Kevin Yeoman
Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2023.
Kevin Yeoman was born in November 1935 in Snake Valley, Victoria, to Monica and Gordon Yeoman.
In 1950, Kevin walked out of Ballarat High School and into a job at Eclipse Motors Ballarat. Before too long, he left to begin work as a plant operator with the Country Roads Board, driving dozers, loaders and graders for several years, working in the Ballarat Division. In 1961 he married Patricia Leyden; they went on to have nine children.
In 1963, Kevin became the driver of the Snake Valley-Ballarat worker’s bus, a Bedford 33 passenger. He purchased his first truck, an S Model Bedford Tipper, in 1965. He used this working for local shires as well as for private jobs. Later Kevin upgraded to a TK Bedford tipper.
Around 1970, English China Clay (ECC) announced that a Kaolin Mine would open at Pittong. Initially, Kevin laboured on the infrastructure for the mine, working on roads and factory sites. He finally took on haulage and loading, a job that would last 41 years.
The TK Bedford had issues with power and efficiency, until Kevin added a Perkins 354 No. 4 diff 3-speed auxiliary box, resulting in a very good truck. He then bought a 1953 Commer Knocker, and reckons it had the best motor ever built. Next, a Leyland Reiver with bogie drive, 3-speed auxiliary box, and two stroke UD diesel motor was purchased.
In 1976, Kevin added a new Ford Louisville LNT 8000 with a Cat motor, then a new Ford Louisville LNT 9000 with Cummins PT 240 motor and reyco rear suspension to the fleet.
The next truck was Kevin’s favourite, a new 1989 Volvo FL10. It was quiet, had a good range of gears, exceptional braking and was comfortable to operate. The job required a second truck, so he purchased a new 1996 S 3600 International Series-60.
Kevin also owned loaders. First, a marvellous 1946 Malcolm Moore Fordson Cable Loader, then a Case 580 C K Loader Backhoe, a 1958 175 Michigan, a Furukawa 120, a Case W36 and lastly a new 1989 Komatsu 470-1.
Kevin services his own machines and has never enjoyed selling them. Since finishing at the mine, he has continued with private work locally using the Volvo, International, Ford and Komatsu; he still owns these machines today. Kevin is now 87 and considering retirement.
