As the owner of one of Hawke’s Bay’s most recognisable log transport operations, Satherley Logging, Bevan has built a reputation founded on hard work, high standards, and an unapologetic love for quality machinery. At the centre of that reputation sits one of the most distinctive working trucks in the country — the Kenworth T900 Legend.

Bevan’s affinity for trucks began long before he was running his own fleet. Growing up around his father’s earthmoving business, it wasn’t the diggers that caught his eye — it was the trucks that kept everything moving.

“My father ran an earthmoving business, but it was always the trucks that caught my attention more than the machinery itself.” he says.

After working alongside his father and later spending time in the Australian mining sector, Bevan returned home with no grand plan to enter logging transport. That changed with what he now describes as a “simple decision that snowballed.”

“We purchased a T650 with the intention of converting it into a transporter. Then an opportunity came up to cart logs, and I found myself learning the industry very quickly. From there, things progressed naturally.”

That moment marked the beginning of what would become Satherley Logging, officially established in 2006 when Bevan received his Transport Service Licence.

“2006 was when it all kicked off, I was driving the T650 back then and now we are having our 20th birthday.”

Two decades on, Satherley Logging has grown into a significant regional operator, servicing Hawke’s Bay with a fleet recognised for its presentation, reliability, and capability. While log cartage remains the company’s core focus, the operation also includes tipper work and specialised equipment.

At its heart, Bevan says, the business is about people.

“Our performance is driven by the quality of our people, the strength of our relationships, and the standard of the equipment we operate.”

A strong focus on safety and wellbeing is at the heart of our business; “Safety is non-negotiable. We want every member of our team to return home safely to their families at the end of each day.” 

Today, the fleet numbers around 30 trucks, predominantly Kenworths, alongside some Scanias, Macks, and Isuzus. With new Kenworths already earmarked for build, Bevan makes no secret of his preference.

“Kenworth trucks absolutely have their place in this industry.”

The Kenworth T900 

Among the fleet, however, one truck stands in a class of its own.

The Kenworth T900 Legend is a limited-production heritage model paying homage to Kenworth’s iconic long nose truck — just 250 ever built worldwide. When Bevan missed out on the earlier T950 Legend, he was determined not to make the same mistake twice.

“I had missed the opportunity with the T950, so when the T900 Legend became available, I was determined not to let that happen again.”

What surprised him most was how few forestry operators committed to one.

“I honestly thought there’d be two or three on logs. There’s serious heritage with the T900 in forestry — Mike Lambert ran plenty of them back in the day.”

That rarity only strengthened the appeal. Bevan believes his truck is the only T900 Legend working in logging across New Zealand and Australia.

When Kenworth offered the opportunity, the decision came with a tight deadline.

“We were given a very short time to decide, but for me, the choice was a clear yes.”

Built as a 7-axle log truck and trailer unit, the Legend is powered by a 600hp Cummins X15, backed by an RTLO20918B manual gearbox and RT46-160 axles. Heritage details abound — from 7-inch stacks and chrome air cleaners to leather seats, wood-grain steering wheel, and a period-correct log frame. Kraft engineering did an outstanding job on the truck and trailer.

While factory modifications were limited, Satherley Logging added subtle but meaningful touches post-build to honour the original 1990s T900 styling. These included a rare fibreglass sun visor sourced from an original T900, classic round indicators, a reshaped bumper, adjusted tank lengths, neatly integrated AdBlue, and stainless toolboxes for symmetry and finish.

The result is a truck that blends nostalgia with full modern compliance — a 45-tonne, seven-axle working logger that turns heads without compromising performance.

Despite its status, the Legend earns its keep.

“It’s there to work — but it’s not a fleet truck. We’re very selective about who drives it.”

That selectivity shows. Shane “Gun” McFarlane drove it from new for over 570,000km, followed by Bradley Death, who took it to around 700,000km. Its third driver recently been given the privilege within the company.  Only a few trusted drivers have ever held the keys. 

Despite working in the harsh logging environment, the T900 Legend remains in outstanding condition.

“It has never required mechanical majors, which speaks volumes about both the truck and the way it has been operated, it still looks like it drove off the assembly line,” Bevan says.

Finished in its striking yellow-and-white colour combo, the Legend has collected truck show awards including Best Logger at Bombay and Best American Classic in Whangārei. Wherever it runs, it stands out.

“Like a beautiful woman, it’s certainly attracting attention wherever it operates.” 

Was It Worth It?

When asked whether buying the T900 Legend was a good business decision, Bevan’s response is instant and unfiltered: “F### yeah, I should’ve bought six of them. It was a bit of a gamble at the time, but looking back, if we’d bought more, we could have sold them many times over — they’re just that sought after.”

Originally purchased “as a bit of a toy,” the truck has proven both financially sound and efficient worker.

“It wasn’t massively more expensive than a standard T909. Sure, on paper a different axle combo stacked up better — but this was about more than paper.”

And despite constant interest from buyers, the answer remains the same.

“It’ll be the last thing to sell — like the letterbox. People ring up asking to buy it, but not at this stage.”

In the end, Bevan sums it up simply.

“I haven’t driven it much, but when you do, it’s hard not to enjoy the moment and feel like the cat that got the cream.”

And in an industry built on grit, reliability, and pride in your gear, that feeling still matters.