1997keifer built stockmaster magnum
In a B-double combination with two ball-race fifth wheels, this allows unimpeded longitudinal oscillation of both trailers relative to each other and the lead trailer relative to the prime mover when turning over uneven terrain. Not surprisingly, units fitted to stock hauling combinations need to be at the higher end of the heavy-duty scale and preferably of the ball-race variety rather than fixed units.Īs the name suggests, the ball-race fifth wheel is constructed of a top plate connected to the chassis via either a single- (low profile) or double-row ball-bearing slew ring which means the plate stays in the same position relative to the trailer as the vehicle articulates. Yet it’s the inherent nature of the thoroughfares leading into properties where cattle are loaded that demands much of the various vehicular components, not least the device that keeps the prime mover and trailers connected, commonly called either a fifth wheel or turntable.ĭue to the number of forces acting upon it in different directions, the fifth wheel must be engineered and built to a high degree of strength and precision, with all units sold in Australia undergoing mandatory independent certification to ensure fitnessfor purpose. The operation also uses advanced fatigue management (AFM) to ensure the work is done in the safest and most efficient manner. The Stockmaster trucks have advanced significantly since those early days, with the all-Kenworth fleet fitted with the latest technology equipment including satellite tracking. Little did he realise at that stage that one day he would end up owning Stockmaster. He worked there for three years before striking out and buying his own truck – still doing the same work for Jim Savage, but now as a subcontractor with his own vehicle. The company, started by Jim and Helen Savage, later became known as Stockmaster. Robert got his start in the livestock haulage game in 1985, driving for JT and HM Savage in Tamworth. This is a fact all too familiar to Robert Cavanagh, a bloke who in the past 20 years has gone from being a single truck owner operator working as a sub-contractor, to running a large fleet of trucks in a livestock haulage operation across NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Experienced operators are multiskilled in terms of animal husbandry and heavy vehicle operation, with the latter taking place over a broad spectrum of conditions from rough dirt tracks to fast freeways.