Established in 1992 to service the specialised livestock transport market, Prendergast Livestock is a thriving transport company, based in the Victorian country town of Blampied, near Ballarat. The company transports a wide variety of livestock throughout south eastern Australia and more recently has entered into the bulk grain market.

Owner Mark Prendergast bought his first MAN, a TGA 26.480, around 6 years ago and since then has purchased many more.

“They’re comfortable, tough and reliable with good power. Importantly, the fuel economy is good, too and considering the high levels of standard equipment they’ve got, they’re also reasonably priced,” Mark explained.

Mark's most recent purchase was a TGX 26.540 which was delivered back in January this year. As well as livestock, this new TGX 540 is used to cart grain between the ports of Melbourne, Geelong and Portland using B-Double trailers with an all up mass of 68.5 tonnes.

“With its increased horsepower, the 540 is excellent – I love it,” Mark said. “But what I’m really impressed with is the fuel economy – we’re averaging 1.975km/litre towing the B-Doubles which is really good,” Mark went on to say.

Mark has been mightily impressed with the reliability of the MANs. “Traditionally, with other truck brands, we have dramas right up until the first four services – there was always something wrong! But with our MANs that’s not been the case. We’ve just had the 120k service completed and aside from the usual oil and filter changes it's needed absolutely nothing doing to it – it’s a very reliable truck,” Mark added.

“I’m really pleased with this TGX 540 model which is why I’m taking delivery of another one very shortly. I drive these vehicles myself and I'm more than happy with them – quite simply the MANs don’t give us any grief at all,” Mark went on to say.

Mark adheres to a philosophy of regular and comprehensive servicing of all his MANs to ensure long term reliability and maximum resale value. Accordingly all the trucks are serviced at local dealer Westar Derrimut, conveniently close to Laverton where the trucks are often loading and unloading.