigned on as our agent for the area.Norm is a long time resident and is avery well known and respectedpersonality in the region. He has anintimate and extensive knowledge of thetransport requirements demanded by theregion and being the Truckworld subagent, Godfrey Fitting Service, they arewell placed to ensure the highmaintenance standards we set aremaintained. We feel pretty lucky to haveNorm involved.

“Truckworld Rentals are currentlyworking on the next phase of expansion.We are awaiting the arrival of two new 45foot FTE Freezer vans to compliment theexisting freezer fleet, further supportingthe transport industry with qualityproducts and viable work options.”

Renting offersnew lease on lifeRising prices across the boardfrom fuel to registration, hasnever made leasing look so good. Mike Dunbar, Truckworld’s Rental Division

Manager is very proud of their accomplishments.


EVENTSJune2 – 12 South Australian

CM Festival & AwardsBarmera SA

6 – 8 EMU: Rockhampton ShowRockhampton Showgrounds QLD

6 – 8 Elders Farmfest Kingsthorpe QLD

9 – 11 WinternationalsWillowbank Raceway QLD

9 – 11 V8 Supercar Series: Round 4Shanghai China

9 – 12 Finke Desert Race, Alice Springs NT

9 – 12 Moreton Bay Family Fishing ChallengeRedland Bay QLD

9 – 18 Beaudesert Country and Horse FestivalBeaudesert QLD

10 – 19 EMU: Townsville City CouncilOpen Day, Townsville QLD

14 – 17 New Zealand National Agricultural Field DayHamilton, New Zealand

15 – 17 PRIMEX Casino NSW

21 – 23 Queensland Safety ShowBrisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre QLD

July7 – 8 CCMA Winter Talent Quest

Tamworth NSW

7 – 9 Annual Redlands BluegrassConventionKindilan Outdoor Education andConference Centre, Redland Bay Qld

9 – 11 7th National Local Roads andTransport CongressAlice Springs NT

13 – 15 Ag-Grow Field Days, Emerald QLD

14 EMU: Townsville City CouncilHoly Spirit School, Townsville QLD

14 – 15 Mudgee Small Farm ShowMudgee NSW

14 – 16 Boulia Desert Sands Camel RacingBoulia QLD

15 Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series:Australia vs. South AfricaSuncorp Stadium, Brisbane QLD

15 – 30 Bulldust to Bitumen… and BeyondMount Isa Civic Centre, Mount Isa QLD

18 EMU: Yarrabah State SchoolYarrabah QLD

19 – 21 EMU: Cairns ShowCairns Showgrounds QLD

21 – 23 Farm Fantastic Caboolture QLD

21 – 23 V8 Supercar Series: Queensland 300Willowbank, Brisbane QLD

22 Adelaide City MusterAdelaide Entertainment Centre SA

29 – 30 EMU: Mt Gravatt ShowMt Gravatt Showgrounds QLD

30 Charters Towers Pastoral,Agricultural & Mining Association ShowCharters Towers QLD

August 2 – 3 Mallee Machinery, Speed VIC

3 – 8 Sydney International Boat ShowSydney Darling Harbour andConvention Centre, Sydney NSW

5 Nyngan Ag Expo, Nyngan NSW

5 – 6 Riverina Farm Expo, Wagga NSW

5 – 12 Hervey Bay Whale FestivalHervey Bay QLD

7 – 8 Sheepvention Field DaysHamilton VIC

10 – 19 Royal Queensland ShowRNA Showgrounds, Brisbane QLD

11 – 13 Mt Isa RodeoKalkadoon Park, Mt Isa QLD

11 – 13 V8 Supercar Series: Oran ParkSydney NSW

22 – 24 Ag-Quip Field DaysGunnedah NSW

22 – 27 Toyota National Country Music Muster Amamoor Creek State Forest Park QLD

27 EMU: Redlands Indigiscape EventRedlands QLD

September1 – 9 Royal Adelaide Show

Adelaide Showgrounds SA

1 – 10 Brisbane River FestivalBrisbane QLD

1 – 30 Bulldust to Bitumen… and BeyondCairns Regional Art Gallery Cairns QLD

2 – 7 North Queensland MiningIndustry Billfish ChallengeTownsville QLD

5 – 7 Heritage Ag ShowToowoomba QLD

7 – 10 National Expo: Truck &Commercial VehicleSydney Olympic Park NSW

8 – 9 Farmarama, Lismore NSW

8 – 10 Kempsey Country Music &Trucking Festival, Kempsey NSW

8 – 10 V8 Supercar Series: Sandown 500, Melbourne VIC

9 EMU: RSPCA Dakabin ShelterBirthday CelebrationsDakabin QLD

14 – 17 Australian FestivalNashville USA

15 – 17 41st Australian NationalsWillowbank Raceway QLD

19 – 21 Henty MachineryHenty NSW

29 – 30 Deni Ute MusterDeniliquin NSW

Have you seen the new-look Mack website? Welltake a load off for a fewminutes and click onto:www.macktrucks.com.au

With information andphotos guaranteed toleave you speechless,add our revampedsite to yourFavourites list.

Take a Load Off


MACKMERCHANDISE

ALL MERCHANDISE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE ATwww.macktrucks.com.au

A FINE LOOKING RIGALWAYS BRINGS A SMILE

ON LONG HAULS YOU’LL NEED TO KEEP A COOL HEAD

NO 24 TONNE, HARDENED STEEL OFFICE ISCOMPLETE WITHOUT A NICE COFFEE CUP

FAN109Spill LongSleeve T-Shirt$32.95

FAN106Scrape T-Shirt(Bone)$29.95

FAN181WhiteClassic Polo$49.95

FAN160ChambrayLong Sleeve$47.50

FAN164Navy Twill ShirtLong Sleeve $54.45

FAN166Red Business ShirtLong Sleeve$79.00

FAN168French BlueBusiness ShirtLong Sleeve$79.00

FAN182RugbyHoop PoloNavy/White$89.00

FAN131Black PolarFleece Vest$41.90

FAN137Black/black bomberjacket (leather sleeves)$221.95

FAN135FleecyPull Over$45.90

FAN1333 in 1 Jacket$220.00

FAN136Wellington$94.90

FAN213Mack Beanie$15.00

FAN1033Colonial WhiteCoffee Mug$13.00

FAN1135Colonial BlackDog Mug$13.00

FAN1136Black Coffee Mug$13.00

NCM7341Stainless SteelTravel Mug$19.95

FANJESSIEJessie Bucket $19.95

FANAKUBRASRBLSnowy River Black Akubra$120.00

FANSPRINTERSprinter Royal/White$19.95

FANJACKSONJackson Fitted Cap$19.95


MACKMERCHANDISE

CODE DESCRIPTION SIZE COLOUR QTY UNIT PRICE TOTAL

ORDERED BYNAME

ADDRESS

STATE P/CODE

PHONE (W) (H)

EMAIL

DELIVERED TONAME

ADDRESS

STATE P/CODE

PHONE (W) (H)

EMAIL

Please list any additional items on a separate sheet of paper. We deliver by AustraliaPost or by overnight courier to anywhere in Australia. Freight charges as follows:

To order any of the items you’ve seen here, just fill in the form below and send it to PO Box 364, Richlands, QLD, 4077.

Freight charges (inc GST)Orders up to $110.00 $15.00Orders over $110.00 $25.00

ORDER FORM

WHEN YOU’RE CLIMBING THE CORPORATELADDER YOU NEED THE RIGHT KIND OF SHOES

AFTER AWHILE YOUGET ATTACHEDTO THINGS

NCM1214Mack AC Dump Truck$140.00

NCM1213Mack AC Tanker+ Free Cap$125.00

NCM1262Mack R ModelCement Mixer$165.00

NCM1368Granite with Dump$189.00

FANMASTERQAS Master Steel Cap Boot$145.95

FANRANGERQAS Steel Cap Boot(Fully Waterproof)$149.95

FANSTEELQAS SteelCap Shoe$120.00

FANBULLDOGQAS Bulldog Steel Cap Boot $129.95

NCM1226Mack B Model FirePumper + Free Cap$150.00

NCM1289Granite GoldDump Truck$242.00

LIMITED

TOPSELLER

MACK PRODUCT RANGEMACK PRODUCT RANGE


LETTERS

What’sGoing On?

Send your pictures, letters,stories, anecdotes and othercorrespondence to:

Leah DavisBulldog EditorMack Trucks AustraliaPO Box 364 Richlands QLD 4077Phone: 07 3718 3497Fax: 07 3718 3392Email:[email protected]

Letters may be edited due to space restraint

To join our mailing list, simplyemail your postal details to theabove address, or contact yourlocal Mack Dealer.

Are you a Bulldog?

1. When was Mack Trucks, Inc. founded?

a. 1910b. 1890c. 1900

2. Who were the founders of Mack Trucks, Inc.?

a. Jack and Gus Mackb. Robert Mack and Malcolm Smithc. E.R. Hewitt and A.F. Masury

3. When was the famous AC model introduced?

a. 1916b. 1935c. 1923

4. How many trucks did Mack producefor the U.S government for use inWorld War II?

a. 20,000b. 35,000c. 83,200

5. What did Mack call its first vehicle?

a. The Bulldogb. The Mack Seniorc. The Manhattan

6. What Mack model first earned the nickname “Bulldog”?

a. E modelb. AP modelc. AC model

7. Most Mack AC chain-drive trucks left the factory painted:

a. Redb. Bluec. Green

8. What year did Mack make thecorporate move down under?

a. 1965b. 1963c. 1966

9. What year did Mack’s CH Fleet-Linerwin Australia’s inaugural ‘Truck of theYear’ award?

a. 1997b. 1992c. 2000

10.What year did Mack begin productionof its first diesel engine?

a. 1929b. 1930c. 1938

11.The Trident Axle Forward Featuresthe shortest bumper to front axlemeasurement in its class. What is thatmeasurement?

a. 737mmb. 773mmc. 738mm

12. Mack recently added a seat option toboth the Super-Liner LT and theTrident models. It is the latest releasefrom ISRI. How much weight can itaccommodate?

a. 155kgsb. 153kgsc. 150kgs

13. How many standard wheelbaseoptions are available on a Vision 6x4?

a. 8b. 7c. 6

14. In what year did Mack celebrate its100th birthday?

a. 2000b. 2001c. 2002

15. In what year did the Bulldog becomethe corporate symbol for Mack?

a. 1920b. 1922c. 1928

Try this quiz and test your knowledge of one of the world’s most

well-known brand names.

Be the first to name this truckmodel and win a Mack watch.

Send your entry to the Bulldog Editor. Contact details this page.

Blast from the Past

Answers: 1. c) 2. a) 3. a) 4. b) 5. c) 6. c) 7. c) 8. b) 9. a) 10. c) 11. a) 12. c) 13. a) 14. a) 15. b)

IT’S TIME TO SEE A MAN ABOUT A DOG

MACK PRODUCT RANGEMACK PRODUCT RANGE

macktrucks.com.au ®

BIGFOOT TITAN SUPER-LINER

TRIDENT VISION FLEET-LINER VALUE-LINER

METRO-LINER QANTUM QANTUM 8x4 PREMIUM 4x2

PREMIUM 6x2 MIDLUM MV16 MIDLUM EXTREME

Visit your local Mack branch today.

Mack Trucks Australia

20 Westgate Street, Wacol QLD 4076

Ph: (07) 3718 3500

Fax: (07) 3718 3392

Mack Titan just keeps getting better. Packing a tough-as-nails chassis cross-member that can take all the bush bashing and corrugation the Tanami can throw at it, you’ll leave the dust for dead inside your 100% clean air cab. Opening up the outback for a new generation of truckies, Mack Titan is truly Bred to Work.

macktrucks.com.au

Documents

Bulldog Vol 4