Isuzu has announced its launching an all new four model dual control waste and refuse truck line-up.
With a shake up in the waste and refuse truck market following Iveco replacing its long time market leader and industry favourites, the Australian designed ACCO, with a rebadged version of its Stralis, the time is ripe for Isuzu to win some market advantage with a specialised waste truck
The new range of Isuzu factory-built and backed dual control waste trucks hits the Australian market as the waste and recycling sector comes to grips with China’s decision to restrict waste and metal imports.
Isuzu says that according to official government figures, in 2014-15 Australia produced about 64 million tonnes of waste, which is equivalent to 2.7 tonnes of waste per capita. This is roughly in-line with population growth at an average increase of 1.2 per cent per year, but it nonetheless presents the evergreen challenge of continuing to refine our waste process and production processes.
With the waste industry calling for greater efficiencies throughout their operations, the release of Isuzu’s new low tare weight dual control waste solutions couldn’t be timelier.
Developed in Australia and with origins in Isuzu’s FSR 140-260 4×2 Dual Control model, the new, expanded dual control range presents strong value coupled with Isuzu’s reputation for reliability.
Isuzu says the new range has been smartly specified to represent best value and performance in each of the models.
The existing dual rated FSR dual control model (available in 12 and 14 tonne GVM guises) features robust Isuzu axles, multi-leaf steel spring rear suspension, dual circuit air over hydraulic front and rear drum brakes with ABS, Allison LCT 2500 transmission and ISRI 6860 with integrated seatbelt in both left and right hand driver positions.
The new 16,500 kg and 24,000 kg GVM dual control models feature industry-leading componentry including Hendrickson airbag rear suspension, which delivers substantial tare weight advantages – a key advantage over competing brands.
The new FVZ dual control models use Isuzu’s robust 6-rod and trunnion taper leaf type rear suspension, offering excellent levels of cross-articulation for work in arduous terrain, for example at a waste processing facility.
Other key components in the FVD, FVZ and FVY Dual Control models include hard-working Meritor axles, with the FVZ and FVY featuring the MT44-144 rear axle tandem set with driver-controlled inter-axle lock and cross-locks on both axles.
Brakes are Meritor Q-Plus dual circuit full air ‘S-cam’ front and rear brakes with auto slack adjusters and ABS as standard.
Isuzu Australia, national sales manager, Les Spaltman said the factory developed range had been carefully designed for Australian conditions and considerations.
“We’re extremely pleased to be able to bring additional factory dual control solutions to market,” said Spaltman.
In a veiled shot at Iveco Spaltman identified one of the main problems operators are having with Iveco’s Stralis based ACCO, the high tare weight which has apparently added a tonne to the old ACCO’s lighter tare.
“Many would be aware of the discontinuation of some of the more traditional, go-to truck models in this sector. In response, we have a highly competitive, low tare weight solution on offer – one which ticks some key boxes for Australian operators,” he said.
The new models are available with Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 16,500 kg and 24,000 kg, and the new line-up applies the spotlight to two proven platforms from Isuzu’s market-leading medium-duty F Series line-up.
Isuzu’s Dual Control range boasts Isuzu’s six-cylinder, 24 valve 6HK1-TCC and TCS engines, renowned for their power, performance, economy and efficiency, especially under high idle conditions.
Common features across all Isuzu dual control models include high precision cross shafts linking both left- and right-hand steering columns.
Both driving positions are furnished with ISRI 6860 adjustable air-suspended seats with integrated seat belt, offering maximum comfort and operational visibility.
All Isuzu dual control models also come equipped with Allison automatic transmission as standard equipment, from the LCT 2500 Series in the FSR, through to the rugged 3000 Series in the FVD model and the 3500 Series in the FVZ and FVY 6×4 variants.
For ease of operation, the instrument panel has been duplicated on the left-hand driving side and both driving positions feature air-assisted steering wheel height adjustment for complete driver customisation and control. The design also retains existing cab electrical harnessing, with ‘plug and play’ additional wiring harnesses.
Fresh safety elements include interlocks for control change overs, safety yellow grab handles and steps, along with Isuzu’s existing safety suite including ABS, RHS driver airbag and cornering lamps for urban laneway safety.
“What we’ve worked really hard to develop with these new models is a compelling total cost of ownership argument for Isuzu,” Mr Spaltman said.
“Lower tare weights bring improved productivity and payload. And when you add the commonality of parts we’ve developed with our F Series range, the equation really adds up in favour of our customers.
“These trucks have been designed specifically for Australian conditions and industry need. We have incorporated proven efficiencies across our engines, driveline and chassis componentry, wheelbase options and in-cab appointments, making this dual control line-up extremely competitive on a number of fronts.
“We know that when it comes to the waste and refuse industry, reliability, economy and durability are non-negotiables. We believe these new models have these qualities in spades.”
