If you dream it, we'll make it!
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1906 Trentham Road
KYNETON 3444 VIC AUSTRALIA |
RHODES RIDLEY SUPER TRUCK
BY IAN LEE
In the mid 1950’s Don Rhodes, one of the original pioneers of the West Australian Pilbara region and his partner who was his head engineer Harold Ridley built this powerful machine to haul the company’s 100 T crushing and screening plants between mine sites and also for general heavy haulage in the uncompromising unmade roads of the Northern regions.
This giant was 32ft (9.8m) long and 11ft8ins (3.55m) wide, weighing over 20 ton and twice as powerful than other trucks of that period.
The Rhodes Ridley was powered by two 6-71GM two stroke diesel engines, each engine was 219hp at 2100RPM, the 5 speed gearbox purpose built by Mack and the massive diff assembles were ex a General Grant Tank. 2600 special transmissions were built during WW11 for tanks by Mack’s gear plant at Brunswick NJ.
Although approved in principle for use on the unmade roads of the north, bureaucratic misunderstanding on axle ratings and its size stopped its production.
In 1996 some remains were located in Western Australian north west and this marvel of Australian ingenuity and workmanship was restored back to its original condition and was the high light of the Transport Hall of Fame Reunion 2000 at Alice Springs.
This giant was 32ft (9.8m) long and 11ft8ins (3.55m) wide, weighing over 20 ton and twice as powerful than other trucks of that period.
The Rhodes Ridley was powered by two 6-71GM two stroke diesel engines, each engine was 219hp at 2100RPM, the 5 speed gearbox purpose built by Mack and the massive diff assembles were ex a General Grant Tank. 2600 special transmissions were built during WW11 for tanks by Mack’s gear plant at Brunswick NJ.
Although approved in principle for use on the unmade roads of the north, bureaucratic misunderstanding on axle ratings and its size stopped its production.
In 1996 some remains were located in Western Australian north west and this marvel of Australian ingenuity and workmanship was restored back to its original condition and was the high light of the Transport Hall of Fame Reunion 2000 at Alice Springs.
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The chassis height is demonstrated by Robert Green standing inside the chassis rails. The only suitable steer box was left hand drive. Top speed was 40 mph (65Km), even the cabin was huge. |
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Lee No.3 Pty Ltd
Trading since 1961 ACN: 005 204 599 ABN: 40 005 204 599 |
For more information please contact Ian Lee on 0428 507 408 [email protected] |
PO Box 614
KYNETON 3444 VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA |
