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NEWS Huntingwood
Dealer Licence No: 13965 MVRL No: 29259
The Truck People
JULY 2017
Welcome once again to G&R News. In this issue we interview
Kenworth and Isuzu operator Hi-Quality Group, and learn how the latest T610 SAR
rigid tippers and quad-dog trailers are impressing the company drivers.
The T610 Aero and SAR models have been developed in Australia to reduce interior noise levels, while providing
higher levels of driver comfort and safety, greater interior cab space, and a better driving environment to minimise driver fatigue.
Five new Isuzu FYJ 8x4 rigid tippers have also joined the
Hi-Quality Group fleet, and with Allison transmissions the
daily drive through the city streets is made much less tiring. Adding an extra two tonnes in payload due to their lighter tare weight also improves productivity on every trip.
DAF operator, East Coast Scaffolding, is finding its fleet of
CF75 8x4 rigid crane trucks is helping to build its business, reducing operating costs and improving efficiency. Also in the DAF line-up, power and torque upgrades to the CF85
answer the call for higher performance within the compact cab design for intrastate and local work.
At the lighter end of the market we visit Snap-On Tools and learn how Isuzu Trucks fit their requirements. For those
looking to purchase the ideal SUV, the latest Isuzu MU-X
features more torque, the same 3.0-litre dependability, new six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and higher trim levels.
Isuzu Trucks continues its dominance of the truck market and
one of the latest models to join the product range is an amazing three-way tipper that joins the Isuzu Ready to Work range.
If you’ve seen the TV advertisement that features Australian actor Shane Jacobson at the wheel, you would already
know how clever engineering has enabled the driver to tip the load to the left, to the right or use the tipper body as
a conventional end over tipper, all accomplished without having to leave the vehicle. It’s a clever solution that will
really appeal to landscapers and council parks and garden divisions alike.
Kind regards, Gary Melrose, Dealer Principal.
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EASY Isuzu Australia Limited has beaten the competition once again by adding a new and innovative tipper to its ready to work range.
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he NLR 55/45-150 Tri-Tipper features a clever application for councils, landscape gardeners and parks departments that have to access confined spaces and then tip a load accurately.
Featuring a Japanese-built tipper body, which can tilt to the left, the right or operate as a standard end-over axle tipper, it’s based on the popular NLR, which can be driven on a standard car licence, or uprated to 5500kg and driven on a light rigid licence to take advantage of the higher payload.
The great attraction of the three-way design is the ease of operation. The controls that decide which way the load will tip are all inside the cab and selectable by the driver. There’s no need to leave the cab and move pins and operate different hinge systems as is required by some competitive three-way tipper designs. What could be simpler? The other great aspect of buying an Isuzu ready to work model is that the truck is ready to start earning its potential from the moment the purchase process is completed and the truck drives out of the dealership. The tipper function offers 20 second raise and lower times and the body comes with rope rails on both the left and right hand sides. Power comes from the highly acclaimed Isuzu 4JJ1-TCS diesel engine, that produces 110kW at 2,800rpm and peak torque of 375Nm rated at 1,600-2,800rpm. Safety systems make sure your staff are well protected as the Tri-Tipper comes complete with electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system, anti skid regulator and hill start assist.
TIPPING
At Gilbert & Roach Finance we are dedicated to finding you the best financial solutions for you and your business. We are able to develop a customised funding solution to suit your business needs for all new & used vehicle purchases. Our finance team is available every day so please call and let us help simplify your next vehicle purchase.
FINANCE
FINANCE IS AVAILABLE TO APPROVED APPLICANTS ONLY CONTACT:
Jennifer Wilson PH: 8825 3008 E: jennifer.wilson@gandr.com.au GILBERT & ROACH JULY 2017
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GILBERT & ROACH
Hi-Quality Group With over half a century of service, the Hi-Quality Group continues to set new standards that are recognised as a benchmark for the civil and environmental sector. Founded by Jim Hallinan in the mid 1960s, this Australianowned family business boasts the involvement of three generations of the Hallinan family, from Jim and his son Patrick to Jim’s grandsons Adam, Stephen and Bryan.
resource recovery, recycling, waste management and landfill. Other divisions supply building and landscaping product supplies, skip bins and construction site clearing and property development.
The different divisions within the Hi-Quality Group provide a wide range of services to the communities of Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. These range from transport, logistics and plant hire to the company’s expertise in the civil and environmental sector that include quarrying,
Transport is obviously the key that binds all these different business activities together, and the company has recently changed its vehicle purchase policy to include the addition of new Isuzu and Kenworth trucks, supplied through local dealer Gilbert & Roach at Huntingwood.
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Damian Woodbury
CLEAN LIVING With a fleet that numbers around 50 trucks and support vehicles, recent additions include five new Isuzu FYJ 8x4 rigid trucks fitted with aluminium tipper bodies and six new Kenworth T610 SAR prime movers. “The move to Japanese trucks and Isuzu came from our decision to replace our previous North American brands as we looked at new ways to maximise payload and efficiency,” said Adam Hallinan, Group procurement manager. “With a 2000 kg lighter tare weight than the vehicles they replaced, we can obviously improve the individual trip productivity of each unit by two tonnes and achieve a payload of 17 tonnes,” he added. The Isuzu FYJs were selected after consultation with Matt Clinton of Gilbert & Roach and feature a GVM of 30,000 kg with a GCM of 42,500 kg. Powered by the Isuzu SITEC Series III six-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine, which produces 257 kW (345 hp) at 2000 rpm with 1422 Nm of torque, the driveline is completed by the Allison 4430 Series fully-automatic transmission. “The payload improvement is obviously a major point in the Isuzu’s favour, but drivers also like the cab comfort, and with automatic transmission there’s a major reduction in fatigue levels. Because they operate in the city, the drivers are finding the improvement in visibility of the surrounding traffic and other city hazards is also a major benefit to safety,” added Adam. In other fleet requirements, Kenworth K200 cabovers are gradually replacing previous Mack and Western Star models in low-loader work for the heavy haulage aspects of the business. For truck and quad dog trailer application the company has taken delivery of the six new Kenworth T610 SAR 6x4 rigid trucks through Bill Anderson of G&R with tipping bodies and trailers supplied by Muscat Trailers.
“Drivers are very happy with the new T610 SAR and we option them up with the inclusion of stainless steel and chrome trim, together with fridges for the drivers,” said Damian Woodbury, Hi-Quality Group transport manager. “We were always going to go down the Kenworth path but we had held off until the launch of the T610 because Dad had always thought they were a bit short of interior cab space. We had looked at the T409 and then we heard about the new product coming out and that ticked all the boxes straight away. “First impressions from the drivers are that they love the new T610 SAR. When talking with the team there has not been one negative feedback. Two drivers in particular had come from competitive brands and they like the new T610 so much you can’t get them out of them. They are brilliant. “The latest shift patterns of the UltraShift Plus 18-speed Roadranger are now excellent. We are rating the Cummins ISXe5 at 580 hp and with 4.33:1 axle ratios, and that gives the SARs a road speed of 100 km/h at 1650 rpm. “We did think of going back to a diff ratio of 4.11:1, but we believed at the time it might be a bit low for the type of local work we do. We can achieve a payload of 38 tonnes in a 19-metre PBS-approved combination, taking the GCM back to 56.5 tonnes instead of 57.5 tonnes. “We worked very closely with Peter Davis at Muscat Trailers to achieve these payloads, and at this weight rating we can access anywhere without being restricted to high-mass routes under PBS requirements that come into effect when operating over that length,” said Damian. “We are getting good results from the Cummins ISXe5, although with brand-new vehicles they
“They like the new T610 so much you can’t get them out of them. They are brilliant.” Adam Hallinan
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GILBERT & ROACH have only just been in to G&R for their first service. A typical annual distance covered for each vehicle would be in the region of 80,000 km per year, and the furthest they would operate would be to run from Kemps Creek down to our quarry at Goulburn for a return load of sand, pebbles or clay. “The points in favour of the T610, apart from the added interior space, is the improved vision through the low hood with the revised design of the mirrors and the reduction of interior noise levels inside the cab. We have now standardised on the UltraShift Plus automated manual transmission, and that is also contributing to a reduction in driver fatigue. “With WABCO EBS, ABS and roll-stability throughout the T610 combinations we are achieving the maximum available safety standards. The EBS and roll-stability systems have evolved in recent years and drivers have
come to accept the advantages they provide. “By combining these benefits with lower interior noise levels, increased driver comfort and Eaton UltraShift Plus automated manual transmissions, we have significantly minimised driver fatigue. We have also simplified coupling through standardising on one large connector plug, rather than two smaller units. “All our trucks are monitored through CTrack satellite tracking, and we also add blind-spot cameras for the left-hand-side of the cab, together with rear-vision reverse cameras on both the truck and trailer. “We do our own driver training programmes on a regular basis with annual check tests, and through satellite tracking we can monitor driver behaviour, fuel economy and be aware of any harsh brake applications. Further information is available by our downloading the performance data collected by the WABCO EBS system, and our own service and maintenance division can access this during our weekly service schedule. “With the exception of any warranty work, we complete all our maintenance requirements in our own workshops, with our mechanics coming in each afternoon and working through the night to have everything ready for the morning,” added Adam.
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CLEAN LIVING
FILLING THE GAPS Has a sudden increase in work ever left you scrambling to find replacement or additional vehicles? Well PacLease can provide a selection of answers that in turn provide solutions to all forms of workload variance.
There are times when a sudden business demand can leave you without a suitable vehicle, and the PacLease division at Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood is the first place you should be contacting when you need a helping hand with your fleet. Tim Weiss has been appointed as the G&R PacLease manager at Huntingwood, and is waiting for your call to provide assistance with the right truck at the right time to help your business. The first trucks available for rental or leasing through G&R PacLease at Huntingwood are DAF products such as the Euro 5 DAF LF55 6x2 rigid with a 14-pallet capacity curtainsider body. These are fitted with barn doors at the rear and include a 2400 kg capacity D’Hollandia hydraulic tail lift. Also available through PacLease is the DAF CF85 configured as a prime mover and single trailer application
and powered by the PACCAR MX13 engine rated at 510 hp and with 1850 lb-ft of torque matched to a 16-speed AMT. Another option is the availability of the DAF CF85 with full Dangerous Goods fuel haul specification compliance, powered by the PACCAR MX13 engine of 510 hp and matched to a 16-speed AMT. Each PacLease location offers a variety of transportation services tailored to meet specific applications including full service leasing, commercial truck rental, contract maintenance, preventive maintenance, substitute rental vehicles and vehicle washing. “Every vehicle is tracked by advanced telematics to monitor fuel burn and odometer readings and is subject to very stringent preventive maintenance schedules for every 90 days or 20,000 km intervals. That also includes the monitoring of tyre tread depths and any fault codes,” said Tim. “When a service is due, contact is made with the operator to select the time and location for it to be completed at any PACCAR dealership, with the cost charged back to the leasing dealership. The operator never sees the invoice,” added Tim. With PacLease operating from within the G&R dealership, all operating problems can be solved by one phone call or email to Tim Weiss at 0418 864-948 or tim.weiss@gandr.com.au
GILBERT & ROACH JULY 2017
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FIGURE CONSCIOUS
DAF’s new slogan is “Do the Math, Buy a DAF”, showing how the total cost of operation can be reduced with its latest CF85
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hen it comes to selecting the right power and torque outputs for the ideal transport solution, very often the answer comes down to finding the right horses for the intended courses.
The DAF CF with its more compact cab dimensions than its big brother, the XF105, has previously been rated for rigid or single trailer, local or country work with 460 hp. This left the decision of making the move to the larger XF with its high power and torque rating dependent on whether the application was likely to include B-double and line-haul work. The CF85 DAF has proven its worth as a good aroundtown or intrastate prime mover, or solid reliable rigid. It’s also made a name for itself as the basis for the concrete pumping market, with 8x4 and 10x4 rigid models. Now, with a power increase, the CF 85 takes on a new dimension in ability. 8
GILBERT & ROACH JULY 2017
In addition to the MX13 engine rated at 460 hp (340 kW) and 1700 lb-ft (2300 Nm), operators may now option up to the same rating as the XF with a power and torque increase that takes the MX13 engine out to 510 hp (375 kW) and 1850 lb-ft (2500 Nm). Put simply, you get the benefit of the lower weight 13-litre MX engine at power and torque outputs that rival the lower end of the 15-litre market. The low cab height, easy access and egress, and manoeuvrability of the CF85 are all things that make it a good candidate for multi-drop and PUD work, whether it be in rigid or semi configuration. Excellent vision, with the aid of electrically adjusted and heated mirrors (both the main and the spotter mirrors), also adds to the appeal. A quiet and comfortable cab is just as important during a day around town as it is out on the highway, and while it may be a little noisier than the XF, the CF delivers on both counts. In fact, the interior offers all the goodies found in the XF, including a slide out fridge and sunroof as standard. The dash, controls and layout are identical, and while it may take a little extra effort to climb in, the bed is also very close to that in the XF, albeit 60 mm narrower.
CLEAN LIVING
Underneath the cab, the 510 hp CF85 is not just similar to the XF, but virtually identical. The entire driveline is the same, with the MX13 driving through a ZF-AS Tronic AMT transmission and Meritor rear diffs. A slightly different diff ratio is used on the CF, to make life easier in the stop/start traffic around town. Kenworth Airglide 400 eight-bag air suspension is fitted under the rear, with 7500 kg rated parabolic springs fitted up front. Disc brakes on the steer combine with drums on the drive axles to bring it to a stop, with EBS and ABS fitted as standard, and hill-start aid and traction control also feature on the spec sheet. The standard wheelbase is also the same, but, strangely enough, the CF85 only carries 770 litres of fuel against the XF’s 1000 litres. This has more to do with the chassis layout, and the location of the air tanks and batteries. A smaller AdBlue tank also hints at the local or intrastate intentions of the CF. That being said, fuel and AdBlue packaging is easily changed to suit individual needs, if the chassis space allows. So, basically, the CF85 510 is a big truck wrapped in a little cab, with all the capability of the XF, including a rating of up to 70 tonnes GCM. This leads into the conversation about the new opportunities for the CF, which are many and varied. As mentioned above, the PBS truck and dog market
could be a great domain for the CF, with its light tare weight, standard safety equipment and manoeuvrability. The CF85 could also be very popular in the car carrier market, with the ability to pull a B-double and fit an extra car over the roof. Volvo has made big inroads into this market lately with the FM, but the price difference between it and the CF could see more operators swinging over to the Dutch brand. Line haul, B-double changeovers would also suit this truck down to the ground, with enough fuel for a night away, good driver environment and the efficiency of the MX13 putting forward a pretty good case. On a recent drive aboard the CF 85 510, towing a single trailer loaded just shy of 35 tonnes gross, the truck demonstrated good manners under a variety of conditions. The drive route took in some hilly country, highways, freeways and local suburban roads, with the CF taking it all in its stride. Even on a very blustery day, it returned 2.3 km/l on a route that was chosen specifically to test the gearing and pulling power. It would seem that a change of turbo and programming has really brought the CF85 to life, allowing operators to exploit its full potential. While it’s unlikely it will ever replace the XF, GILBERT & ROACH JULY 2017
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“A big truck wrapped in a little cab, with all the capability of the XF”
the CF does offer the same performance, and could well take some of its big brother’s market share in those jobs that don’t require a driver to spend more than the odd night sleeping in the truck. The interesting thing will be to see how its competitors respond, including Scania, which does not yet offer 500 hp under the P-Series cab. Volvo has an option, but, again, pricing might see the competition in this segment really heat up. So it would seem that DAF has broken stereotype in terms of small trucks only having small horsepower figures. The CF85 is no longer a small truck – it’s actually a small cab sitting atop a big truck chassis and driveline.
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PREMIUM USED TRUCKS 2011 Isuzu FRR 600 Sitec 245 auto
2012 Isuzu FSR 700 Long AMT
$69,900
$89,900
Kilometres: 152,938
Kilometres: 161,611
Reg #: BM72XA
Reg #:
Fitted with eight pallet fridge body with rear barn doors, box body with 750kg tail lift.
12 pallet refrigerated EuroFrigo fridge units with electric stand-by power supply.
2009 Isuzu FRR 500 4x2
2009 ISUZU FRR 500
$69,000
$60,000
Kilometres: 280,437
Kilometres: 259,000
Reg #:
Reg #:
2009 Isuzu FRR 500 4x2 6-speed AMT
Stock #: 2009 ISUZU FRR 500 medium 205 hp AMT transmission with brand new 8 pallet curtainsider.
Medium wheelbase with 205hp engine cab chassis fitted with front tool box and new steel tipper body.
2007 Isuzu FVZ tipper 6x4
2009 ISUZU FRR 500 Tipper 4x2
$75,000
$67,000
Kilometres: 359,000
Kilometres: 250,000
Reg #:
Reg #:
2007 Isuzu FVZ tipper 6x4 with steel body and two way tailgate and electric roll over tarp.
2009 Isuzu FRR 500 Tipper 4x2 AMT transmission and medium wheelbase fitted with brand new 4.5 cu m steel tipper body
FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT: Wayne Simpson: 0407 515 425 Royce Field: 0447 117 798
Sold fully roadworthy with 12 months unlimited-kilometre driveline warranty supplied by National Warranty. Conditions apply. Price includes GST but does not include registration or stamp duty. Finance is available to approved applicants.
GILBERT & ROACH
POLES APART A
s companies grow through the years it’s not unusual to find that transport requirements also change. That was certainly the experience of engineering company owner Aaron Fermanis and roof tiler Chris Whicker, when together they decided to merge their effort and ability to form East Coast Scaffolding. Prior to their amalgamation and the formation of the new company, Aaron Fermanis was manufacturing roof rail components for the home construction industry. As a tradesman, specialising in tiling, Chris Whicker was critical of design shortcomings with some of the products available on the market. The result was a collaboration of their joint expertise to produce a better system. From a transport perspective the company originally used subcontractors, which worked well at the time.
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However, the home building landscape was changing and the company saw a need to change as well, as Aaron explained: “We were seeing our pack sizes increasing, mainly due to factors such as larger house sizes, more complex facades and builders demanding more scaffold on not only doublestorey dwellings, but single-storey work as well”. “It was becoming apparent that there were limitations in using subcontractors that predominantly operated 6X4 trucks with around nine-tonne payloads. “We were seeing the contractors doing double deliveries for the one job, with the second load being only a partial load. This was not cost effective for us or our contractors,” said Aaron.
CLEAN LIVING
When East Coast Scaffolding looks for support in transport they turn to Gilbert & Roach, Huntingwood
This change in workload dynamics led to some number crunching, with the final decision being to purchase their own vehicle to cover the increased demand. After consultation with Ray Casley, DAF specialist at Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood, the company settled on its first DAF CF 75, with an 8X4 configuration proving an ideal solution for their expanding business. The CF 75 8X4 is powered by the PACCAR 9.2-litre engine, which produces 360 hp and uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to achieve Euro 5 emissions compliance. The transmission is the ZF 12-speed AS TRONIC.
One of the main appeals of the DAFs for East Coast Scaffolding is the low tare weight. Combined with a strong chassis it’s a great combination, especially when fitting a rear-mounted Hiab Space 4000 crane to handle the loading and unloading completely independently of other equipment when on-site. The Hiab Space 4000 has a capacity of 1000 kg at a 12-metre reach. The location of the crane to the rear of the chassis also benefits axle weight distribution, further maximising payloads with a capability of carrying an additional four tonnes of cargo. Chris Whicker said, “The DAFs have worked out brilliantly GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2017
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GILBERT & ROACH for us, there have been no real reliability and maintenance issues and we are very pleased with the running costs”. With the first truck in service for a while, and after an analysis of costs, it became clear this direction taken with regards to moving their own products was a viable one, so much so that within six months of purchasing the first DAF, the second was on order. “The more DAFs we bought, the more our cost of transport reduced,” said Aaron. Five DAF 8X4 trucks in the same format now work within the East Coast fleet, four are owned by the company and the fifth is an ex-company truck purchased and now exclusively operated by a subcontractor for East Coast.
a happy and loyal driver”. “The configuration we have chosen has worked so well for us that when we are ready to upgrade our equipment our contractors are lining up to buy them from us,” said Chris. East Coast Scaffolding now employs a total of 60 staff including drivers, warehouse, administration and site supervisors. Ray Casley of Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood has been responsible for the East Coast Scaffolding DAF purchases and has outlined how further costs savings for future vehicle purchases can result from ordering a purpose-built specification direct from the DAF factory in Holland.
As more DAF trucks have subsequently joined the fleet the drivers have been particularly impressed with the added appeal of an Allison automatic transmission. The feedback from the drivers on the Allison transmission is very positive, “They love driving it”, said Aaron.
East Coast Scaffolding has adopted Ray’s advice and the latest truck for East Coast due to arrive in Australia in August this year will feature chassis dimensions tailored to suit the customer’s exact needs, rather than having to extend and modify the chassis after its arrival in Australia.
“Our trucks are averaging around four loads per day on Sydney metropolitan duties, which keeps them busy, and we have them on 10,000 km service intervals. We envisage that we will upgrade the trucks at around four to five years of age,” explained Aaron.
“Being able to specify the exact build of the vehicle contributes to a lower initial purchase price and a reduction in time spent attaching bodywork and equipment,” said Ray.
Finding drivers for their trucks has not been an issue for East Coast Scaffolding as Aaron explained, “If we need new drivers we often offer our warehouse staff the opportunity to upgrade their licences, which we arrange for them and cover the costs, we find this gives them career advancement and variety of work, and in return we receive
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BETTER THAN EVER
CLEAN LIVING
Isuzu’s MU-X is an SUV that you can literally take anywhere
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here’s little dispute that the D-MAX is one tough ute, powered by an engine built by a company founded over 100 years ago, and that has been making diesel engines for 80 years. With no less than 26 million diesel engines wearing the Isuzu badge, any buyer can be confident that their purchase is going to keep on delivering its potential to be reliable, fuel-efficient and long-lasting. But not everyone wants a ute, even an ultra tough one, especially when your load happens to consist of family members and friends, rather than a one-tonne load of cargo.
This is where the Isuzu MU-X comes into play. This sevenseater SUV features the same engine and gearbox as the ute, with a spacious body that sits atop an almost identical ladder frame chassis, in contrast to the other SUV competitors that rely on a monocoque body construction and subframes. Being designed to carry humans rather than a cargo means that the more traditional light commercial suspension design of rear leaf springs has been replaced by coil springs all round, providing a softer, more compliant ride. Steering control and ride comfort is to a higher standard than that provided by a typical SUV, and, unlike the large heavyweight 4WDS, the MU-X has a tight precision to its feel, making it easier to drive and at the same time more enjoyable. Where the MU-X scores well against other SUVs is that the seating positions in the front and centre rows provide plenty of shoulder space, hip space and headroom, with seats that have plenty of leg room, preventing tall passengers from feeling as though they are almost squatting on the floor.
The rear section has a flat floor throughout the luggage area, with a roll-out screen that hides your gear or personal items from public view. There’s also a full-width locker with plenty of space for storing incidentals. But of course there’s more to the rear section that adds to the overall appeal. A third row of two seats is stored under the flat floor, providing enough space for carrying the extra kids that always seem to appear on school sports days. The two seats pull up out of the floor in a simple and quick movement, certainly easier than trying to assemble something like one of the modern pushchairs that could also be stowed in the rear. The MU-X was launched globally back in 2014 and has grown its appeal to the position that it is currently ranking as the sixth most popular SUV on the Australian market, following the Prado, Outback, Kluger, Captiva and Sante Fe. Where the MU-X scores though is that it is easy to manoeuvre through traffic in the city without feeling like a large lumpy traditional 4WD. But when you feel the need to head off-road, it’s equally capable of tackling the tricky terrain. There have been a couple of upgrades in its four-year life, but none as comprehensive as the latest models feature for 2017. GILBERT & ROACH JULY 2017
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GILBERT & ROACH Starting with the 3.0-litre diesel engine, power remains at 130 kW produced at 3600 rpm, but the torque output has been increased from the previous level of 380 Nm now out to 430 Nm rated between 1700 and 3500 rpm. These engine improvements result from a comprehensive upgrade to components with new piston designs, new fuel injectors, fuel pump, a variable geometry turbocharger, larger exhaust gas recirculation cooler, new EGR by-pass valve, new ceramic glow plugs, an intelligent battery sensor and the inclusion of a diesel particulate diffuser. Together these changes reduce exhaust emissions to conform to Euro 5 standards, but they also improve the drivability and performance of the MU-X through all driving aspects, whether on-road or off-road. The maximum towing limit when coupled to a braked trailer is 3000 kg and G&R News ran a comprehensive test programme hauling a three-tonne caravan in the hilly terrain around the Glasshouse Mountains on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The drive route included dirt roads, freeways and typical Australian B-roads, and provided the opportunity for the MU-X to really showcase its new levels of performance. The current tendency amongst the competition in this category is to downsize engine capacity, and, as all enthusiasts know, there’s no substitute for power and torque. With its 3.0-litre diesel engine now coupled to a sixspeed Aisin automatic or six-speed manual gearbox, the performance of the MU-X, even with a fully loaded trailer at maximum weight coupled to the tow bar, is frankly very impressive. The wide torque band produced by the Isuzu engine is what makes all the difference, pulling strongly and being able to hold a specific ratio without hunting up and down through the gearbox. The automatic transmission is adaptive to road conditions such as load and gradient, together with having the ability to monitor driving style to provide the best compromise for differing road and load conditions. Available in either 2WD or 4WD, there are three different trim levels available, starting with cloth trim and finishing with leather accented interior trim. New seats are now more comfortable and provide better support, even on long journeys. The dashboard and equipment, such as 16
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the audio and sat/nav systems, have also been upgraded and given a fresher look, and with extra attention paid to soundproofing there’s less noise intrusion into the cabin. In the LS-M top-spec version there’s even a fold down 10-inch DVD screen in the roof section for the rear-seat passengers. To cater for the mobile phone or tablet user there are three 12-volt power sockets, while for those addicted to their morning coffee on the way to work there’s a choice of 12 cup-holder locations. Safety levels are what dictate vehicle selection for many buyers, and the MU-X comes in with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, supported by six SRS airbags, ABS anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, hill-start assist and, for when off-road, hilldescent control. Safety when reversing is also enhanced by reverse-camera vision on the centre dashboard screen and additional parking sensors. Night driving vision benefits from the latest high-performance Bi-LED projector headlamps that are self-levelling to ensure the beam spreads to where you need to see the road, irrespective of the load or number of passengers carried. Fog lamps are also included for LS-U and LS-T variants. What makes Isuzu different from other vehicle manufacturers is the range of support services that it provides its customers. The company runs its own national driver training and off-road weekend tour operation under the I-Venture Club banner, which enables new and existing owners to learn how to get the best from their D-MAX or MU-X in controlled circumstances under the watchful eye of experienced trainers. The I-Venture Club provides families with a great opportunity to get so much more from their vehicle, and Isuzu is the only vehicle manufacturer in Australia to offer this level of interaction with its customers.
CLEAN LIVING
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Snap on to Customer Service
Isuzu FRR 110-260
Features: GVM of 11,000kg
GCM of 16,000kg Powered by an Isuzu six cylinder, 7.8 litre, turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine producing 191 kW at 2400 rpm and peak torque of 761 Nm rated at 1,450–2,400 rpm.
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hen your business is not centred on trucks but it uses trucks to support the company operation there’s a great advantage in being able to leave the logistics of sourcing and bodying vehicles required by the business to an external supplier. In the case of Snap-On, the company operates a fleet of approximately 178 vehicles, largely linked to its franchise operation, to maintain contact with a customer base that comprises service outlets and maintenance operations across Australia and New Zealand. Snap-On is the premium retailer of over 19,000 product lines comprising high quality tools, diagnostic equipment for service workshops and independent technicians, while also providing specialist equipment such as Hofmann machines and John Bean equipment for garages, tyre shops and body repair outlets. The company also provides a tool control service for applications such as the aerospace or aircraft maintenance industry where a safety system to prevent any tools being left on-site. As Adam Scott, Snap On Product Manager told G&R News: “We go straight to the customer and supply premium tools and equipment. In this way we maintain regular contact to ensure the technicians have the right equipment for whatever type of work they undertake.” “The vehicles we use are bodied through either Empire Specialist Vehicles at Leichardt and Varley’s of Tomago. 18
GILBERT & ROACH JULY 2017
Adam Scott, Product Manager of Snap-On Tools Australia (on Left) with Rod Brincat, Isuzu Truck Sales Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood.
The smaller trucks are 8.5 tonnes GVM and we also operate 10-11 tonne rigid trucks, all built to a very specific design and standard.” “Our association with Gilbert & Roach has provided a complete customer service where we work with a sales person dedicated to our company. They take responsibility for the ordering of vehicles and their supply, the body fitment and ultimate delivery, without all that detail impacting on our time in our own business. “Rod Brincat of Gilbert & Roach handles everything relating to our vehicle fleet supply. This means we deal with one dealership, which is also the closest to our location and Gilbert & Roach handles every other aspect of the supply chain requirements, including registration and delivery to its operator,” said Adam.
PREMIUM USED TRUCKS 2013 Hino 300 Series 616 manual
2009 Isuzu FTR 900 Long
$53,900
$79,900
Kilometres: 101,531
Kilometres: 237,988
Reg #:
Reg #:
Tare 3460 GVM 4495 fridge body with Thermo King and triple rear doors.
Fitted with AllTruck Pantech body with side door and AMT, 15 tonnes GVM - 8060kg tare weight. Aluminium ANTEO tail lift
2015 ISUZU NQR450 Long 85 SITEC Manual
2015 Isuzu NPR 400 SITEC 155
$52,900
$69,900
Kilometres: 75,000
Kilometres: 64,000
Reg #: CL50FI
Reg #:
Fitted with 5300 Pantech body with rear barn doors and alloy bull bar.
Fitted with six pallet curtainsider body and rear tail lift
2014 ISUZU FRD600 Long SITEC 255
2013 Fuso Fighter FM600
$79,900
$99,000
Kilometres: 174,000
Kilometres: 100,000
Reg #:
Reg #:
Fitted with ten pallet curtainsider body with nose cone and rear tail lift.
Fitted with Pantech Prestige Truck Body with side door, side lockers and Nosecone, 9-speed Eaton gearbox, Anteo rear tail lift, Bluetec 220 hp.
FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT: Wayne Simpson: 0407 515 425 Royce Field: 0447 117 798
Sold fully roadworthy with 12 months unlimited-kilometre driveline warranty supplied by National Warranty. Conditions apply. Price includes GST but does not include registration or stamp duty. Finance is available to approved applicants.
Huntingwood
The Truck People
02 8825 1000
OUR CONTACTS Address
8 Huntingwood Dr. cnr Great Western Hwy, Huntingwood NSW
Phone: (02) 8825 1000 FAX: (02) 8825 1079
MAP WHERE TO FIND US
Emergency / After Hours H’wood Breakdown: 0407 064 775 H’wood Parts: 0418 640 006
Operating Hours Mon-Fri Sales: 8am - 5pm Service: 7.30am - 10pm Parts: 7.30am - 10pm Sat Sales: 8am - 5pm Service by apt: 8am - 12pm Parts: 8am - 5pm
www.gilbertandroachsydney.com.au