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The instantly recognisable green and white paint scheme and signage of Taranaki’s Uhlenberg Haulage receives a subtle - and retro themed - detail change on the fleet’s most recent addition.

A new Kenworth T909 6x4 began its working life in early January, extending a long association with the Kenworth marque for the Eltham-based company which was founded in 1966 by Mike and Carol Uhlenberg.

The company is now operated by their three sons Chris, Daryl and Tony and it will be third generation family member, Blair Uhlenberg (son of Chris), who drives the new T909.

The original Uhlenberg Haulage Kenworth – a cabover K921 - was imported second-hand from the UK in 1968. Then, in 1974 a W924 became the first brand-new Kenworth to go to work in the Uhlenberg fleet.

Both of these original trucks were operated by Mike in a wide variety of roles various including metal, fertiliser and log cartage in the rugged eastern Taranaki hill country, as well as linehaul LPG cartage from the Taranaki gas fields to Auckland.

Today the Kenworth brand accounts for about half of the Uhlenberg fleet.

Over the years there has only been one significant change to the Uhlenberg colours. The original dark green on the K921 was found to be too difficult to see on the back country roads, so Mike opted for the light green paint scheme on his first new truck in 1974.

The current design used throughout the fleet was adopted in the 1980’s, however as the new T909 is the first new truck to be operated by a third- generation Uhlenberg, it was decided to replicate the classic design used on Mike’s first new Kenworth from 1974.

The main difference is in the curved shape of the main white graphic panel along the bonnet of the T909 rather than the straight line “wedge” of the current fleet.

“This is a one-off to mark something that’s a milestone for the company. The rest of our new ones will revert to our standard livery,” says Daryl Uhlenberg.

The T909 is designated number 5 and continues another Uhlenberg tradition – every truck is named and number five becomes Down the Track.

“That’s a reference to the company’s history and the idea that the truck is doing the same sort of things in the same area as we’ve always done,” says Daryl.

“All of our trucks have names. They tend to reflect something that’s happened in our area or around the world at the time.”

The base colours on the new T909 are painted at the factory with the signs and graphics being added by John from “The Sign Shop” in New Plymouth.

“John took on the duties of signwriting Uhlenberg’s gear in the later part of last year, after the previous sign writers, Terry Sullivan and Wayne O’Keefe retired following 43 years of service to the Uhlenberg family,” says Daryl.

Blair Uhlenberg is driving the new T909 through the same East Taranaki hill country as his grandfather worked in. The new Kenworth is mainly carrying metal for forestry and roading work as well as fertiliser to airstrips in the region with a three-axle Fruehauf tipper. But it will also service the rural community in low loader configuration and is DG equipped to haul gas if needed.

Southpac Trucks arranged a special handover of the new truck at the Whangamomona Hotel, a perfect location as co-owners Chris and Tony deliver product into the area past the hotel daily.

 The new T909 is powered by a Cummins X15 600.615hp engine developing 2050 lb-ft of torque and has an Eaton RTLO 22918B 18-speed Roadranger gearbox.

The driveline is Meritor MT21-165GP with dual diff locks and a 4.3:1 final drive ratio. A 7.3t Meritor MFS73 front axle and Hendrickson Primaax PAX462 rear air suspension are fitted.

Other features include an ISRI 6860/870 driver’s seat, RED DOT roof-mounted air conditioning condenser, Paccar 15-inch stainless air cleaners and five traditional style bullet roof lights.

The Jost sliding fifth wheel and guards were fitted at the Southpac new truck department.