Container Waste has some impressive trucks in their growing fleet but this new International ProStar is on the next level.

Photo: Bill Keenan has been with Container Waste for 18 months and is enjoying his new ride.

The International ProStar is a relatively recent addition to the New Zealand market, however there are already some fantastic examples on the road, none more so than this month‘s Top Truck, which earns its keep for Canterbury company, Container Waste.

Company owner Darryn Harris has always wanted a truck with a hood in the fleet, but it never quite worked out at the correct weight spread for a hook lift combination. However, the axle spacing of the International ProStar was ideal, running Meritor MFS-143 wide-track axles, which enhance the turning circle, rated at 13.0 tonne on the steer axles, and Meritor RT46-160GP axles on the rear.
“With a new contract carting directly from transfer stations to the Kate Valley landfill the Cummins X15 580 horsepower engine and the automated manual Eaton two-pedal UltraShift PLUS combination is performing well and the truck is very comfortable,” says Darryn.

Photo: The new Cowan trailer sets the whole look off, with sleek lines enhanced by the side underrun protection. As can be seen, the rear axle lifts when running empty.

The transmission choice is a departure from the usual manual Roadranger but driver Bill Keenan is adapting to the new gearbox. The truck has a new Hiab XR26 Multilift hook unit also.
Bill is a long-time friend of company owner Darryn, and wanted a change from working at the Lyttelton Port Company. He‘s been with Container Waste 18 months now. He is enjoying driving the ProStar, having recently taken time off work with health issues.
Following the International close behind is the 5-axle trailer built by the team at Cowan Trailers Ltd. The trailer has a Bisalloy Steel high tensile chassis, front dolly, and a sliding pole drawbar with a zero play pin set up.

Photo: The International‘s interior isn‘t a difficult place for Bill to spend the day. The Eaton UltraShift PLUS is a departure from the manual transmissions usually specified by the company.

Hendrickson 19.5” disc brake axles sit on air suspension with air lift on the rear axle. Paul Walters at Identity Signs has made a great job of the signage with the yellow stripe flowing along the cab and down to the grille. Partnered together with the deep alloy bumper, this International ProStar is a tough looking unit and certainly deserves to be this month‘s Top Truck.