Double Coin Imaging Awards

In the 44 years Steve Murphy Limited have been operating, the company has always had an association with the Mack brand of trucks. And recently Managing Director Chris Murphy added a staunch looking new bulldog to the fleet, with the keys being handed to a Kenworth man.

Since he was old enough to get a licence (and maybe before) Steve James has driven trucks, Kenworth trucks. Starting out in the family business with his dad hauling logs at C.C James Cartage in the North Otago town of Herbert, a young Steve James learnt the ropes in a W924 Kenworth and was hooked.

With plenty of industry experience, Steve is well known for setting a high standard and being meticulous with his gear. This was learnt early on from John McCone at Hampden Transport. Steve says, “I learnt a lot from John over the six years I spent there, he was meticulous with his gear and liked it clean and tidy.” 

Now in his second stint at SML, with a combined 13 years’ service, Steve has hopped out of his K200 Kenworth and climbed into the brand-new Mack Super-Liner.

Equipped with the Mack 50 Year package (which celebrates the brand marking the 50th year that Motor Truck Distributors commenced assembly and sales of Mack trucks in New Zealand) this truck has subtle touches that sets it apart from the other Macks in the fleet.

Features include driving lights, exhaust shrouds, door card, personalised kick plate and an interior roof lining with logos and black domed insert, the cab is also lit beautifully with LED lighting when needed with the early morning start times.

Even the accessibility of the cab has been made easier by a well-placed grab handle on the inside of the door. The dash has a nice clean look to it and is very driver friendly. 

The Mack Super-Liner is powered by the 16-litre MP10 engine developing 685-horsepower with a 12-speed mDrive transmission. Steve has only had a couple of weeks behind the wheel but is suitably impressed by what he’s seen so far. 

The logging equipment was built by the Patchell Group in Rotorua and with a fully refurbished five axle trailer the Mack measures a total of 22.5 metres which is run at a 23.5 metre permit to allow for the log length.

The unit is currently running on a 50-tonne permit until its 58-tonne permit is approved. Keeping an eye on these weights is made easier with the help of the SI Lodec on board weighing system which is installed in the cab of the truck.

The tyres on the truck are 295/80 R22.5 steerers and 11R 22.5 on the drive axles which have Dura-bright rims. The trailer tyres are 265/70 R19.5 with rims that were brought back to life by Aaron Clarke at Wheelie Bright Metal Polishing.

The twin exhaust stacks and stainless air intakes add to the look but the standout feature on this truck is the imposing King Bars bull bar, but it also has a sense of nostalgia with the name Precious Pup emblazoned across the bug deflector.

“The name Precious Pup originated from Mainfreight’s FR Model Mack that Tony Green drove for the company back in the early 80’s,” says Chris Murphy.

“Mainfreight played an important part in Dad’s journey throughout this period with Dad having a truck contracted to them delivering locally in Christchurch. Mainfreight’s livery and presentation was, and still is, looked up to as one of the smartest looking colour schemes within the industry. SML also shares the same philosophy and are proud to recognise this with the naming of our 50-year anniversary Mack Superliner called Precious Pup.”

Caulfield Signs of Rotorua applied the paint and vinyl graphics to the truck along with a sneaky addition to the hood. When asked about the picture of his old Kenworth being pulled by a Bulldog, Steve says, “Oh that was an inside job but I’m okay with it though”.

Steve’s friends and co-workers will be lapping this up, seeing a Kenworth guy driving his new Mack. But at the end of the day you can bet your last dollar this Mack will still look like new for as long as Steve is behind the wheel.