INDUSTRY-leading fleet services company Sargent is introducing 15 ‘go anywhere’ specialist buses to its fleet for use across Queensland’s booming coal seam gas
industry.
The 4×4 heavy-duty, off road vehicles known as truck busses will be used by Australian Pacific LNG (APLNG) and Queensland Gas Company (QGC) to securely shuttle crews across their Surat Basin and Bowen Basin project sites.
With mine safety an ongoing focus, Sargent chief executive officer Grant Chugg said demand for the specialised buses was growing as more gas projects came online.
“We chose the 4000 series with 18 seats because it is better suited to the gas industry and the number of people they need to move at a time, and meets all the stringent transport safety requirements for pipeline projects,” he said.
“Truck busses are in demand by the mining industry, because of their reputation for safe operation, sturdy and long lasting construction and their ability to operate in extreme terrains.
“The introduction of these ‘go anywhere’ vehicles to our fleet is an exciting new direction for Sargent, and part of our strategy to become a leading provider to the mining and infrastructure industries.”
Ten truck buses have been ordered to complement the four already in useby QGC, and five have been ordered for APLNG. Sunshine Coast-based company All Terrain Warriors is building the vehicles to Sargent’s specifications and all 15 buses are expected to be delivered by August.
Mr Chugg said the truck buses had been modified to cope with extreme conditions and provide extra safety for crews.
“The main modifications include a single rear wheel conversion which allows for a better ride and handling over common mining surfaces such as mud, greater fuel efficiency and…no more rocks stuck in dual wheels,” he said. “The vehicles also feature roll over protection, collision avoidance and GPS tracking systems, and parabolic spring suspension which delivers improved lexibility, stability, load capacity and shock absorption.” The busses are also built for comfort, with air-conditioning, a large aisle, wide seat bases, extra leg room and a waterproof interior, which can be hosed out.
“Additionally, the life span of the body of these trucks is between 10 and 12 years and around six years for the chassis, which can be easily replaced,” Mr Chugg said.
“This works out to be extremely cost effective over a long term when compared to replacing entire vehicles or hiring numerous light vehicles to transport crews.
“Sargent’s new truck buses are creating interest in other mining areas across Australia, and we look forward to supplying more of these vehicles to the industry in the future.”

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