Isuzu Motors South Africa has enhanced the range of Isuzu extra-heavy gross vehicle mass (GVM) models from 16,5-t all the way to 35-t GVM with the launch of the Isuzu FY-Series 8x4 models into the South African market.
Long-haul rigs operating at 56-t gross combination mass dominated the extra-heavy truck market. However, there are a wide range of applications for specific payloads – freight carriers with mobile cranes, truck tractors, concrete mixers, tippers and compactors.
It is not only an 8x4 driveline that enhances Isuzu’s extra-heavy offering, it is both efficient and cost-effective applications that allow for maximum payload on a solo GVM truck. This means a legal 33-t GVM tipper and concrete mixer plus a 35-t GVM compactor also with manual and fully automatic transmissions.
“A useful gross combination mass (GCM) is a hallmark feature of the entire Isuzu FX, GX and FY-Series ranges,” says Dominic Rimmer, Executive Technical Services, Isuzu Motors South Africa. “For example, the FXR-17,360 freighter has a GVM of 16,500kg and a GCM of 36 000 kg – it easily handles an 18-t GVM two-axle trailer making the Isuzu 17 360 a favourite in the agricultural sector.”
The FX and FY range above the 17 360 are rated for 45 000kg GCM, except for the 26 360 mixer and tipper at 43 500 kg GVM. Trailer capacity allows for flexibility in seasonal demand operations and increases ton.km productivity while reducing cents/ton.km costs.
A new model for South Africa’s solid waste industry is Isuzu’s FYH 35-360 equipped in 8x4 configuration with the following special features:
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A legal 35-t GVM municipal operation at 15-t on the front twin-steer axles and 10,2-t on each of the two rear drive axles (Regulation 240)
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An Allison transmission with full-torque gearbox-driven power-take-off – this means the compactor hydraulics can be operated while the vehicle is on the move
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Capability to handle a 23 m³ refuse body. This massive volume also enhances productivity when calculating the daily cm³ volumes of refuse to be moved
Extra-heavy safety
Effectively stopping a loaded truck is dependent on integrated braking system controls. Isuzu FX & FY-Series are equipped with
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Full-air, independently operated dual-circuit braking systems – should one circuit fail the other still operates to stop the vehicle
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A standard exhaust brake across the range – by shutting off the engine fuel supply and inserting a valve into the exhaust system, extra retardation is developed in the driveline without touching the footbrakes for maximum braking efficiency
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The Isuzu FX & FY models are also available with Allison transmission and include an optional transmission with hydraulic intarder. The GX 4x2 and 6x4 truck tractor models - included in the extra-heavy FX range – incorporate a standard Telma electro-magnetic retarder for extra braking capacity at 40-t and 45-t gross combination mass (GCM) respectively
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ABS – Anti-lock Braking Systems prevent wheel lock-up under emergency braking conditions
Every Isuzu cab is designed with floor stiffener sections to minimise deformation in the event of frontal collision. The cab tilt mechanism incorporates three lock-down systems against accidental tilt.
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Isofix mounted seatbelts are standard across all Isuzu trucks
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All Isuzu truck models from the FVR 900 upwards are equipped with standard air-conditioning and power windows
Ideal engine capacity for urban and regional ops
The entire Isuzu FX - GX - FY range is equipped with a 9,839 litre, 6-in-line, turbo-intercooled, common-rail diesel engine. This engine develops 265 kW (362hp) at 2 000 rpm and 1 422 Nm torque at 1 400 rpm.
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Turbo-intercooling results in no power or torque losses at any altitude - performance is constant at the coast or at Witwatersrand 1500m urban altitudes
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A hallmark of Isuzu powertrain design is fuel economy. Maximum torque at low rpm allows drivers to minimise gear changes and reduce fuel usage. All Isuzu drive axles employ a low-friction, single reduction, hypoid design to return optimum fuel consumption
“In 2018 Isuzu became the highest volume selling truck brand in South Africa, says Craig Uren, Executive Officer, Sales, Services and Marketing. “Additionally, we have occupied the number one position in the medium-and heavy-duty commercial vehicle segment of the South African market for six years in a row.”
All Isuzu Trucks come standard with 2-year/unlimited km warranty with many Isuzu trucks covering as much as 200 000 km in the warranty period and with only 10 service days off the road.
Isuzu Trucks enjoy a big existing brand population that makes all 37 Isuzu truck dealers viable in terms of parts and service. “The current success and volumes of N, F and FX-Series is enhancing parts and service support, an essential component of sustainability in the truck market,” says Uren.
