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Performance, economy, durability and a tried and tested after-sales service were just some of the features that caught Eric Maguire’s attention when he specified a Sterling ‘SilverStar’ for his livestock carrying business.
Maguire’s Transport is based in the small rural community of Mirrool, 435 kilometres west of Sydney on the Newell Highway and around 20 kilometres east of Ardlethan, the birthplace of the Kelpie sheep dog.
The rich primary production industries of grazing and broad acre farming flourish here. Maguire’s core business is hauling livestock in the region, but when harvest time arrives, stock crates are swapped for tippers and the job takes on a whole new aspect.
Those that know Eric describe a man who takes meticulous care of the equipment in his fleet. The service he extends his customers is equally meticulous while being prepared to go the extra mile is often cited as being one of his most laudable qualities.
Eric believes that Hartwigs’ of Wagga Wagga share his ideals when it comes to quality of service, and that underscored his confidence in deciding to purchase the ‘SilverStar’.
“We’ve had Ford trucks since 1982,” Eric explained. “I did have some initial concerns when Ford sold off their heavy truck division, but Bill Curry and Tim Hartwig were very reassuring and we’ve been more than happy with our decision to go with Sterling.”
“Maguire’s ‘SilverStar’ is one of the first custom built Sterlings to come into Australia,” Hartwig’s Bill Curry said. “It is both B-Double and Type-1 Roadtrain rated to 90 tonne. Not only does it have ABS brakes, but auto slacks and many other standard features intended to simplify the practicality of the vehicle’s daily running.”
Powered by Caterpillar’s tenacious 550 hp C-15 engine that develops 1850 lbs ft torque, it is driven through Eaton’s RTLO-20918B 18-speed double overdrive transmission to Meritor RT46-160 GP final drives and rides on Sterling’s heavy duty AirLiner suspension.
“The AirLiner system was designed to virtually eliminate any servicing or maintenance,” Bill Curry explained. “The use of elastomer bushings negates the need for regular lubrication and results in a greatly extended life cycle. Sterling’s AirLiner suspension achieves a relatively constant spring rate by using a premium rotary valve that ensures correct height control.
“That rotary valve replaces traditional rubber-seat valves that deteriorate with age and alter spring rate and driveline angle, both of which cause a reduction in driveline life.”
“The AirLiner 46K unit fitted on Eric Maguire’s ‘SilverStar’ has a ground rating of 20,860 kg and a GCM up to 90 tonnes in a Roadtrain application,” Curry informed. “It uses formed steel cross members and has iron main suspension brackets instead of the aluminium ones as used on the AirLiner 40K model.”
Taking on the role of driver, Eric’s brother-in-law Ken Phillips plainly stated, “It’s the best truck I’ve ever operated.” And for drivers like Ken, the inside story is all good news. Bostrum’s provide the seating with their 915-Tallaldega Series High-Back units, with arm rests for both driver and passenger.
The interior trim has a truly upmarket look and feel with ‘Prestige’ Pewter cloth trim on doors and seats, with a lighter Sahara colour used on textured surfaces, headliner, sun visor and dashboard.
The list of standard equipment on this truck reads like an optional extras brochure and includes such items as dual Hadley air horns, exterior sun visor, two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome finish door handles, spring-mounted stainless steel tail lamp brackets and 203mm (8-inch) spotter side mirrors.
“I can’t fault it; the ride, comfort and road handling are absolutely fabulous,” Ken volunteered. “The AirLiner suspension is 100 percent better than suspension on the LTLA that Eric drives. It simply gets the power to the ground far more smoothly.
“Even more surprising though, is the turning circle,” Ken enthused. “It is exceptional for such a long bonneted truck. I can turn the ‘SilverStar’ in half the distance of the LTLA and that’s important in our game.”
Ken said that the power of the Cat engine makes a huge difference as well. “When Eric and I are on a job together, I’ll have two decks unloaded already by the time that he arrives.”
This is the first Cat engine that Eric has had but he’s more than happy with the C-15’s economy. “I’ve always had Cummins engines but this time we got the Cat, mainly because Cummins engine options weren’t available at the time. Still, I’m certainly not disappointed in its performance so far.
“We took delivery of the ‘SilverStar’ in October last year and so far it has clocked over 50,000 kilometres trouble free,” Eric concluded. “The teething problems that normally come with new trucks simply haven’t happened with Sterling.”
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