Key Takeaways
New 6x4 prime movers are advertised from about $212,000 to $499,000 in 2026. Chinese brands start lowest (Sitrak from about $212,000). Japanese and European cab-overs mostly sit at $225,000 to $320,000. New Kenworth conventionals start around $420,000.
A new 4x2 prime mover starts near $152,000. That's the price of a run-out Fuso Shogun 4x2 before on-road costs, and it suits single-trailer metro and regional work.
The price basis can shift a figure by 10% or more. Listings variously quote "drive-away", "egc", "inc GST" or "+ GST + ORC". Some also exclude the turntable or bullbar. Ask every dealer to quote on the same basis.
Budget for on-road costs on top of the price. Expect roughly 3% stamp duty in NSW. National registration for 2026-27 is $5,689 a year for a 6x4 registered for single trailers, or $14,313 for one registered for B-doubles.
Euro 6 has raised both price and tare. The federal government estimated it would add 3 to 5% to the cost of a new truck, and up to 500kg to its weight. Run-out Euro 5 stock built before the deadline still appears at some dealers.
How much does a new prime mover cost in Australia?
The table below uses advertised dealer prices from Australian listings between mid-2025 and September 2026. Treat them as a guide to the price spread, not as quotes.
Segment | Example listing | Advertised price | Price basis |
|---|---|---|---|
4x2 cab-over (single trailer, metro and regional) | Fuso Shogun FP74 400hp, run-out stock | $151,900 | Inc GST, plus on-road costs |
4x2 cab-over | Fuso Shogun 400 4x2 | $175,200 | Excludes government charges |
6x4 Chinese cab-over | Sitrak G7S 6x4, 540hp | $211,950 | As listed |
6x4 Chinese cab-over | Sitrak C7H 6x4 Euro 6, 540hp | $225,500 to $240,900 RRP | As listed |
6x4 European cab-over | Mercedes-Benz Actros 2646 | $237,500 | Excludes government charges |
6x4 Japanese cab-over | Hino 700 Series SS 2848 | $255,200 | Listing on IndustrySearch |
6x4 European cab-over | Mercedes-Benz Actros 2653, 530hp | $289,999 to $297,888 | Inc GST; turntable not included |
6x4 Japanese cab-over | Fuso Shogun 530 6x4 | $314,999 | Drive-away |
6x4 American-style conventional | Kenworth T610 SAR, Euro 5 run-out | $420,000 | As listed |
6x4 American-style cab-over | Kenworth K220 flat roof | $499,000 | As listed |
Two patterns stand out. First, cab-over is not the same as cheap: a well-specified Actros or Shogun costs only about a quarter less than the cheapest Kenworth. Second, most Kenworth, Volvo FH and Scania listings say "price on enquiry". Their real price depends heavily on spec, so you only get a usable number by requesting a quote.
What makes two prime movers with the same badge cost so differently?
GCM rating: a truck rated to pull 70 tonnes is a different machine from one rated to 90 or 130 tonnes. The 130-tonne truck needs a heavier driveline, a different diff ratio and stronger cooling.
Engine: a 13-litre engine at about 500hp costs less than a 15 or 16-litre engine at 600hp or more. The engine power and cab guide covers how much power your work actually needs.
Cab: a sleeper costs more than a day cab, and large integrated sleepers cost more again.
Transmission: most new prime movers now use automated manuals. An 18-speed manual or a full automatic changes the price either way.
Body and fit-out: turntable, hydraulics for tipper trailers, bullbar, extra fuel tanks and bunk coolers are often priced separately.
Axle setup: 6x4 is the default for B-doubles and heavy work. 4x2 suits lighter single trailers. The axle setup guide explains the trade-offs.
What should a prime mover quote include?
Before you compare totals, ask each dealer to confirm in writing:
Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
GST shown separately | A GST-registered business can claim it back, so compare ex-GST prices |
Stamp duty and registration | "Drive-away" includes them; "egc" and "+ ORC" do not |
Turntable or fifth wheel | Some listings exclude it, and it can add several thousand dollars |
Bullbar, hydraulics, lights | Often extra, especially on Chinese imports |
Registration category | Single-trailer and B-double registrations differ by about $8,600 a year |
Warranty start date | Ex-demo and stock trucks may already have used part of the warranty |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 (ADR 80/04) or a run-out Euro 5 unit |
What on-road costs should you budget for?
Stamp duty. In NSW, motor vehicle duty on a non-passenger vehicle such as a prime mover works out at about 3% of the price including GST. That's roughly $9,450 on a $315,000 truck. Other states use different scales, so check your state revenue office's calculator before you sign.
Registration. Heavy vehicle registration charges are set nationally and updated each 1 July. For 2026-27, the combined road and regulatory charges are:
Prime mover registration category | 3 axles (6x4) | 4 axles (8x4) |
|---|---|---|
Short combination (single semi-trailer) | $5,689 a year | $6,083 a year |
Multi-combination (B-double and larger) | $14,313 a year | $15,744 a year |
States add compulsory third-party or TAC insurance, plate fees and admin charges on top. Western Australia and the Northern Territory set their own charges.
Did Euro 6 push prices up?
Yes, modestly. ADR 80/04 (Euro 6) has applied to new heavy vehicle models since 1 November 2024, and to all new heavy vehicles supplied from 1 November 2025. Before it started, the federal government estimated the extra technology would add 3 to 5% to a new truck's cost, and up to 500kg to its weight. National mass rules give eligible Euro 6 vehicles an extra 500kg so they don't lose payload, but road trains are excluded.
Some dealers are still selling Euro 5 trucks built before the deadline, often advertised as "last of Euro 5 stock". These can be good buying. Check how long the truck has been sitting, whether it complies for the routes and work you run, and what that will do to resale. The used prime mover and Euro 6 guide and the NHVR rules guide cover the compliance detail.
What will a new prime mover cost per month?
On a $300,000 truck (ex GST) financed over five years at 7.5%:
Structure | Monthly repayment | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
No balloon | about $6,010 | about $60,700 |
30% balloon ($90,000 due at the end) | about $4,770 | about $76,200 |
The balloon cuts the repayment by about $1,240 a month, but costs about $15,500 more in interest over the term. Advertised finance estimates on new prime mover listings in 2026 ran from about 6.7% to 7.0% with a 20% deposit. Rates have risen with interest rate expectations since then, so get a written approval that states how long the rate is held.
How do used prices compare?
Late-model used prime movers are a long way below new. Listings on IndustrySearch in 2026 include a 2018 Kenworth K200 at $154,000 and a 2018 Volvo FM500 at $149,900. Near-new trucks are much closer to new prices: a 2023 Kenworth T610 SAR is listed at $360,000. The new vs used trucks guide covers when used makes more sense.
Getting comparable quotes
Decide your GCM rating, axle setup, cab and registration category first, then send the same spec to at least three dealers. Compare prime mover quotes from Kenworth, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Fuso, Hino, Sitrak and other suppliers in one request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a new Kenworth prime mover in Australia?
Most new Kenworths are "price on enquiry". Advertised examples in 2026 include a run-out Euro 5 T610 SAR at $420,000 and a K220 flat roof at $499,000. A heavy-haul spec or a large sleeper can push the price higher.
What is the cheapest new prime mover in Australia?
Among 6x4 prime movers, Sitrak models were advertised from about $212,000 in 2026. A run-out 4x2 Fuso Shogun was listed at $151,900 before on-road costs, but a 4x2 suits lighter single-trailer work only.
Do prime mover prices include GST?
Sometimes. Listings use "inc GST", "+ GST", "egc" and "drive-away" interchangeably. Ask for the ex-GST price, since a GST-registered business claims the GST back.
How much is rego for a prime mover?
For 2026-27, the national charge for a 6x4 prime mover is $5,689 a year registered for single trailers, or $14,313 registered for B-doubles and larger. State insurance and fees come on top.
Is a run-out Euro 5 prime mover worth buying?
It can be, if the discount is real and the truck suits your work and routes. Check the build date, warranty start date and how the dealer prices its trade-in value before you compare it with a Euro 6 truck.
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