Sadleirs hits top gear

A fleet of new Kenworths powered by Euro 6 Cummins X15 engines is the key to Sadleirs' efficient triple roadtrain operations in Western Australia.

There's a strong sense of history at Sadleirs, one of Australia's most established logistics providers.

Family-owned, the company has an incredibly long history dating back to 1829. In fact, it is the oldest family-owned logistics company in Australia.

Sadleirs traces its origins to Lionel Samson & Son, by two brothers who established a merchant business in Fremantle on their arrival in Western Australia in 1829. In 1936, the company acquired RC Sadleir, which had opened in 1895.

Today, Sadleirs delivers services across Australia and internationally through multiple divisions, each focused on delivering tailored logistics backed by the kind of timeless customer services that has defined the business since its inception.

While the Sadleirs Resource division is known for its impressive fleet of three-trailer roadtrains powering north through Western Australia's Pilbara and Gascoyne regions to service the mining, energy and oil and gas sites, the company's reach goes well beyond road transport. 

The prominent Sadleirs brand also transverses rail, air and sea routes through its specialist divisions in domestic rail linehaul and global freight forwarding and customs brokerage - demonstrating strong intermodal capability and the scale to support local and international supply chains.

Fleet investment

Sadleirs has invested significantly in its fleet in recent years, with a focus on reliability, efficiency and sustainability. A key part of this strategy was the introduction of seven Kenworth T610 SAR prime movers in 2024, powered by Cummins X15 Euro 6 engines rated at 565 hp.

Projected whole-of-life costs were the key reason the Kenworths were given the nod, says Thomas McAulay, National Assets and Facilities Manager of Sadleirs.

Resale value, durability, fuel burn, service support and driver acceptance were among the factors that figured strongly in the analysis of which trucks to purchase.

Significantly, Sadleirs is looking at a lifespan of 10 to 15 years for the T610s.

All seven Kenworths are operating in triple roadtrain work between Perth and Karratha, a one-leg distance of 1,500km, hauling freight for the Barrow Island oil fields.

"We're running at gross weights of around 100 tonnes from Perth to Karratha and around 80 tonnes on the return trip," Thomas points out.

"Our oldest Kenworth has done over 130,000 km and we've had no issues," he adds.

X15 performance

"The Euro 6 Cummins is impressive. Reliability has been very good to date, the drivers love the performance and we've had very good support from Cummins."

Sadleirs is operating the 'Performance' version of the Euro 6 Cummins which is evident in the power torque and curves.

The X15 delivers its rated 565 hp over a wide band, from 1600 to 2000 rpm, while this is backed up by peak torque of 1850 lb ft which extends from 1600 rpm all the way back to 1000 rpm. 

Sadleirs' Kenworths are equipped with Eaton Ultra Shift 18-speed automated transmissions, driving through the 4.3:1 years.

Thomas points out that the ECM download from the Kenworth shows fuel consumption of 1.58 km/litre, a running time of 90% in top gear, and the average engine speed of 1322 rpm.

"Fuel consumption is very good, in line with our expectations for the X15, and it will only improve when we fine-tune the aerodynamics," he adds, pointing out that rooftop wind deflectors are to be fitted. 

The Euro 6 engines also fit with Sadleirs' commitment to decarbonization and supports its aspirational aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.

The X15 is EGR-free and utilizes a standard wastegate turbocharger for Euro 6. Single module aftertreatment technology integrates both the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and AdBlue selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Lower cost maintenance

While Sadleirs relies on OEM servicing of its European trucks, Thomas McAulay is utilizing Sadleirs' own workshop to service the Kenworths which he believes will result in lower cost maintenance over the life of the trucks. 

"We have a workshop team of 10 and Cummins has been involved in a familiarization program with our technicians," he points out.

Cummins' support, led by Geoff Ironmonger, is rated highly by Thomas. "When we've wanted something from Cummins, the response has been quick," he states.

Photos courtesy of Gavin McMarius