Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 477 i Deals On Wheels Australia

Total Australian new truck sales for January 2022 were 2,148 units, of the all-time January 127 sales record of 2008. Back in 2008, truck sales continued at 54record levels until just after the mid-year point when the Australia 36economy succumbed to the effects of the Global Financial Crisis 26 (GFC) and new truck sales slowed considerably thereafter. Heavy-duty The January 2022738result for the heavy-duty truck segment was the fourth best on record, after 2008, 2019 and the record sales year of 2018. Coming off strong final quarter 2021 sales, it was expected that heavy truck sales would slow coming into in 2022 due to ongoing supply chain issues. However, 738 heavy-duty trucks were sold, beating the January result of last year by an impressive 141 trucks to be up 23.6%.…

The government has announced plans to invest an additional $678 million to seal another 1,000 kilometres of road and deliver further upgrades along the 2,720km-long Outback Way, named ‘Australia’s longest shortcut’. As part of the works, the remaining unsealed and substandard sections of Outback Way in Queensland and Western Australia will be sealed. The full route links Laverton in Western Australia to Winton in Queensland. Additional priority sections on the Plenty Highway and Tjukaruru Road in the Northern Territory will also be upgraded. PM Scott Morrison said that the upgrades will support 2,197 jobs and deliver an important economic boost across Australia’s centre. “Our additional investment of $678 million in Outback Way is part of our plan for a strong economy across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia,” announced…

Based in Bolwarrah, near Ballarat in Victoria, Rix took delivery of a stunning blue 126 Cascadia in late 2019 and was so impressed with it that he ordered two more, which arrived in his fleet last October. While he has a mixed fleet, Rix has been buying Freightliner trucks for some time, including multiple Coronados and a Columbia that managed more than 2 million km before it was sold to a new owner. Rix said the Cascadia is a very different vehicle compared to previous Freightliners. “You can’t compare the Cascadia to the Freightliners that came before it, it is like a quantum leap over of anything before it,” he said. “The technology, the comfort, the quality of the interior and the performance is just way out in front of…

The Prime Minister’s refusal to implement the recommendations of a landmark Senate report tabled six months ago is ramping up the deadly pressure on truckies, says the TWU, as it takes aim at the federal government for not backing drivers in their fight for a fairer road transport industry. Since the report was tabled, 87 people have died in truck-involved crashes, including 32 truck drivers. These figures mark a sharp incline in the rate of truck driver deaths, with one truckie killed on average every six days since the Inquiry made its final recommendations – an increase from the average rate over the last five years from one death every 10 days. The Without Trucks, Australia Stops report – tabled to the Senate on August 25, 2021 – was the…

The uptake of drone use for business purposes is increasing every year, with operators overseas deploying them for last kilometre and small deliveries. Now, US-owned drone delivery company Wing is running the company’s two biggest Australian trial sites in Canberra and Logan in Queensland. Australian businesses are sure to follow. As drone use has evolved, so too have the risks involved, from sharing air space to regulatory compliance. Legally, all drones used for commercial purposes must be registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), irrespective of their size or weight. Failure to comply could cost your business up to $11,100 in fines. If your logistics business is considering, or is already using, drones for deliveries, having appropriate insurance cover is critical. Drones have surpassed helicopters to become the second…

By the time you read this, time will have almost certainly have run out for new unfair contract legislation to have passed the federal parliament. Legislation before one parliament when it is dissolved before an election does not carry over to the next. At the time of writing, there were just two days of joint sittings remaining before an election was expected to be called in April. Regardless of how that plays out, the proposed law changes about unfair contracts are too important to slip off our industry’s agenda. If we have to go back to square one, we will, and if by some miracle the legislation did pass into law, there will be a lot of work to do to make sure the new rules are applied. Contracts are…

Ford E-Transit, the electric version of the Blue Oval’s iconic commercial van, is now shipping to US customers, with the Australian release expected midway through this year. The popular E-Transit already has more than 10,000 orders from businesses of all sizes and Ford says it is working on ways to increase production. The all-new E-Transit is produced at Kansas City assembly plant – Ford’s first US plant to assemble both batteries and all-electric vehicles in-house. “E-Transit is a testament to the fact that an electric commercial fleet is no longer a vision of tomorrow, but a productivity-boosting modern reality,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of The Americas and international markets group, Ford Motor Company. E-Transit is part of Ford’s more than US$30 billion (AU$42 billion) investment in electrification through to 2025.…

Partnering with industry on safety initiatives is one of the best ways the NHVR can improve safety for drivers, the broader industry and all Australian road users. One of our safety initiatives that we’ve recently updated is the NHVR’s Guidelines for Preparing and Registering Industry Codes of Practice. The updated guidelines provide more resources to assist industry to coordinate, compile and draft the information required to develop a specific Code of Practice. We’ve also simplified the risk management criteria to ensure it focuses only on the key information required to meet the needs of operators and supply chain businesses. Importantly, the new process has a much greater focus on a working partnership between industry and the NHVR. Through this partnership, industry representatives will bring industry knowledge and experience to the…

Power management company Eaton unveiled its new range of low-voltage electrical components recently. The products fulfil growing power and control requirements, including conversion, protection and distribution for commercial vehicles and off-highway applications, the company states. The technologies are designed for multiple segments, including commercial vehicles as well as military, construction and agriculture applications. “We make it easy for customers by offering a full line of low-voltage electric technologies,” said Eaton’s eMobility North America VP and GM Pratik Trivedi. “There are competitors that provide those products individually, but we supply a full line of commercial vehicle and off-highway electrical solutions.” Eaton’s lightweight, low-voltage technologies are designed to withstand harsh environments. The customisable portfolio can be easily integrated into a vehicle’s existing architecture based on customer demands. Eaton’s electrified components make transitioning…

Deadline, pride and mateship Speaking over the phone from their busy site in Shepparton, in north Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, it’s all go for Sebastian Spadaro and his wife, Kristy, as they manage their used truck, trailer and construction equipment business Complete Trucks. A family-run business that has, on average, 30 to 40 trucks on site at a time, as well as an interstate low-loader operation, they are “keeping Australia moving”, Spadaro explained to Deals on Wheels. “We offer a broad range of services, from trucks to tippers, to tray trucks, curtainsiders and prime movers, etc. Complete Trucks is a licensed motor trader basically dealing with the sales of used trucks, from refurbishment to remarketing our assets to the industry’s market. “We stand behind the products we sell. Therefore, we handpick…

truck drivers can be fickle He has a voice that can sound like gravel being raked across concrete and, when the mullet’s given time to grow, there’s the deep-etched appearance of a ‘worked hard, played hard’ rocker from the ’70s. Don’t be fooled, though. There’s more to Scott Harvey than meets the eye or raps the ear. Much more. And, while the image and the character perhaps accurately reflect younger years lived hard and to the hilt, innate acumen has nurtured and flourished in the fateful roll between risk and reward. In fact, there are moments in random conversation when even Scott seems genuinely awed by the evolution of a life that has seen a knockabout young bloke from the New South Wales Hunter Valley, not entirely sure or even…

JT Energy Systems, a joint venture between Jungheinrich and Triathlon Holding GmbH, has acquired a stake in the Dresden-based AI company and battery specialist Novum. German materials handling and battery manufacturing company Jungheinrich has offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, while Triathlon launched its battery business in Australia in 2020. As part of their cooperation, the partners are jointly extending the service life of lithium-ion batteries. The use of AI-based analysis tools makes used vehicle batteries fit for their second and third lifetimes; exetending their sustainability. “Lithium-ion batteries often last longer than the vehicles in which they are used,” said Reinhild Kühne, managing director of JT Energy Systems. “In the future, we will be in an even better position to exploit the battery’s full potential in order to reuse…

The transport industry is a growing and competitive industry Looking to invest in a new truck but need a loan to finance this? How do you ensure that you get the best rate on the market? This is where a broker steps in to translate confusing jargon and search the market for the financial products that best suit your particular needs. Start Fresh Finance, based on the Sunshine Coast, is run by Jan Watman, who has over 30 years of experience in the financial sector. Providing specialised assistance to the transport and construction industries, and particularly start-up businesses, Watman told Deals on Wheels that taking advantage of a broker’s services, like Start Fresh Finance, can save you time and frustration. “As a broker I act as a ‘go between’, who…

Penske New Zealand has turned the first sod on the site of its new state-of-the-art Tauranga facility on New Zealand’s North Island. Providing full retail sales, parts and service support for the Western Star Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus, Dennis Eagle, Mtu, and Detroit brands, the new facility will be located on Kaweroa Drive in Tauriko. Situated on 13,167 square metres of land, the purpose-built facility will comprise 2,550 square metres of workshop space, a 700 square metre parts warehouse, and 800 square metres of retail and office space, including a drivers’ lounge. The new Tauranga branch will also house 17 30-metre truck bays, a machine shop, a drive-through wash bay, a full-length service pit, and two built-in hoists, along with a certificate of fitness and heavy vehicle entry compliance…

A Barnawartha North-based modern distribution centre has been sold by Colliers for $10.6 million to Ascot Capital. The Wine Depot Distribution Centre was subject to a 12-year triple net leaseback to ASX-listed company Wine Depot, with the added benefit of planning approval for the construction of an additional warehouse and extension of the existing facility. “We are delighted to be forming a long-term partnership with Wine Depot,” said Ascot Capital director Greg King. “This fits right into Ascot’s deal envelope, with long tenure of income and the opportunity to scale-up with further development.” The distribution centre was built in 2005 and comprises a building area of 7,252sqm, situated on a 40,200sqm land holding, with the ability to increase the gross lettable area to 18,022sqm through an expansion of the existing…

Queensland Transport and Logistics Council (QTLC) has released a report exploring the current and near-term potential for zero emission (ZE) freight trucks. Focusing on the factors that fleets say are constraining growth, the report provides recommendations for all key stakeholders to support transition. “Significant deployment of ZE trucks will be required to meet the Queensland and Australian government’s net-zero targets, yet, today, less than 0.2% of new truck sales are ZE,” said QTLC CEO Lauren Hewitt. QTLC director Mark Gjerek noted: “The Queensland freight task can provide great early deployment opportunities – particularly in urban operations, which represent 70% of all rigid truck activity. QTLC partnered with specialist consultancy Mov3ment to analyse the suitability of ZE trucks in different market segments. “There is a lot of focus on hydrogen for…

The Australian government’s announcement regarding the establishment of the National Intermodal Corporation Limited has received a critical response from Pacific National. As one of Australia’s largest rail freight operators, Pacific National sees the move as posing a direct competition to private rail transport sector. It comes after the government announced that it will set up National Intermodal, previously known as Moorebank Intermodal Company, to support the planning, delivery and operation of the government’s investment in new state-of-the-art intermodal terminals across Australia’s east coast. Transport Minister Barnaby Joyce says National Intermodal will service Inland Rail and facilitate an integrated approach to Australia’s interstate rail freight network. However, Pacific National CEO Paul Scurrah says instead of developing terminals, the government should focus on upgrading existing tracks and helping local and state governments…

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched a $127.9 million funding program to support fleet operators to shift towards new zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) technology. The Future Fuels Program, an Australian government initiative, will operate as a competitive, open and ongoing program that aims to support vehicle fleet operators to integrate ZEVs into their operations over the next four years. Funding will be available for light vehicle fleet operators for charging and electrical infrastructure, while heavy fleet operators are eligible for funding towards enabling infrastructure and some support for vehicle costs. ARENA is also looking to fund projects that incorporate hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and refuelling infrastructure. ARENA has committed over $78 million to ZEV technologies since 2016, including ultra-fast charging networks on major highways, home smart charging trials,…

The dashboard, developed with the CSIRO and launched last October, enables industry to compare supply chain performance over road and rail and across different locations. A further 12 commodities are now available, including cement, asphalt, bitumen and molasses, giving industry insight into the supply chains of 150 commodities to help them compare performance by: • freight task costs and value, including cost per payload tonne or kilometre• travel distances and durations• geographic areas, including states and local government areas. Deputy PM and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the more informed freight operators are, the better they perform and the more they save. “Australia’s freight sector has done exceptionally well to keep supplies flowing in challenging circumstances throughout the pandemic,” said Joyce. “As the sector returns…

Global supplier of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell powered commercial vehicles Hyzon Motors is on track to deliver its first order of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles this year. Under a new partnership agreement with RACV, Hyzon will also build its Australian headquarters at a purpose-built facility including corporate offices, showroom, assembly warehousing and workshop in Noble Park, Melbourne. The partnership includes a first order of hydrogen-powered vehicles for RACV-owned subsidiary Nationwide Group, the first order of such vehicles for a towing company in Australia. Hyzon Motors is expected to deliver three locally manufactured Hyzon HyMax TT7 tilt-tray trucks and one of Hyzon’s fully imported HyMax prime mover to Nationwide Group. Nationwide Group CEO Michael Stephenson says the business is excited to explore how hydrogen can play a part in the future of…

Ram Trucks Australia says its latest release, the Laramie 3500 Crew Cab, comes to the Australian market after many hours of testing – for durability, real-world driving and rolling road testing. With a design that focuses on ride and handling, luxury, materials, innovation and technology, the new model is one of a series of Ram Trucks uniquely developed with right hand drive for the Australian market. Powered by a 6.7-litre inline 6 Cummins turbodiesel, the 3500 delivers 276kW and 1,152Nm, allowing for a max braked towing capacity of up to eight tonnes. Its two-stage longitudinal leaf solid axle allows for a payload of up to 1,724kg. “The all-new 3500 completes the task we set ourselves at the start of 2021: to deliver a full range of fit-for-purpose vehicles for the…

After announcing its intention to import all models and exit local manufacture, Iveco is offering two years/250,000km of servicing on its X-Way models. For a limited time, it is including two years or 250,000km – whichever comes first – of servicing (see terms and conditions from Iveco) for customers who purchase new X-Way prime mover models. The truck maker says the offer applies to all prime movers, including 6x4 AD, AT and AS variants, as well as the recently released B-Double model. The prime mover range is equipped with 11- and 13-litre Euro 6 engines, with three power options: 460hp (343kW) and 2,150Nm; 510hp (380kW) and 2,300Nm; and the range-topping 550hp (410kW) with 2,500Nm, as featured in the new AS 550 B-Double. Other driveline benefits include fitment of the HiTronix…

The digital connection between CargoWise and WorldWide Alliance (WWA) systems now incorporates multiple integrated data streams to deliver a better user experience for CargoWise operators, WWA members and their customers. WorldWide Alliance (WWA) is a network of the world’s leading non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) providing less-than-container-load (LCL) cargo solutions, and CargoWise is a cloud-based logistics execution software developed by WiseTech Global. “The collaboration between WWA and WiseTech is evidence of how beneficial real-time, integrated connections are to all parties,” said WWA MD Kristian Larsen. “As the shipping industry continues to look for solutions to alleviate capacity constraints, there is an increasing need for logistics providers to adapt and be flexible, moving quickly to provide end customers with the most efficient, integrated, and cost-effective LCL solution.” The new system further expands…

The international trucking industry is undergoing a transformation towards more sustainable transport as sales of heavy battery electric trucks are starting to pick up, with Europe in the lead. An increasing number of heavy all-electric trucks are now running in commercial traffic. Statistics from the market analysis group IHS Markit show that during 2021 a total of 346 electric trucks (≥16 tonnes) were registered in Europe – an increase of 193 per cent from 2020. Volvo Trucks has the largest market share at 42%. The countries in Europe with the most electric trucks registered (≥16 tonnes) are Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and The Netherlands. “We are determined to drive the electric truck revolution and our market leading position in Europe is proof that we are doing just that,” said Roger Alm,…

The latest Kenworth T909 fleet acquisition for Moss Vale-based Graham Brown & Daughter Transport is a far cry from the single-drive 3070 International that set the wheels in motion many years ago. The early days saw Graham running the 3070 from a rented property in the NSW Southern Highlands town, carting fresh hides from the Berrima abattoir into Botany, five days per week. “I always wanted to have my own truck,” said Graham. “I saw the truck advertised and came and inspected it and bought it.” The trucking of the hides went well for Graham, however, running it from the rental property he was living in did not. “I ended up getting a bit of a hard time from the owner for backing the prime mover onto his concrete, which…

Have I mentioned before how much I love my job? I mean, who wouldn’t? Picture me sitting back conducting a friendly interview in the seaside holiday town of Coffs Harbour. Beautiful rays of sunshine are breaking through the light clouds like a grown man stepping on a barely frozen lake. Golden yellow beams of light bouncing off a stunning silver Kenworth and a mouth-watering Mack are the backdrop for this meeting. A cold beer is in my hand as the proprietor of this idyllic setting, Chris Robinson, regales me with his poetically expletive memoirs. I mean, all I really need is some Jack Daniels-flavoured jerky, Smokey and the Bandit playing on a 75-inch TV and an endless supply of nachos and I would be in heaven. Who am I kidding,…

It has been 50 years since Isuzu was introduced to Australia by General Motors Holden back in 1972, and Isuzu is celebrating not only 50 years of operation, but also 33 consecutive years of market leadership in Australia, with 2021 its largest sales year to date. Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) director and COO Andrew Harbison shared his thoughts on the occasion, with a key focus on the ‘Isuzu family’, the people and products that have contributed to Isuzu’s success. “There’s little doubt the story of Isuzu in this country has been underpinned by a fantastic product, born out of a union between a Tokyo ship-building company and an energy producer back in 1916, both motivated by one clear vision – to build quality vehicles,” said Harbison. “Although perhaps hidden somewhat…

The Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland (LRTAQ) has announced the finalists of the Young Person in Transport Award 2022, sponsored by Meritor. The LRTAQ says the award was developed to recognise and acknowledge the contribution younger transport workers are making to the sustainability of our industry. Member businesses were encouraged to recognise excellence in their workplace and nominate outstanding individuals aged 35 years or younger. The 2022 finalists are: • Andrew Travers – Travers Transport• Brodie Coleman – Drury Farming Co• Jamie Healy – Seilers Transport• Luke Cannon – Frasers Livestock Transport• Luke Taylor – Kahler Transport The winner of the LRTAQ Young Person in Transport Award 2022 will be announced at the Bull Carter’s Ball on Saturday March 5, 2022, as part of the LRTAQ Annual Conference…

The newly rebranded MOVE in the central Victorian city of Shepparton has seen the recent arrival of some special new heavyweight visitors, including historic examples of all three Volvo group Australia truck brands. The museum features a diverse line up, from bicycles and light passenger vehicles to historic heavy commercials displayed in a purpose built 10,000 square metre facility. “Shepparton is a mecca for transport,” said MOVE CEO Peter Hill. “One in four commercial vehicles registered in Victoria are based in the Shepparton area, transport is the lifeblood of this region.” CMV Truck & Bus, Volvo Group Australia’s largest private dealer partner are a major sponsor of MOVE. “We are incredibly proud to be supporting MOVE and to be a partner in this impressive new museum,” said CMV Truck &…

VSA Roads, based in Laverton North, Victoria, is an amalgamation of five independent brands that work together to provide quarried and bituminous products along with associated paving and surfacing services. And while larger tipper and dogs and specialist road resurfacing equipment are the cornerstone of any road building effort, the support vehicles also play a vital role according to technician and driver Shaun Hennessy. Hennessy works for Inroads – one of the five companies that falls under the VSA Roads banner – and one of his responsibilities is to keep the spray sealing service crews up and running. “On a conventional crew, you’ll normally have four or five tippers working on a project. If one has a breakdown, you can keep the work going using the others, but often there’s…

Cummins Inc has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Jacobs Vehicle Systems (JVS), a subsidiary of Altra Industrial Motion Corp and a supplier of engine braking, cylinder deactivation, start and stop and thermal management technologies. The agreement brings the addition of new technologies to provide growth opportunities for Cummins’ current and future advanced diesel engine platforms. The acquisition of JVS also secures critical USMCA-qualified engine components for current and aftermarket products and expands on Cummins Turbo Technologies’ success with customers globally. “JVS brings engineering expertise, best-in-class products and key manufacturing capabilities to Cummins that will allow us to continue developing component technologies that deliver market leading performance and emissions,” said Cummins’ president and chief operating officer Jennifer Rumsey. “We expect that this transaction will provide both attractive financial…

CMI Hino Adelaide and Jacob Hino won the Hino Dealer of the Year Metropolitan and Regional titles, respectively, at Hino’s recent 2021 awards ceremony. The first recipients of the inaugural President’s Award were also announced – CMI Hino Adelaide, Jacob Hino (Albury-Wodonga), Sci-Fleet Hino Brisbane, Sci-Fleet Hino Gold Coast, CMI Hino Melbourne and Newcastle Hino. “Since I started with Hino Australia, it has been my vision to bring this high-profile Hino award to Australia and I congratulate the recipients for their exceptional efforts in all aspects of sales, parts and service,” said Hino Australia president and CEO Sam (Takashi) Suda. “CMI Hino Adelaide is one of the longest-standing Hino dealers in Australia and Jacob Hino has been representing the Hino brand for over 20 years – both of their teams…

The new Scania Super-based powertrain has won Germany’s renowned ‘1000 Punkte’ (1000 Points) test. It was Scania’s fourth victory in a row in the European test. A Scania 460 R tractor took on the latest versions of what Volvo and MAN have to offer in a test where all-important aspects of modern-day long-haul trucks are assessed by a team of experienced international truck journalists. “This is the first confirmation from independent journalists that the Super-based powertrain we presented in Södertälje in November delivers as stated and has moved us and the transport efficiency Scania offers even further away from the competition,” said Scania Trucks senior VP Stefan Dorski. “The margins are typically narrow in these tests, but here the Scania Super powertrain was some 4% more fuel-efficient than the runner-up.”…

Mazda says its new Mazda BT-50 range, now available in Australia with a new powertrain and two new grades, is now available to a wider variety of ute buyers. Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the update and availability of the model boosts appeal for the company’s premium utility vehicle. “Giving customers a diverse and comprehensive product offer is a hallmark of the Mazda business,” he said. “We know how important personalisation is for our customers, particularly when it comes to the utility segment. The addition of a new powertrain, a new entry grade and a stylish new high grade in the SP, with ready availability of stock, gives our customers more opportunity to find their right vehicle sooner.” Mated to the new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel powerplant with automatic transmission,…

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program’s (ANCAP’s) latest results release follows on from the inaugural van comparison results published in December 2020 and includes updated assessments of the Mercedes-Benz Vito and Iveco Daily, acknowledging specification upgrades introduced to the market since the initial comparison was released. This latest report also includes analysis of the LDV Deliver 9 and newly-released Hyundai Staria-Load – providing an up-to-date summary of collision avoidance specification and capability for a total of 16 commercial vans. “This analysis provides added value to fleet and commercial van operators as it extends beyond ANCAP’s traditional star rating program to shine a light on the active safety performance of an important segment,” said ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg. “Vans are a workplace. Their increased on-road exposure and frequent use in built-up…

I’m a pretty game individual, I mean, I’ve drunk milk two days after the expiry date, I’ve gone swimming only 15 minutes after eating and I’ve even agreed to the Telstra terms and conditions without listening to the whole diatribe. We can all agree, I live life on the edge. However, using the phrase ‘happy as a pig in shit’ when starting my third women in transport story could be risky if anyone misconstrued the intent. Before anyone makes any assumptions or complains about my choice of description, let me explain exactly why this phrase is extremely fitting for this story. Firstly, when I caught up with Kelsie McDonald, the subject of this article, near Tailem Bend in South Australia, she was busy loading her Kenworth T904 with a full…

Remember back in the 1980s and ‘90s there was a show on TV called Beyond 2000? For those who don’t, it was a family-oriented Sunday night affair showcasing anything that was remotely techy; a sort of soft-news/entertainment program in the same vein as Top Gear but with a broader scope as they would show off cars, computers, new inventions, etc. For those of us who were young and impressionable back then, it was an eye-opening look into an exciting future in which we were going to live. The show was a great concept and must’ve rated well, as the series ran from 1985 until 1999, but when it came to making predictions about what would actually occur beyond 2000 (which must have been much easier in the later seasons) it…

It’s not lost on Phil Hunt Parts managing director Brendan Hunt that the company he manages is a generational business. “Very often these days I’m finding the ‘old man’ started dealing with the father of the family – and today I’m dealing with their sons,” he said. “The blokes my old man started dealing with in the early 90s, I’m dealing with their kids now, and obviously I’m second generation as well.” But, as Hunt explained, it’s something that goes with the territory of being Australia’s sole supplier of second-hand parts for Allis Chalmers, Fiat Allis and John Deere Construction Equipment – a loyal customer base he’s grateful for. “We’ve carved ourselves a bit of a niche for machines that aren’t overly popular across the contractor sector, we leave the…