Barely a couple of months on from inducting Dwight Anderson’s T404S into the Million Mile Club, we are presented with another example of the model that’s quite literally hard out at the rock face earning a solid income for its owner.

Two months ago, we made mention of the T404 Kenworth’s proven ability as a transport all-rounder. This month, we observe first-hand another example of this incredible versatility.

New to the Maskill Contracting fleet in 2007, EAQ338 was built as a tractor unit and sported the iconic Maskill red livery. Mostly towing a curtain-sided B-train trailer set, EAQ338 spent the best part of the next eight years travelling most corners of the country, clocking up a touch over 700,000km.

Looking for an addition to his fleet, Jamie Ellison purchased the T404 from Wayne Maskill. Once in Jamie’s care, work started on preparing it for its task at Ellison Cartage. An alloy bulk bin, hydraulics and drawbeam were all fitted, and a matching four-axle tipping trailer was hooked up to the new Ringfeder. Completed and commissioned, it was out to work, mostly within the confines of the lower North Island.

Chatting to Jamie, he speaks highly of EAQ338. “It was a great truck for us. When we purchased it, the condition was immaculate; it had been extremely well looked after. The 500 Cummins ISX and 18-speed manual Roadranger were a strong combination. Other than routine maintenance during the time we owned it, the only things were a turbo and an oil pump, but those are wear and tear, really. Yeah, it was definitely a good strong truck.”

Later in 2020, through fleet replacement, EAQ338 was sold on to Alpha Holdings of Blenheim, where it continued its working career as a bulk unit. According to the records, EAQ338 was resident in Blenheim for a touch over two years. When the combination came up for sale again, it appeared on the radar of Matt Pope of Quantum Landscaping and Siteworks in Invercargill.

“I was looking for a later model bulk unit to add to our fleet, and the T404 had all the right credentials for us. We did the deal, and next thing we were heading home with it,” said Matt.

Starting with the bins, they were cut down in height by All Purpose Engineering to fit Quantum’s application. It was then off to the painters. The T404 was stripped down and cleaned, ready for the application of Quantum’s signature grey and black livery.

“The painting was completed by the team at Bob Christie’s here in Invercargill, and they did a brilliant job of it, taking the time to strip it right back, as well as blasting and painting the alloy bins in the black. It has come up real well. As for the mechanicals, it has been really reliable for us, nothing to report here, just normal servicing, which we make sure we stay on top of. We’re very happy with it and the way it gets on and gets the job done; it is a lot of truck for the money.”

We completely agree with you, Matt. We will say it again, the T404 has truly proven itself out in the field and has most definitely earned itself a place in the club.