It was made especially for off-highway mining applications and utilises a 19 litre engine with a GCM of 350T, without any power-assisted trailers. The original five-speed, constant-mesh manual transmission is a special-build gearbox that has an unusual shift pattern, because the three lower-speed ratios are crawl gears, to allow gradeability on the steep slopes of Mount Rainier. The Parks requested more protective buses and, in a four-way competition with Ford, REO and GMC, held by the National Park Service in 1935 at Yosemite National Park, the White Model 706 chassis emerged as the winner. Not long after, Kenworth Australia started releasing locally-built trucks. The 1958 Model 953 oilfield truck built on the success fo the 853, using Cummins Diesel power. The latter truck was aimed at maximum trailer length in East Coast States that restricted overall length. ABOUT US. 3 talking about this. Known in Mexico as KW 45 and 55 (20042012). In 1950, a Boeing gas turbine engine was fitted to a Kenworth and the first COE full-width Bullnose cab was launched. [citation needed], Production of Kenworth buses continued throughout the 1930s and into the early 1940s, and during this time Kenworth was manufacturing bus chassis for body builders such as Wentworth and Irwin (later renamed Wentwin), and Heiser. In 1927, production was increased from two vehicles a week to three; the same year, manufacturing began in Canada (to avoid import taxes). Initially marketed as the K260/K360, the model line was renamed the K270/K370 for 2013. Known as the KHC-22 (Kenworth - Heiser - City), the 23-passenger bus was developed by Kenworth engineers as a stock demo vehicle to help aid a glum sales picture, and to jumpstart the local economy. Shared with Peterbilt, the Brazilian-produced Mid-Ranger was derived from the MAN G90 (a wide-body version of the Volkswagen LT[22]). The 50th Anniversary of Kenworth in 1972 marked the first year in which the company hit the five-digit sales mark. Also in 1988 came the T400A, for metro and regional work, followed by the T450 construction truck. Two major revisions in its lifetime, the K100C in the 70s and the K100E in the 80s. To commemorate the event Kenworths featured gold-background hood ornaments the Kenworth Bug replacing the polished aluminium ornament. In 1986, the T800 was introduced, adapting the sloped hoodline and set-back front axle for a heavy-duty chassis; the shorter-hood T400 was introduced in 1988 as a regional-haul tractor. [7] For 2013 production, the T680 was introduced as the third-generation aerodynamic Kenworth conventional,[7] serving as a single replacement for the narrow-body T660 and the wide-body T700. Three years later, the company launched the Kenworth C540, the largest truck designed by the company in Australia. It launched the Kenworth T900 in 1991; T480 in 1993; T601 (the 15,000th Kenworth) in 1996, and C510 in 1998. In 2007, Paccar introduced the T660, a more aerodynamic version of the T600. In celebration of 90 years of Kenworth, the limited edition T909 Director Series was launched in 2014, combining the best of classic and contemporary. In addition to fuel economy gains the Ant Eater,as it was called in Australia, had better ride and manoeuvrability than a W Model. [11][14], In 1955, Kenworth began the redesign of its COE product line, launching the CSE (Cab-Surrounding-Engine); in line with the Bull-nose, the CSE shared its underpinnings with the 500-series trucks and did not have a tilting cab.[15]. Following the acquisition, multiple features of the Model T/CT were integrated into the Gillig Transit Coach line of school buses[citation needed]; the model line was produced until 1982. Classic KWs are popular with collectors, Seen here on Haulin' the Hume 2019. [8] In total, the company would supply the Army with 1,930 wreckers by the end of World War II; to accommodate the extensive increase in production, Kenworth introduced an assembly line to produce the vehicle. 2019 Kenworth K200 Trucks/Prime Movers Type:Dealer Used Year:2019 State:QLD Odometer:722,898 km $85,000 Inc. GST VIEW DL#: 1005239 2014 Kenworth K200 Trucks/Prime Movers Type:Dealer Used Year:2014 State:QLD Odometer:395,273 km $165,000 Inc. GST VIEW DL#: 1005239 1999 Kenworth T401 Trucks/Prime Movers Type:Dealer Used Year:1999 State:QLD [citation needed] In 1945, Kenworth was sold to Pacific Car and Foundry; both companies believed bus production would play a pivotal role in jumpstarting a postwar economy. In 1923 Worthington and Kents son reincorporated the business in Seattle as the Kenworth Motor Truck Company, a contraction of their surnames, as befitted the heirs of the Gersix. Kenworth in Aus The first Kenworths arrived in Australia in 1962, when several were imported by truck operator Ed Cameron. Worthington retired, with Harry Kent becoming company president. [citation needed]. The following year, the company hit another milestone for its 10,000th Australian-built truck. Ed Cameron passed away in 2016, at the age of 93. Charges Prime Mover 1,285,522 km Dealer Used SA Contact seller View details 20 Compare 2013 Kenworth T900 Series T909 $270,000* Excl. However, the original leather upholstery was unserviceable and was replaced by Italian leather, made from 23 hides. The W900AR, or Long Nose as it was affectionately known, was introduced soon after. Today, Kenworth enjoys a dominant share of the Australian linehaul, road train and heavy haulage market. Tesla has halted Model S and X orders in Australia, over 2 years after the . By 1940 production had increased and around 230 Kenworth trucks left the factory. Model Model Years Class Vehicle information Current (North America) W900: 1961-present: 8: Kenworth's long running semi truck model. The dual targets of customisation and tariff reduction prompted Kenworth's decision to open a plant in Australia, in 1968. Here's a photo timeline of highlights from Kenworth's 90 years: 1920s: A Kenworth production facility 1920s: Kenworth logger. [4], In 1917, Gerlinger Motors filed for bankruptcy and was put up for sale, with E.K. This truck became very popular due to its solid technical capabilities. [citation needed] Producing about 40 buses yearly, Kenworth became a low-volume bus manufacturer, accommodating special-order coaches. Following declining demand for Class 8 cabovers, the K100E was quietly phased out after 2002 production in North America; Kenworth Australia continuing production of the model line. In 1929 Kenworth opened a new facility in Seattle, unfortunately on the eve of the Great Depression that put the brakes on Kenworths growth of the late 1920s. Kenworth diversified into state government business, making fire trucks from 1932. Experiments with "deck-and-a-half" buses would soon follow, made reality in the W-1 model, as well as the company's very first experiments with rear-engine coach-type buses in 1936. [5], In 1926, Kenworth expanded its product line, introducing its first bus. With 50 years of Australian manufacturing already under its belt, the future is certainly looking bright for Kenworth. In 1991 Kenworth released the T884, with front and rear steering axles and all-wheel drive, for the mining and construction industries. Privacy Policy |Terms of Use. In 1933 Kenworth became the first American company to make diesel engines standard in its trucks and also introduced a sleeper cab option. The low-cab COE made its return, based on the DAF LF. The Kenworth story began in 1912, in Seattle, Washington, where brothers George T and Louis Gerlinger Jr operated a car and truck dealership known as Gerlinger Motor Car Works. Although the T2000 was trialled Down Under in the late-1990s its production wasnt feasible in the Bayswater plant, so Australia had to wait until 2017 to get a wide-cab bonnetted truck. A major deal for Model 853s for the Arabian American Oil Co (Aramco) saw 1700 ordered. Some of the huge deals that the company closed were 13 Kenworth cab-overs ordered by Ansett Freight Express (AFE) and 31 prime movers for Finemores Transport Pty Ltd. [5][6] To emphasize its connection to truck manufacturing, the company was renamed Gersix Motor Company. Call 1300 889 669 orapply online. Period correctness extends to specially-made bias-ply tyres, fitted to the buss 206 Budd disc wheels. Only 257 units were produced for sale. *90,000kg Rated. As of July 2020 the only models that do not have Twin-Steer configurations are T410 SAR, T610 SAR, T900, C510, C540. Following the untimely death of its principal director, Kenworth became a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Car and Foundry in 1945. These vehicles were equipped with cranes, fore and aft winches and cutting and welding equipment. 27 were built with 14 wheelbase variations (and seven engine variations), and all 27 were sold by as many as 15 different operators. Engines Comes with warranty. [8][9] In 1937, Harry Kent died, with Philip Johnson becoming company president. Heiser, long an often chosen body for school buses bearing Kenworth chassis, would later be purchased by Pacific Car and Foundry Company in 1937. It celebrated by adding another 10,000 square feet to its Bayswater plant and welcoming its 15,000th Kenworth, a T601. Although custom-building was Kenworths attraction there was range of standard trucks, with capacities of 2-10 tons, using Buda, Hercules or Herschell-Spillman petrol engines, or Cummins diesels. Gray Line affiliates Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver purchased several of these special coach orders known as Grayliner or Grayliner Junior buses; the bodies for these buses were all built by Pacific Car and Foundry. Some orders for modified model CTs were made available and sold internationally, with variants being sold to Uruguay and Venezuela, as well as the Middle East. The companys ability to custom-build to suit every fire departments specific needs brought the company business that most of its competitors couldnt get. Kenworth expanded bus production through the 1930s, despite the Great Depression, releasing its most successful transit bus in 1933, based on the Model 86 truck. This model of Kenworth Legend had 75 produced and sold out in 48 hours. Twin-steer and tri-drive variations have been produced over the years. In 2021 the third truck in the Kenworth Legend Series was released this being the SAR Legend, a homage to the W900 SAR that was produced from 1975 until 1987. [3] The Kenworth W900 has been produced continuously since 1961, serving as one of the longest production runs of any truck in automotive history. [citation needed], In 2006, at the American Truck Historical Society's 11th Annual Truck Show at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Shelton, Washington, a historical society dedicated to preserving the Gillig Transit Coach and Kenworth-Pacific School Coach was officially dedicated. Soon after, Kenworth received one of the biggest orders placed by a private company in Australia at the time, with a $3 million order for 31 prime movers placed by Finemores Transport. Kenworth engineers responded with aluminium hubs, cabs and lightweight four-spring and torsion-bar rear suspensions. The updated S and X can no longer be reserved in Australia and New Zealand. Medium duty and light vocational. [7] While not directly replacing the T600 and W900, the T2000 was a completely new design (the first from Kenworth since 1961). / History of Kenworth Trucks in Australia. [18], In 1993, Kenworth opened its facility in Renton, Washington, as its third United States assembly plant. Kenworth's vocational and severe duty truck, available in both semi or rigid configurations. Today, Kenworth enjoys a dominant share of the Australian linehaul, road train and heavy haulage market. [18] Intended as an expansion of the Kenworth model line, the success of the T600 would lead to the introductions of similar designs from multiple American truck manufacturers. Nevertheless, Kenworth was still able to continue on its growth trajectory. [8] In 1943, the company became a supplier for Boeing, manufacturing components for the B17 and B 29 bombers. [11] From 1964 to 1966, Kenworth nearly doubled its yearly truck sales. The first Australian-built Kenworth truck, a cab-over K125CR (also called Grey Ghost) was produced in 1971. The iconic T900 was introduced in 1991. This truck looked very different to past models, which made it somewhat polarising, particularly among purists. To meet ADR 80/02 emission standards, the entire Kenworth range was redesigned ahead of the launch in 2008. [7][18], For 1976, Kenworth launched a flagship customization series, the VIT (Very Important Trucker) with a high level of interior features; distinguished by its skylight windows, the Aerodyne sleeper cab was the first factory-produced sleeper cab with stand-up headroom (for both the W900 and K100). The T range includes the bonneted conventional models and the C for heavy haulage, mining, off-road and road train use, and the K range covers the cab over models. The Legend 900 was unveiled in 2017, with only 257 of these limited edition models produced. Charges Prime Mover 554,000 km Manual 600 HP By 2013, the manufacturer had produced its 50,000th Australian made truck. [6] In contrast to car manufacturers, Kenworth abstained from assembly lines, instead constructing vehicles in individual bays. [6] Following continued strong demand of the model line, the company found itself with $60,000 to reincorporate and relocate its headquarters. The set-back-axle design was incorporated in the1986 T800, for North American markets. Later model K300s used a newer cab, but that didnt come to Australia. In 1917, Worthington and his business partner, Captain Frederick Kent, bought the business. In the following year they sold 80 trucks. By: Ben O'Hare. Following the untimely death of its principal director, Kenworth became a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Car and Foundry in 1945. Govt. After some final cleanup, PC&F wound up completely outstanding orders for the Pacific School Coach in early 1957. Kenworth currently has manufacturing plants in Chillicothe, Ohio; Renton, Washington, US; Sainte-Thrse, Quebec, Canada; Bayswater, Victoria, Australia (Kenworth Australia); and Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. It was modelled on the legendary W-model, combining a classic look and style with the ability to stand up to almost any application and conditions. 2019 KENWORTH W900 Sleeper Trucks Price: USD $150,000 Get Financing* Truck Location: Sapulpa, Oklahoma 74066 Mileage: 423,793 mi Engine Manufacturer: CUMMINS Horsepower: 565 HP Transmission: Manual Transmission Manufacturer: EATON-FULLER Number of Speeds: 18 Spd Suspension: Air Ride VIN: 1XKWD49X2KJ214821 Compare Popular models have included the bonnetted T600, T604, T650, W925, T900, T904, T908, T950, T350,T400/ T401/404S/T404ST/404SAR and COE K124, K100E, K100G, K104G, K104B models, plus severe-service C500, C510 and C540. The truck got the name for its prominent sloping aerodynamic nose and a bonnet plunging towards the ground. 8 months warranty. Completely new wide body cab design, shares some parts with the Peterbilt 387. Though once its impressive fuel figures were revealed, demand for this model soared. In 2017, truck number 60,000 also hit the road, a T610SAR purchased by Wickham Freight Lines. A true workhorse, this model was built tough for off-highway applications such as the logging and mining industry. [4] Deriving its name from its inline six-cylinder engine (one of the first trucks equipped with the type[4]), the Gersix was framed in structural steel, intended for commercial use. The T680 Next-Gen was redesigned with the future in mind. But its predecessor the W900AR had gained such a following that Kenworth decided to reintroduce it in 1977, after length limits were eased. Doolans $255.00 Stock Id: DRA 1586 More info Add to cart 1/50 KENWORTH C509 SLEEPER CAB Centurion Transport $255.00 Stock Id: DRA 1568 More info Add to cart 1/50 KENWORTH C509 SLEEPER CAB Dawsons Heavy Haulage $255.00 Stock Id: DRA 1565 More info Add to cart 1/50 Postwar Kenworth buses were city and interurban buses and a trolley bus. As of current production, Kenworth offers the following vehicles in North America. Classic-styled truck. *AG400 Rear suspension Eaton Diff heads- NO CROSSLOCK. Kenworth has been a household name in Australia since the 1960s when the first trucks from the United States hit the local market. Australian Kenworths are application-engineered purpose built and tough enough to stand thetest of time,all while providing operators with a safe and comfortable environment. Hydraulic brakes were introduced, along with a six-wheel option. The Model T school bus, which entered production after the last bus was built for Great Northern in April 1949, was an immediate hit with many school bus operators in the Pacific Northwest. [4][5] In 1916, Gerlinger Motors relocated from Portland to Tacoma, Washington, leasing a building from Seattle businessman Edgar K. The models viewed on this page are no longer in production. Shares cab with W900. Australian models are assembled at Kenworth's Bayswater facility in Victoria. Kenworth's long running semi truck model. The medium-duty T300 was replaced by the Class 5-7 T170/T270/T370 model family. 2004 Kenworth K104 (REBUILT C15) *Powered By A CAT C15 REBUILT with zero kilometres. [8], In 1939, Kenworth introduced its 500-series trucks, which would form the basis of its commercial truck line into the mid-1950s. Buying a truck fleet for your business: New or used. The USA was the first country in the world to inaugurate national parks and the larger ones required some way of moving tourists between the park highlights. The S stood for short bonnet and the AR for Australian Right Hand Drive. [citation needed]. [8], In 1944, company president Phil Johnson died, leaving ownership split between his wife, and the surviving wife of Harry Kent and another company director. Kenworth unveiled the C500B severe-service truck in 1988, combining the durability of the C510 with the cab comfort of the T800. Bus production was a mainstay at Kenworth during the early years of company history; at one time, buses were its most lucrative form of business. Although custom-building was Kenworths attraction there was range of standard trucks, with capacities of 2-10 tons, using Buda, Hercules or Herschell-Spillman petrol engines, or Cummins diesels. In another change, to accommodate increased demand, Kenworth relocated to a larger factory within Seattle. In 2007, Paccar introduced the T660, a more aerodynamic version of the T600. [8], Following the onset of World War II, Kenworth converted to war production, supplying the Army with 4-ton 6x6 M-1 recovery vehicles. His name was Andrew Wright. The new Next-Gen model has a skinnier, but taller grill than the original T680. With a 100-plus-year history, Kenworth has become one of the most popular truck brands in the world, manufacturing heavy-duty Class 8 trucks as well as medium-duty Class 5, 6, 7, and light Class 8 models. When the company was still known as Gerlinger Motor Car Works, their first two full-chassis vehicles were school buses based on the Gersix truck chassis. -1.26 -0.92%. Kenworth marked several firsts in truck production; the company introduced a raised-roof sleeper cab, and the first heavy-duty truck with an aerodynamically optimized body design. Kenworth implemented a production line for them and around 2000 were made by Wars end. So we make it our business to build them the World's Best Trucks. In 1914 they built their own-design truck with a more powerful six-cylinder engine than the typical fours that were available. Uses DAF LF45 cab. [18], In 1985, the Kenworth T600 was released by the company; in contrast to the W900, the T600 was designed with a set-back front axle and a sloped hoodline. Current Australian Kenworth models include: T Series - T360, T410, T410 SAR, T610, T610 SAR, T659, T909, In the early 2000s Kenworth introduced to Mexico the T604, based on the Australian T604 with a few modifications, mostly in the hood. Kenworth now had appeal east of the Mississippi and that led to a new plant in Kansas City, Missouri. Bigger Trucks Coming; A Fiat monster truck? In addition to fuel economy gains the Ant Eater, as it was called in Australia, had better ride and manoeuvrability than a W Model. The BU model also heralded the return of the Buda six-cylinder engine, and remained the company's principal offering through 1931. The T700 was discontinued in 2014 while the T660 was discontinued in 2017 (32 years after the introduction of the T600). *NO HYDRAULICS. Kenworth Australia started building the new range of trucks tying in their 2008 release with the model range being the '08 Series'. In 1961, two trend-setting new models were introduced by Kenworth: the W900 conventional (W for Worthington) and the K100 (K for Kent) cab-over. Worthington. With business booming, Kenworth expanded the plant to double its original size in 1978, which created 300 new jobs. Within two years it was producing right-hand drive conventionals and COEs for the Australian and other SEA RHD markets. PACCARs first state of the art parts warehouse and distribution centre soon followed, a 45,000 square foot space that opened in 1986. Along with military variations of their commercial truck line, Kenworth buses remained in production for use as troop transports. To commemorate the event Kenworths featured gold-background hood ornaments the Kenworth Bug replacing the polished aluminium ornament. [18] In 1969 Kenworth hired Gary Ridgway, who worked in their paint department for the next 32 years, during which time he murdered 48 women as the "Green River Killer"[19]. The latter truck was aimed at maximum trailer length in East Coast States that restricted overall length. The SAR Legend has sales orders of over 700, a final number currently has not been released. Required fields are marked *. The company went on to manufacture even more popular trucks, one of which is the Kenworth C500AR. A huge design and production shift for Kenworth came in 1996, when the all-new, wide-cab T2000 was unveiled to the public at the International Trucking Show. It's one of the most iconic models the company has ever built. The latest brake safety technology, Electronic Brake Safety Systems, was also released across the entire range. The T950 Legend also came with a special edition Cummins ISXe5 engine which was painted in Cummins Heritage Beige. The truck was shown in 112 and 120-inch BBC configurations with 75-inch Aerodyne sleepers. The truck was shown in 112 and 120-inch BBC configurations with 75-inch Aerodyne sleepers. Blomfield and Cameron decided to make a huge investment to import these vehicles and in 1962, Kenworth trucks hit the shores of Australia. This page was last edited on 9 March 2023, at 15:51.