Robert Schmidt was one of a handful that drove a Cat to the 2016 Castlemaine Truck Show
There were only a couple of Cat trucks at the show, one being owned by Robert Schmidt.
Robert has been in the industry for 36 years, the last 16 years as an owner-driver.
Robert believes that it is getting harder to be an owner-driver. It’s not so much the rules and regulations but undercutting.
Robert runs anywhere, local or interstate.
“I’ll go anywhere, anytime,” explained Robert.
“It has spent a far more time in far north Queensland then it has at home. It’s done more kilometres up there anyway.
“It’s a very versatile truck and is good for local too. It has a really good turning circle on it for a bonneted truck, it’s almost as good as a cab over.”
Robert wanted a Cat engine, a bonneted truck and Cat looked after Robert the best out of five different manufacturers.
“I’ve had it for 2½ years,” he says.
“I bought it brand new and I had it especially customised. I bought it as you see it out of the factory painted this colour. It is very nice, comfortable and the Cat pulls like a train and rides like a limo!”
This is Robert’s second year at the show and he is looking forward to a great weekend. He wished the weather wasn’t so hot in the sun while he is polishing!
Check out our full coverage of the Castlemaine Truck Show in an upcoming issue of Owner//Driver. Subscribe here.
Can’t wait? See our Castlemaine Truck Show gallery here.
Photography: Peter and Di Schlenk