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UD Proves a Winner in the Top End

17th March 2011

One of the Northern Territory's best-known transport and crane hire companies has taken a different tack to other local operators, by ignoring US built trucks in favour of four new UD GW400s, for its hardworking transport fleet.


In a pragmatic and business like approach that has marked the company's rapid expansion, Shorelands chose the UD GW400s based on price, specification, reliability and service.


Shorelands is a well-known and prominent operator in the Darwin region, with their unique yellow and brown trucks and cranes familiar sights on the Territory capital's roads.


According to Shorelands manager, Russell Peet, the UD GW400s are the ideal truck for the company's purposes, and meet the strong expectations placed on them.


"The UDs measure up on all counts," Russell Peet said.


"They have a great turning circle which is important in the work we do, as many of the yards we have to work in have limited space.


"I was also impressed with the power and torque of the UD, and for what we have to do they offer everything we want in a truck.


Shorelands uses the UD fleet to service a wide range of tasks, so their versatility is always thoroughly tested.


"For 99 percent of our transport work around Darwin the GWs are the business," said Russell.


"They are expected to earn their keep; sometimes they may be transporting custom-built containers, at other times they could have a full load of drilling pipes on their way to a barge bound for one of the oil and gas rigs.


"Our main business is servicing the other Shorelands companies who in turn service the thriving oil and gas industry."


Shorelands measure their truck's work rate in hours, rather than kilometres, with each of the UDs working somewhere between 1200 and 1500 hours a year, which equates to around 187 full eight hour days.


The GW400 is powered by a 13-litre engine rated at 287kW (390hp) with 1,716 Nm of torque, backed by Eaton's 14913A (13-speed) gearbox.


Russell is adamant the Shorelands operation doesn't require high-horsepower trucks.


"Big horsepower comes with a big price tag, and in many cases drivers with an attitude best left at home," said Russell.


"What is apparent is the fact that the UDs and their useful 26,000kg GVM and 50,000kg GCM puts them in a league of their own.


"I have to say getting new drivers to wheel the UD trucks around is easier than getting existing drivers out of their non-Japanese rigs, but the guys driving the UDs love the ride quality and all the mod-cons.


"The UD GWs are quiet, driver-friendly and with traction control, cruise control, climate controlled air conditioning and a full Wabco electronic braking system, they are not only safe but they are extremely comfortable, particularly in the steamy tropics."


The Shorelands story started when Arthur Hamilton acquired a single 12-tonne Franna crane in 1979, which was used for lifting pre-cast concrete for the construction industry.


Hamilton, expanded with more cranes and trucks, while in recent times has added barges and a fleet of aircraft to service the oil and gas industry.
Recently the company started manufacturing custom-built shipping containers designed specifically for clients needs.


While it is early days for UD in the Shorelands fleet, Russell says the numbers are stacking up nicely.


"I like what I'm hearing from my drivers, because as far as I am concerned a happy driver is a productive driver, and the trucks are proving to be totally reliable."