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Big Power Means Versatility For Tilt Tray Operato

17th November 2011

Koo Wee Rup Tilt Tray Services have seen significant efficiency and productivity gains by upgrading its UD Truck to a more powerful GW400 LWB model.

In September 2010, Koo Wee Rup Tilt Tray Services’ owner-operator Mick Crowley updated his trusty UD CW250 after three years of trouble free service to the newer Euro 4 model, with the increased power making light work of the toughest jobs.

Decked out with a nine metre long tray supplied by Custom Transport Equipment and combined with a 9,000kg winch, the outfit proves incredibly versatile, with Mick finishing the immaculate truck with chrome wheels and neat pin striping.

From shipping containers, tractors and agricultural equipment, mini buses, fork lifts, and site huts, Mick also finds a fair share of local work towing cars and trucks as a roadside breakdown service.

“I had a great run (with the CW250), it was very reliable, but it was time to update, and that’s why I went with the GW,” Mick said.

“The new truck is much more comfortable, fatigue from driving it is much lower.

“With the increase in power, the truck’s not working hard, and I’m not working hard.”

One of the big differences that Mick has noticed since taking an extra 140HP on board is a significant drop in fuel consumption.

With the engine fitted to the GW400 utilising an SCR emission control system, Mick says that the truck on average achieves 3.15km/litre, whereas the old model would run about 2.7km/litre.

“The 250 just had to work very hard, but the bigger engine just cruises,” Mick said.

“I haven’t had a problem with AdBlue at all; I really think it’s the best way to go.

“Even when you factor in the cost of the AdBlue, the package is still very fuel efficient.

“Once you start using AdBlue, it just becomes a part of your routine, and you never really have to think about it.

“The temperature gauge never moves, it sits on its normal temperature and does it easy.

“Really, with that amount of horsepower and a 23.5 ton GVM, it’s good fun to drive.”

While the truck can be found most days on the country roads to the east of Melbourne, Mick does cover a wide area, with the GW taking him west to Warrnambool, north to Sydney and even Cobar in western New South Wales. In the 13 months since delivery, Mick has taken in a total of 113,000km.

“With this work, I could end up anywhere, and I think it’s a good way to be. I like mixing it up, so there is very little repetition in the work I do,” Mick said.

“My first job in transport was driving a J6 Bedford for the Holden Dealer in Koo Wee Rup when I was 18, and I’ve been involved in the industry ever since.”

In the ensuing years, Mick has worked in a wide range of roles, including hauling interstate lines, with his most recent employment before starting his own business being with a tow truck company out of nearby Warragul.

In a bid to utilise all of the available pulling power of his UD, Mick is currently in the process of commissioning a 20 foot long bogey pig trailer.

“The truck certainly has the power to handle it, and it will definitely improve the truck’s capacity; it will be able to service our customers much better,” Mick said.

“All in all, I’ve never been happier with a truck.”