Thales HMEV Aust Army Backhoe Loader

[isuzurover]

I don't suppose anyone on here owns one?

[Homestar]

No but I had a bit to do with them back when they were being built in Bendigo. I was working for Cummins at the time, and went up to the factory if there were any issues commissioning the 6BT engines in them. Made a lot of trips there and got to see how they were all built and got to drive them a bit. 100KPH down the road in a backhoe is a lot off fun. Only problem is that people pull out in front of you all the time as they think you are going slowly. Be ready on the picks...

[Blknight.aus]

I've done a little with them and some maintenance work with them, what were you interested in knowing I know some guys that use them regularly and if I can get hold of them I'll pass the questions along for you

[isuzurover]

Thanks guys. Mainly just interested to know if they are reliable and if parts are available. E.g. what air springs do they use?

[Homestar]

Engine wise, a standard Cummins 6BT, so no dramas there. Thales would keep parts, but at military prices I would imagine.

[Blknight.aus]

not the most reliable piece of kit Ive ever worked with but a hell of a long way from the wost

they are a bolt together unit thats more or less modular so 90% of the parts are available off the shelf

they can be hard on tyres, and they re not cheap.

What will get interesting for you is if you break one of the specialized bits but if you're doing something and break one of those your going to have other far more pertinent things to worry about at the time.