Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1984-85: VUWAE 29

Vehicle Summary (refer Table 11):

Vehicle Summary (refer Table 11):

1. Both allocated vehicles (SM039 and SM045) required approximately 1 day each of workshop time to become operational at beginning of season. These vehicles were then used occasionally to support CIROS sorties to the tip of the dirty ice and proved totally useless if allowed to stop and cool in the conditions experienced at that time of year. Grizzlys were operational at this time but were "not available" for this work.
2. The following listed breakdowns resulted in approximately 65 hours work (mostly for 2 people). This time was over and above that spent on regular maintenance (approximately 1 hour/day for 1 person). Therefore, a total of approximately 170 man hours were spent on vehicle repairs/maintenance. The quality of the science suffered as a result.
3. K042 also used these vehicles to support K052; K181; K191 and S216. Breakdowns flagged thus "*" in the following table occurred during work carried out for CIROS and not for K042.
4. The allocated vehicles were old and possibly past their expected working life. SM039 was seven seasons old. SM045, 046 and 047 were four seasons old.
5. Mileage covered was as follows:
SM039 625 km
SM045 280 km
SM046 1375 km
SM047 1075 km
3355 km
6. Vehicles were left at Butter Point for retro to Scott Base at the OIC's convenience. The engine on SM046 stopped 9 km from Butter Point at the end of the programme. The engine was burning considerable oil, but still contained oil at the time of breakdown. Apart from the engine on SM046, they were both performing well and would be fine for local use from Scott Base. They are not suitable for extended field seasons.
7. At Winfly, SM045 was found to have a slipping gear change mechanism, the result of worn selector forks for which there was no spares held at Scott Base. The machine was overhauled at Scott Base prior to being assigned to K042 but was eventually returned to Scott Base because of this recurring gearbox problem.