Road Report - Big Truck Version - More Macks chapter

There are scores of Macks at Simard Suspensions, ready for installation. The ever popular Granite model seems to be a favourite for transit mix use.

 The fenders and rims are yet to be installed on this one, which will likely be going to Beton Provinciale. Simard works closely with London, the transit mix builders.

This one looks road ready. Judging from the colour, and trim, I bet it is going to Quality Concrete in Halifax.

Lots of cab forwards on the lot too. They are ever popular for refuse packers and concrete pumpers.

Now called the TerraPro, this is essentially the same model that Mack has been producing for about 40 years. This one is heading for Alliance Concrete Pumps. (Chrome dog version.)

 

Long wheelbase on this one suggests it won't be a refuse packer either. (Gold dog version, gets black trim and large side windows.)

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Road Report - Big Truck Version - Seeing (More) Stars

This morning the line up to unload wood chips at the Resolute Clermont mill featured a lineup of Western Stars of all shapes and sizes.

Day cab, low rise sleeper, high rise sleepers, set back axles  and extra long hood all there. 

This 5700 XE (Exteme Efficiency) model is gaining popularity for the long hauls.

Féricar is a major supplier of chip trailers. They have several models of lowbed 4 axle 53 foot trailers with capacity in excess of 4400 cubic feet.

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Road Report - Big Truck version - Western Star chapter

Western Star rules the Quebec roads for wood hauling, but does other work too.

 Simard Suspensions is busy cranking out its Dramis line of heavy dumpers, including this bruiser for Centre du Camion Mabo in Abitibi-Temiskaming, possibly as a demonstrator.

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They're everywhere

European RVs are to be found in all parts of North America, particularly in the summer, even in distant parts of Quebec.

Today's spotting was a large MAN TGW 13.290 from Belgium, with the slogan "Brussels - Ushuaia" on the sides.

The usual MAN lion trademark was supplemented by a beluga, native to the St.Lawrence River near where the RV was parked.

Turns out the proprietors have a massive web site http://www.epicureman.com/ that describes their trip and the construction of the vehicle, and much more (it is in French, with lots of pictures). They also accompanied their RV on the ocean trip from Antwerp to Halifax on the Atlantic Sea.

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Road Report - Big Truck Version - Volvo chapter

I don't see many Volvos that I feel like recording, but occasionally one pops in front of my camera. Yesterday it was two, and at the same truck stop.

Not sure what Lev Li is hauling, but he has a Chic Truck Machine. I like the low rise sleeper, particularly for a tarp top bulk trailer. The lift axle was raised, but the tires took the road as the truck entered the parking area and was still spinning when I took this.

Single axle tractors are very rare these days. The traditional 14 wheeler of the 1950s and 1960s, were soon replaced by 18 wheelers (or more) except for specialist carriers like this one. It is operated by Advanced Drainage Systems Inc., and carries high volume, low weight plastic drain pipe. The no rise cab and low rise moose bar seem to be a good match.

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Road Report - Big Truck Version - Mack edition

There are Mack truck truck fans, then there are Mack truck fanatics. I suspect that Entreprises Rivard et Frères is in the latter category, since they seem to have almost every example of conventional Mack in their stable. Aside from construction work and heavy hauling they also have a large snow plow fleet, in which almost every imaginable model is represented.

Part of the snow clearing fleet lined up along highway 138 near Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade.

 Several industrial grade DM models and R models mix in with newer types.

 Big high speed plows and wings are needed in snow country.

Interesting air cleaner ducting on this one.

Then there is this beauty of a Super Liner in mint condition.

Of course the Rivards are not the only Mack owners in Quebec - there are others:

Les Concassés du Cap of Cap-St-Ignace, run this Titan to haul their Sandvik mobile crusher, seen here many miles from home at Yamachiche/Louiseville, complete with escort truck.

The rig is well set up, with lots of fuel tank capacity and hydraulics. The third axle may be trailer mounted.

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Road Report - Big Truck Version - Kenworth chapter

Kenworth's T880 is their vocational model, but is also available with sleeper and axle forward versions. Promoted for dump trucks and similar uses it is an excellent candidate for twin steer and other add ons. At Simard Suspensions in Baie-St-Paul, there are lots T880s in line for installations.

My eye was caught by a few alternate versions of the T880, which are not shown in Kenworth brochures. They have a raised cab mounting to allow for larger front tires for work in rough terrain.

Regular T880 on the left and the large tire version on the left.

These versions are easily identifiable with fender extensions, a panel between bumper and rad and a deeper bumper.

T880 fenders are bolt on and can be replaced if damaged, without replacing the entire hood assembly. The extensions act as mud guards for the wider tires. This one has a more robust step mounted on the bumper, and a different panel below the rad. It also appears to have larger headlights. Note also the longer mirror arms with bracing.

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Road Report - Big Truck edition - Navistar chapter

From Quebec - home of big trucks -  they come in all sorts,  including the legendary 'Binders which have always been popular.

 This veteran of 2006 vintage, may be on delivery to new owners. I like the improvised stack cap.

The HX model has found interest with wood haulers. The B-train with loader crane is fairly standard for the high horsepower trucks.

Remorquage Ferron, Louiseville, QC has lots of wreckers for all kinds of work, including towing a disabled yard spotter.

Brand new Deloupe scrap metal trailer may never look this good again, but the International Paystar set-back day cab has classic looks and may be more at home hauling wood or construction equipment.

Deloupe, based in St-Evariste, in the Beauce region, makes trailers of all types. This one, designed specifically for scrap metal, has bi-parting roof doors and live floor. They are  built to standard container dimensions, which may explain why the tires project beyond the body.

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Autonomous Electric Bus

Although autonomous electric buses are operating in various parts of the world, particularly in Europe, but also including such unlikely places as Las Vegas, the first such unit will begin operating in Canada next week.
Sponsored in part by Keolis, the French owners of Quebec's large Orleans bus service, the service will use a Navya shuttle. Navya is also French company, but the actual bus to be used was built in Michigan.

I stumbled across the shuttle doing some "conductor" orientation in Candiac, QC where the unit will run a 2 km pilot project for a few weeks. The attendant, or conductor, will be able to take control of the unit if needed, so some "driver training" was also included.

Watching the unit back up I concluded, that it is no better a driver than I am, even with the aid of a back-up camera. I don't have four wheel steering, but I do have a license plate on my vehicle, so I hope this  unit gets one before venturing out on city streets.

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Pete Gassed and Ready

This Pete's company number is 18-01, and that likely means the truck is as new as it looks.
Solugaz operates a propane business in La Malbaie, QC, and this rig hauls the gas in bulk, in an equally new looking trailer, although its number is C12-04 (citerne = tank).

Note the steerable fourth axle on the trailer.

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Canadian Army on the move

When the Canadian army needs to move, it has lots of wheels.

 Big Navistar International with three axle trailer has a light load of a TAPV armoured car.

 Beefy Western Star carrying a bit more weight with Coyote reconn vehicle.

These units were seen at Salisbury, NB BigStop some distance from the Gagetown base. In fact the first Tim Horton's stop to the southeast.

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