Bush businesses are backing in a new breed of truck to get their work done in a regional setting, swapping 4WD utes for the power, payload and huge range of options Isuzu’s 4×2 N Series provide.
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More than capable of handling a dirt road or two the Isuzu N Series trucks, many specified at a 4,500 kg Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), can be driven on a standard car licence – making the upgrade from a ute to a truck as straightforward as trading in for a new set of keys.
A pre-built truck from Isuzu’s Ready-to-Work range, such as the ultimately practical Tradepack, has an on-road payload of 1,575 kg, tendering over a tonne of capacity more than most popular dual-cab utes and up to 4,500 kg of towing capacity on top of this.
For those requiring a larger payload, numerous heavier model options accommodate van bodies, tippers, cranes and more.
Rural Tassie milk runs
Situated in the farming district of Elizabeth Town, Ashgrove Cheese has been supplying Coles, Woolworths, IGAs, local restaurants, cafes and coffee shops in Tasmania with nutritious dairy products and farm-fresh milk for over three decades.
The company, which the local Bennett families run, also provides milk to local businesses and partners, along with aged care centres, community care centres, health services, school canteens and hospitals such as Launceston General, Mersey Community, North West Regional and Royal Hobart.
Ashgrove’s refrigerated delivery truck fleet handles the hard work of daily milk runs. The newest poddy to the herd is an Isuzu NQR 87-190 with a two-pedal automated manual transmission (AMT).
This joins a fleet that incorporates a mix of Isuzu models: another NQR 87-190 AMT, an NMR 45-150, an NPR 45-155, an FRR 110-240 AMT, and a Ready-to-Work NPR 45-155 Tradepack that is used on the farm.
The NQR 87-190 AMT model is powered by an ultra-efficient four-cylinder Isuzu 4HK1-TCC engine, and with a GVM of 8,700 kg, it provides plenty of pull and payload for heavy milk crates. Ashgrove opted for the medium wheelbase on their latest NQR, which measures 3.365 metres. This integrates perfectly with their refrigerated body, maintaining dairy products at the proper temperature and ensuring customer satisfaction and quality control.
“There were several reasons why we selected Isuzu Trucks as a transport partner for our fleet,” says Corey Harris, Ashgrove Cheese Logistics Manager.
“We needed trucks that would be cost-effective to run and maintain, reliable, fuel-efficient, comfortable, and have a high level of presentation that can represent our business on the road.
“As we work through the rotation of our aging fleet and bring in new Isuzu’s to replace old vehicles, we’re looking at the residual value on that truck, its commercial value as a part of the business, the replacement value of a new unit and the future value that unit will provide. “We know we can rely on our Isuzu trucks now and well into the future.”
Tradepack in the paddock
Based in Toowoomba, Queensland, Nathan Kerrison from Ag & Equine Services recently made the jump from his ute to an Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack for carting tools, equipment and a gooseneck horse trailer.
Nathan runs an in-demand service as a corrective farrier, which sees him trimming, shoeing, rebalancing and correcting horses’ hooves — an equine podiatrist of sorts.
His job calls for a bag of swag, such as horseshoes, hand tools like hammers and anvils, angle grinders, welders and air compressors, all of which Nathan carts with him daily within a three-hour radius of Toowoomba.
He also carries a small power generator and a 60-litre fridge for working on properties without easy access to power or a cold beverage.
Nathan selected the NPR 45-155 Tradepack for his work vehicle upgrade.
The Tradepack features a GVM of 4,500 kg, a substantial 9,000 kg GCM and a 4,500 kg towing capacity when paired with Isuzu’s uprated towing assembly and 70 mm tow ball.
Allowing for the weight of tools and equipment, the short wheelbase NPR Tradepack’s nominal payload of 1,630 kg is well matched with Isuzu’s efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder 4HK1-TCN engine, offering maximum power of 114 kW (155 PS) @ 2,600 rpm and torque of 419 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600 rpm.
“The trouble I had with the ute, was when I had all my gear in here, and there was no room to put anything else like horse feed, hay or extra equipment,” Nathan says.
“The truck’s tray (measuring 3.45 m) is only a bit longer than a ute in total length, yet the tray capacity is massive.
“A big selling point for me with the new truck was that it needed to be multifunctional; that I could get in and out of places, carry a load, tow my float or trailer and be reasonably economical to use daily,” Nathan explained.
“At the moment, I’m getting about 13.4 litres per 100 km with everything hitched and loaded onto the Tradepack. That’s pretty good, I reckon!”
Exciting times
For businesses looking to upgrade their fleets and considering an Isuzu truck 2025 promises plenty of opportunity.
The brand is unveiling an all-new truck range at the Brisbane Truck Show this month creating that unique time in the market where dealers will have existing stock to move and the chance to offer an all-new truck for the first time in more than a decade.
To keep in touch with the latest developments from Australia’s biggest selling truck brand, see isuzu.com.au or drop by your local Isuzu dealer.
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