Last month, we talked about the iconic Kenworth T909 and why it endures as one of Australia’s most popular trucks.
Now, we’re moving on to another beloved rig — the Mack Super-Liner.
Many truckies won’t be pried away from their Super-Liners, swearing by their comfort and power.
So, let’s take a closer look at why it’s considered to be the king of the Macks.
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History of the Super-Liner
The Super-Liner name is firmly established in Australian trucking history.
It’s had many variations over the decades, seeing several different bonnets, cabs and engine families. At one time, over 840 different paint colours were available.
In fact, there were so many options under the Super-Liner moniker that at one point, you could reportedly build over 2,000,000 different versions of it without repeating the specs!
The Super-Liner earned its iconic status thanks to its durability and performance, during a time when the transport industry was experiencing ever-growing demand and productivity challenges.
Mack set the stage for the Super-Liner with the introduction of the R series in the US back in 1965.
The release of the R series in Australia the next year followed the growth of Mack’s assembly operation in Rocklea, Queensland into a full-scale production and development facility.
Mack’s largest R series highway version, the R700, rolled off the production line in 1966, making it the first Mack on Australian roads that offered engines producing greater than 300hp (224kW).
In the following decades, the R700 would evolve into the famous series of Super-Liners.
A large bonnet version of the R700, which had enough space for a big engine block and cooling capacity, was released in the United States in 1977.
It was called the RW, or Super-Liner — but it wouldn’t arrive in Australia until three years later.
At the same time, Mack was working on a more powerful 400hp (298kW) V8 diesel, initially known as an EZ1000, reflecting its cubic inch (16.4 litre) displacement.
This engine, in its later E9 500hp (373kW) form, would give the Super-Liner its enduring appeal and its signature exhaust note.
This engine still needed to be tested in the harsh conditions Down Under, so the choice was made to construct three RW700 evaluation units using the now R model chassis, which had already been given the local seal of approval.
The first RW700RSX was delivered to Cleary Bros in Port Kembla, New South Wales in 1979, to be used in their low loader operations.
The fourth Super-Liner to be made in Australia was the first to have the newer V8 Mack engine fitted.
Every part has changed in the past four decades — even the bulldog on the bonnet, whose ears have been shortened.
Some special editions have been released over the years, to mark occasions like Australia’s 200th birthday and 100 years of Mack in Australia.
The BiCentennial series, which was released in 1988, featured just 16 limited edition Bulldogs, each one bearing the name of a famous figure in Australian history, from John Flynn to Ned Kelly.
Then in 2019, Mack released its 100-year anniversary Super-Liners, combining heritage design with contemporary styles and innovation.
These days, while the loss of the V8 engine is still mourned by some truckies, the Super-Liner is still a very popular choice for those looking for comfort, durability and high productivity.
Features
The modern Super-Liner is a strong choice for B-Double, heavy haul and other heavy-duty applications.
The Mack MP11 engine delivers up to 780hp and 2,800 lb-ft torque, with DRIVE automated manual transmission.
Mack’s Grade Gripper feature offers hill start assist, while PowerLesh provides “ultimate braking control under demanding conditions”, according to the brand.
Standard exterior features include heated ‘West Coast’ mirrors with stainless steel arms and a stainless bug screen integrated with grille.
Mack describes the cab as a “home away from home” with a 70-inch walk-through sleeper that you can configure to your needs. It comes with cabinets, work surfaces, wardrobes and shelving to keep your living space organised and functional.
The driver’s side features a microwave, TV and refrigerator areas or cabinets.
Screened sleeper windows feature self-contained built-in shades that black out 100 per cent of light.
Other interior features include a Premium Radio with Bluetooth iPod connector and USB connector, cup holders in the dash, door storage, and more.
Truckie Testimonial
Andrew James, owner of Jamesy’s Transport in Benalla, Victoria recently picked up a brand-new Super-Liner from CMV Truck & Bus in Wodonga.
It’s his first new truck, and he intends it to be his last — so there was quite a lot of riding on his choice, but he’s loving the truck so far.
“We needed this one to be able to tow some big loads,” he says. “It’s powerful, it’s got great handling, it’s got so many safety features, and the braking system is amazing.
“It’s got a smart steering wheel so all your phone controls, your radio controls and cruise control are right there on the wheel, you’re not searching for buttons.
“It’s got everything in it that you would want — a stand-up fridge-freezer, a microwave and a big sleeper because I’m tall, and plenty of room for storage so I can bring a week’s worth of food with me.
“It’s got 30,000km on it already and every day I appreciate how good it is. I definitely made the right choice.”
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