A Jerilderie-based bulk transport specialist has shared insights on its latest mobile asset, purchased to meet the demands of the grain harvest.
Hamilton Contracting took on a new Freightliner Cascadia 126 before harvest season last year.
So impressed with the performance of the 60-inch sleeper cab, owner Troy Hamilton recently added a second Cascadia which is due for delivery later this month.
The first Cascadia is running with a stag trailer at a combined weight of 68.5 tonnes, hauling grain and fertiliser to and from ports at Geelong and Port Kembla as well as a range of storages across New South Wales and Victoria.
To date, the Cascadia is proving the most fuel efficient truck in the fleet, however, Hamilton is reserving final judgement until he sees a year of data on its fuel efficiency.
“If I was to choose to drive a truck tomorrow I would choose the Freightliner every time because the gear-shifting, the bunk space, the long wheelbase, the smooth ride, it is an absolute no-brainer,” Hamilton said.
“The driver driving it loves it, he thinks it is fantastic.”
The 16-litre Detroit six-cylinder generates 600hp and 2050lb-ft of torque and meets the GHG17 emission level, which is even more stringent than the Euro 6 standard.
Following a positive experience with a Mercedes-Benz Actros, Hamilton thought the Cascadia’s 16-litre engine and 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission would perform well and he was right.
While the Cascadia can be ordered with an 18-speed Eaton manual, Hamilton recognised the Detroit 12-speed AMT suited his needs best.
“I think the 12-speed in the Cascadia is a no-brainer, I really do. Especially when we are running on the leg going into Port Kembla with its steep terrain,” he said.
“It takes all the stress out of being a truck driver, such as when you have to split a gear knowing that if you miss you might come to a dead stop and have to start from a standstill. This way, all you have to worry about is staying on your side of the road and watching what is in front of you.”
The full suite of advanced safety features that comes standard in the Cascadia including a driver’s airbag, advanced emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning has provided Hamilton with peace of mind.
“We have never had a major accident where someone was hurt or had damage to a truck, but it is comforting to know that you have got that kind of stuff on your side if it ever was to happen,” he said.
Hamilton purchased his Cascadia using the Daimler Agility program, which gives him the option of keeping the truck, trading it on a new truck or handing it back to Freightliner for an agreed amount after 5 years/800,000km.
“It is great to have the certainty of knowing exactly what it will cost you if you do want to return it at the end of the term,” he said.