G&R News April 2017

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NEWS Huntingwood

Dealer Licence No: 13965 MVRL No: 29259

The Truck People

KENWORTH’S NEW T610 LAUNCH APRIL 2017

Welcome once again to G&R News, bringing you an update on some of the great events occurring at our dealership in Huntingwood.

With a forecast upturn in business activity for 2017 it’s certainly a time to be positive about so many facets of the truck and transport industry.

Infrastructure projects are running at a high level of growth for NSW, especially in the Western Sydney suburbs with WestConnex and, with the proposed development of the second major airport for Sydney looking more realistic each week, there are plenty of signs of opportunity on the horizon.

Gilbert & Roach is pleased to announce the start of our local PacLease operation, enabling our customers to source a Kenworth or DAF product from the PacLease rental and leasing operation based here at Huntingwood.

For lovers of the Kenworth brand the big news is the release of the T610 wide cab models. Early buyers of the new T610 are enthusiastically commenting about the high degree of driver acceptance, lower interior noise levels, greater comfort and of course the increased interior space. In all ways the T610 is already a winning combination of technologies and abilities and we look forward to introducing it to all our customers.

Our featured customer is Borg Civil, demonstrating its expertise in business management and professionalism in the rapidly growing building and earthmoving industry.

We also highlight how the Isuzu Tradepack provides the right solution for those wanting a truck already bodied and ready to start work.

In other news I hope you find the feature on Foodbank Australia raises your awareness about those in need in our cities and rural areas, and how this organisation is making a difference.

For those looking for smaller payload capacity workhorses or a go-anywhere family SUV, the amazing duo of the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X have both received upgrades in power and torque, plus higher levels of trim and equipment. Come in and book a test drive to experience these great vehicles for yourself.

Finally, here is an advanced notice of our annual pallet sale on Saturday June 17th, where we offer all our customers the opportunity for huge savings on a wide range of parts and accessories.

Until we next meet, all our team here at Huntingwood wish you every success with your business and look forward to working with you through 2017.

Kind regards, Gary Melrose.

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READY

PacLease commences operations at Gilbert & Roach

There are times when a sudden business demand can leave you without a suitable vehicle, and G&R is pleased to announce the availability of vehicle rental and leasing through PacLease, a division of PACCAR Australia, which is now based from our dealership at Huntingwood.

CLEAN LIVING

AND WAITING The first trucks available for rental or leasing through PacLease Australia will be centred on DAF products such as the Euro 5 DAF LF55 6x2 rigid with a 14-pallet capacity curtainsided body. These will be fitted with barn doors at the rear and include a 2400 kg capacity D’Hollandia hydraulic tail lift.

PacLease will also initially offer the DAF CF85 for prime mover and single trailer application 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 will include 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. 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.

Each PacLease location will offer 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 will be tracked by advanced telematics to monitor fuel burn and odometer readings and will be 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

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‘TTIME ’ GILBERT & ROACH

The T610 brings a new wide cab to the Kenworth line-up

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CLEAN LIVING It’s the Kenworth event of the decade, and with the release of the T610 Australian truck drivers and operators can share their enthusiasm for the result of seven years development, and over $400 million of investment from PACCAR. Although a lot of the discussion is centred on the external appearance of the new model, the real beauty of this truck lies beneath the skin, with a host of comfort, convenience and technology updates for Australian Kenworth buyers.

Brad May, director of sales and marketing for PACCAR Australia gave G&R News an exclusive insight into the T610 development programme that started back in 2012.

“The T610 is the result of a $400 million investment programme that has been built around the decision to increase the width of the cab from the previous 1.83 m measured between the B pillars to 2.1 m,” said Brad.

“It may sound a simple idea, but the development programme to substantiate the increase in width also resulted in a new design of floor plan and a totally new method of assembling the cab structure during manufacturing. The work also included a wide range of changes to the interior design and dashboard layout that has produced a more modern visual appearance and improved ergonomics,” he added.

The Kenworth development team concentrated on the bonnet and cab changes, while Peterbilt developed the interior dashboard layout and trim requirements.

Building a larger cab meant changing the construction method from a reliance on Huck Bolts to using Henrob self-piercing rivets for the alloy framed and sheeted cab. The roof for the sleeper versions is manufactured in composite material. The larger width of 2.1 m has provided an increase in interior space in many areas of up to 30 per cent, but has been achieved with virtually no additional weight penalty, with the new cab tipping the scales at just a 20 kg difference.

The bumper to back of cab (BBC) measurement of the T610 has moved from the 112-inch dimension of the T409 it replaces, to 116 inches, and with noise intrusion significantly reduced, there’s also additional strength in the firewall that is now 60 percent thicker at 4.0 mm compared to the T409 at 2.4 mm.

The initial development work was a combined programme between the two PACCAR brands of Kenworth and Peterbilt in the United States, in conjunction with the R&D team at Bayswater in Victoria.

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GILBERT & ROACH The electrical system retains the normal US choice of 12 volts, but is now based on a multi-plex system, with the new cab frame constructed in the US and shipped direct to the Bayswater factory in Victoria.

The cooling system has also come in for close attention, with the radiator on the T610 now based on aluminium cores, replacing the previous copper and brass construction. The durability of the new designs has been verified by extensive finite element analysis and then further confirmed by physical shakedown testing on continuous-activity rigs that reproduced highly destructive road conditions. The shake-down testing programmes were repeated three times more than any previous test programme in order to validate the durability by simulating over 10 million kilometres of real-time experience.

Drivers will appreciate the additional space between the seats when moving around the cab interior and also how the forward vision has been improved. The traditional West Coast style of mirrors have been replaced by aerodynamic power adjustable mirror heads mounted on extended arms from the A-pillar. This new location enables forward vision over the top of the mirror housing and between the mirror housing and the A-pillar, removing previous blind spots.

The injection moulded dashboard is now much more car-like in appearance and features digital display screens showing driver information and engine data such as fuel economy and performance. With a completely new floor design there’s now much more room in the footwell around the pedals, with extra space for the driver’s left footrest.

A lot of development work has also taken place in the redesign of the HVAC (heating, ventilation and airconditioning) system, which is now a full climate control unit.

In past designs, where a right-hand-drive version has been the result of modifications to an original left-hand-drive design, there have always been issues occurring through routing the steering column past components such as turbo chargers.

Often the solution has been to incorporate a series of universal joints.

Because of the close collaboration of the three design teams between America and Australia, it was possible to create a straight path for the steering column, right through from the wheel to the steering box. This results in probably the best steering precision yet achieved for an onhighway truck of this category.

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As well as the single-cab version, the T610 is available with the aero bonnet or SAR bonnet in both the day cab and sleeper cab versions with the SAR featuring a set forward front axle. This features the traditional aerodyne style sleeper but without the roof-mounted windows that featured in previous versions. The bed size has been maintained at 860 mm, the same spec as used in the previous 36-inch sleeper design to maintain compatibility for 19 m and 26 m B-double application.

“We looked at how to improve headroom and spaciousness inside the cab and the input we had into the final designs enabled us to move the high roof slope forwards in the roof line,” said Brad.

“Special attention to visibility for tall drivers resulted in the window line of the doors being styled to provide clear vision, without having to stoop to improve line of sight.

“The doors themselves have triple seals to prevent noise and dust intrusion and no longer have to carry the mirror mounts, which, as mentioned previously, are now fixed to the A-pillar framing. Conventional hinges now replace the older-style piano hinges, providing a more positive and refined door closure,” added Brad.

The T610 is the culmination of many years of extensive product development and cooperation between PACCAR in Australia and the United States.

Although currently confined to two models in two configurations, there’s little doubt that over the next couple of years we will be seeing the innovation of the T610 influencing other models throughout the Kenworth Australia product range.

PREMIUM USED TRUCKS 2009 Isuzu FRR 500 4x2

2011 Isuzu FRR 600 4x2

$69,000

$69,900

Kilometres: 280,437 Reg #: N/A Stock #:

Kilometres: 153,000 Reg #: BN 26 WD Stock #:

2011 Isuzu FRR 600 4x2 235 hp medium wheelbase fitted with 10 pallet fridge body and Thermal Master fridge unit.

2009 Isuzu FRR 500 4x2 6-speed AMT Medium wheelbase with 205hp engine cab chassis fitted with front tool box and new steel tipper body.

2011 Isuzu FVL 1400 6x2

2008 Isuzu 6x2 FVM

$94,900

$117,500

Kilometres: 359,000

Kilometres: 250,000 Reg #: N/A Stock #:

2011 Isuzu FVL 1400 6x2 – Manual transmission, with 12 pallet fridge body and factory fitted lazy axle with triple rear doors, side doors on both sides, bull bar, driving lamps, stone guard, sun visor and roof mounted wind deflector.

Thermo King T800 Whisper fridge unit

2008 Isuzu 6x2 FVM manual transmission with 14 pallet fridge body and Thermo King fridge unit.

2007 Isuzu FVZ tipper 6x4

$75,000 Kilometres: 359,000 Reg #: N/A Stock #: 2007 Isuzu FVZ tipper 6x4 with steel body and two way tailgate and electric roll over tarp.

FINANCE FINANCE IS AVAILABLE TO APPROVED APPLICANTS

CONTACT:

Jennifer Wilson PH: 8825 3008 E: jennifer.wilson@gandr.com.au

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

TRADEPACK – READY TO START WORK Isuzu’s Ready to Work range of 12 models is the one-stop shop solution for tradies in all types of business.

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CLEAN LIVING With their bodies already supplied and fitted by industry leaders Triple M, the Tradepack range is compact and nimble, with the short-wheelbase models providing a tighter turning circle than many utilities. They’re easy to drive and fit comfortably into any standard driveway or parking space.

The Isuzu NPR 55-155 Short Wheel Base Premium Tradepack has all of this agility, while still offering the power and performance customers expect from Australia’s highest selling light-duty truck.

Ready to start work as soon as the paperwork is finished, the body has removable drop-sides and rear tailgate on a heavy-duty aluminum tray, along with a genuine Isuzu bullbar and 3500 kg rated tow bar.

With a 5500 kg GVM, plus power output of 114 kW @ 2600 rpm, the Tradepack can handle the biggest loads and roughest terrain with ease.

The NPR 45-155 model is also available, which offers a 4500 kg GVM yet can be driven on a car licence, and medium-wheelbase models in both 45-155 and 55-155 models provide still more choice.

“It offers much more flexibility for tradespeople who work in residential and commercial areas”.

Isuzu’s six-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) can produce substantial savings on fuel and is ideal for a range of road conditions. In addition, the independent front coil suspension provides car-like handling.

The Premium Tradepack features a foldaway access step, underbody-mounted 23-litre water tank, and cruise control.

Safety is a top priority for Isuzu, so the Tradepack comes ready equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Anti-Skid Regulator (ASR) traction control and Isuzu Electronic Stability Control (IESC), ensuring your safety and vehicle stability in even the worst of weather conditions.

“Although every feature of the Ready to Work range has been crafted for optimal form and function, the short wheelbase is a real game-changer for tradies who’ve outgrown their traditional utility vehicles, but still want the ease of driving and parking,” said Zane Jamieson, G&R’s Isuzu new truck sales manager.

“It offers much more flexibility for tradespeople who work in residential and commercial areas. It’s about instilling the confidence when driving into a driveway or commercial car park that you can park safely and legally”.

“The range is a real turning point in the light-duty market, with enough options to cater to every application imaginable. And the best part is, they can be driven from the dealership to the worksite. Then you take them home and park in your own driveway at the end of the day,” Zane added.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Foodbanking in Australia celebrates its 25th anniversary aided by a little assistance from the transport industry.

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CLEAN LIVING Starting in NSW in 1992, and now a national federation in all states, Foodbank grew to become involved with other states for the provision of food to those in need. Today the organisation is independently capable of consistently supplying food to charities that in turn provide the end of chain support to those welfare agencies who directly supply individuals in need.

As testimony to the success of all state Foodbanks, the organisation in 2016 provided the necessary food chain to supply the components to create the equivalent of 60 million meals, distributed nationally through the 2500 charities that it supplies. For the Foodbank NSW and ACT (FBNA) operation, 50 percent of the recipients are in the Sydney metro area, with the 40 percent in NSW rural areas and the final 10 percent being in the ACT. The FBNA operation is almost epic by comparison with public expectation of the size of a charity that supplies food to those in need. In 2016, FBNA supplied 8000 tonnes of food supplies to registered charities and this volume is expected to increase to 15,000 tonnes within the coming three to four-year period.

Gerry Andersen, CEO of FBNA, explained that transport costs of around $800,000 each year were met by donations and funding, also made possible by the involvement of members of the transport industry.

The association between FBNA and Gilbert Roach resulted from the need to obtain cost effective and efficient methods of transporting food to the various welfare agencies that FBNA supplies.

As the perfect truck choice to fill the transport task, FBNA took delivery of a DAF CF85.460 8x4. DAF is consistently the top-selling truck brand in the United Kingdom, and with its 460 hp 13-litre, PACCAR MX 340 engine, its an ideal spec’ for those operating in urban and regional delivery.

As the workload and requirement for additional for transport increased, a chance discussion between FBNA and the executive teams of engine manufacturer Cummins, together with PACCAR Australia found the solution in the form of a Kenworth T359 8x4.

“The executive team of Cummins came on a company visit to learn about the FBNA network and subsequently offered their company’s assistance in starting off the project to supply a new truck,” said CEO Gerry Andersen.

“The project to supply the T359 started gaining speed with further companies coming on board to join Cummins and Kenworth. These included DANA, Bridgestone, Alcoa, Vawdrey Trailers, PPG, Eaton, Rae-Line, DHollandia and Truck Moves. Additional supportive funding was supplied by the NSW Government and the NSW Environment Trust,” added Mr. Andersen.

Resplendent in its purple livery, the Kenworth T359 8x4 is powered by a Cummins ISLe5 engine available in a variety of power outputs ranging from 280-380 hp and with peak torque rating from 778 to 1254 lb-ft (1054 – 1700 Nm). The driveline is completed by either manual or automated manual transmissions manufactured by Eaton Vehicle Group.

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Sydney operator Borg Civil has the backing of Gilbert & Roach to ensure its success in tipper and dog trailer operation

Civil LibertieS G&R News recently caught up with Michael Borg, director of one of the rapidly expanding entrants in the Sydney construction business in the form of Borg Civil Pty.Ltd. Conveniently located on western Sydney’s sprawling fringe, Borg Civil is well placed to cater for the large number of road, housing estate and infrastructure projects currently on the go in Sydney.

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CLEAN LIVING

“They look good and are rugged enough for the demanding site work we do.”

Founded in 2008, the company was born out of a small rural farm at Horsley Park, in Western Sydney, where, after years of exposure to machinery on the property, Michael purchased a truck, excavator and bobcat to initialise the beginnings of Borg Civil.

Fast forward to 2017, now operating out of a ten-acre property at Bringelly, plus the original Horsley Park property, Borg Civil hosts an impressive fleet tally of 27 tippers, 5 water carts, a sweeper, float and semi flat-tops as well as 13 excavators, 9 dump trucks and a good deal more miscellaneous machinery.

The company currently employs 54 staff, including drivers, office and administration personnel, plus four full-time mechanics that handle all aspects of the fleet maintenance, other than any warranty issues which are handled by the equipment supplier.

As a highly competitive segment of the industry in which to operate, Michael outlined some of the company involvement in the local area, with work on the M5 and M4 widening, Jordan Springs development and Narellan road, among others.

The growth of Borg Civil is testimony to the high standards established by Michael Borg and his team within its civil construction business and the continuing focus of the company on buying the right equipment on which to found a strong future.

As Michael Borg explained, “We look for sound engineering and manufacturing processes, coupled with solid aftersales back-up and support to ensure that we can operate at the highest level of efficiency and productivity”.

“Companies such as Gilbert & Roach provide the back-up we look for behind the Kenworth product and we chose Sloanebuilt Trailers of Smeaton Grange, Narellan, as the preferred supplier of truck tipping bodies and dog trailers for our fleet”.

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GILBERT & ROACH The truck fleet is almost completely Kenworth orientated.

“They look good and are rugged enough for the demanding site work we do,” said Michael.

Four new inductees into the Borg line-up are two T409’s (an SAR and an Aero Bonnet), a T909 and a K200. All of these have been purchased through Gilbert & Roach Trucks, Huntingwood, with the assistance of Kenworth specialist salesman Bill Anderson.

With all of the new equipment hard at work and with a fifth rigid tipper and quad dog combination due for delivery soon, Michael says he is very happy working with Gilbert & Roach and is equally impressed by the back-up service they provide.

“If we have the need to go there for a repair, even if it’s unscheduled, their door is always open and we go straight in without waiting. This is good service and it’s good for our business. I like my trucks to look good,” said Michael.

The four new Kenworth’s operate under the NVHAS, the T409 and the K200 are general 19-metre spec, for operation on all non-weight limited roads up to 50.5 tonnes gross or at 57.5 tonnes on specified routes.

The T409 SAR and the T909 are 19-metre-plus spec’ and are limited to PBS approved routes due to their length.

Payloads achieved for these units as quads vary from 37 tonnes up to 39 tonnes.

The specifications of the latest K200 were discussed between Michael Borg and Bill Anderson of Gilbert & Roach and included a Cummins ISXe5 rated at 580 hp and 1850 lb-ft of torque. An RTLO20918B Eaton manual transmission drives through to Meritor 46-160 rear axles with dual cross locks, dual 450-litre fuel tanks, while Alcoa “Dura-bright” rims add some initial sparkle.

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Custom additions include stainless wrap on all tanks, chromed entry steps, and stainless grille mesh and grille bars, plus the removal and replacement of the original roof lights with LED bullet lights. Vertical laser-cut cab side skirts with the Borg Civil nameplate were also installed, with similar work carried out on the T909 as well.

To add yet more sparkle, the truck was whisked off to Windsor Exhaust for some custom treatment.

Eight-inch Bullhorn stacks were added to the K200; however, the second exhaust pipe is actually a “dummy” with a water tank disguised as a second muffler to enhance appearance and add functionality at the same time.

Michael summed up his success saying: “I put this down to the good looking, new reliable Kenworth trucks and the high standards by which we operate, plus the backing of Gilbert & Roach. It’s a winning combination”.

PREMIUM USED TRUCKS 2009 Isuzu FSD 850 AMT

2007 FREIGHTLINER ARGOSY PRIME MOVER

$79,900

$59,900

Kilometres: 259,000 Reg #: AZ 46 ZF Stock #: 0315756

Kilometres: 771,910 Reg #: N/A Stock #:

2009 Isuzu FSD 850 AMT with 235hp and 14 tonnes GVM steel tray offering 9 tonnes payload with bull bar.

Big cab. 140,000 kg GCM RT-52-185 Diffs.

CAT C16 600 hp Motor. Set up for heavy haulage. Very well maintained truck.

Sold fully roadworthy.

2012 DAF LF 55

2009 ISUZU FRR 500

$97,500

$60,000

Kilometres: 128,000 Reg #: CK 79 CP Stock #: 0315754

Kilometres: 259,000 Reg #: Stock #:

2012 DAF LS 55 280 hp nine speed manual 8 tonne payload fitted with curtainsider body

by Austruck and 2 tonne ANTEO tailift.

2009 ISUZU FRR 500 medium 205 hp AMT transmission with brand new 8 pallet curtainsider

2009 ISUZU FRR 500 Tipper 4x2

$67,000 Kilometres: 250,000 Reg #: Stock #: 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.

PUMPED PRIMED GILBERT & ROACH

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D-MAX and MU-X enter 2017 with more torque, a higher spec’ and a strong future

The award-wining range from Isuzu Ute Australia took another step forward recently with the launch of new upgrades and improvements to the D-MAX ute and MU-X SUV. One of the major benefits of buying a D-MAX or MU-X has always been the strength and dependability of the amazingly tough 3.0-litre diesel engine that also features in the Isuzu Truck range.

The good news for new buyers is that while some of Isuzu Ute’s competitors have almost universally downsized their engine range to 2.0 – 2.5-litre engines, Isuzu Ute Australia has decided that the unique preferences of the Australian market for larger capacity engines and high torque outputs deserved special recognition.

The results can be seen in the D-MAX and MU-X models for 2017, with the new Euro 5 compliant version of the 4JJI-TC Hi-Power 3.0-litre common rail injected, turbocharged and intercooled diesel as standard equipment throughout all models.

Maximum power of 130 kW is produced at 3,600 rpm and remains unchanged from the previous rating, but the torque output has now been modified to produce 430 Nm between 2000 and 2200 rpm, a jump from 380 Nm. The differences in power and torque spread result from a range of changes throughout the engine that include a new graphite coated piston design, different fuel injectors and a higher common rail direct injection pressure, a different fuel supply pump, larger EGR cooler and a new EGR bypass valve design.

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CLEAN LIVING

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A new design of variable geometry turbocharger provides a very smooth increase in performance on demand, without any indication of sudden boost or surging, making the combination ideal for towing. Other new equipment includes ceramic glow plugs, an intelligent battery sensor and a diesel particulate diffuser (DPD).

Isuzu has an enviable reputation for the durability of its engine range and the 3.0-litre is no exception. Unlike some designs that use a rubber compound drive belt, the D-MAX and MU-X engine features a steel timing chain that does not have to be changed through the life of the engine. Other benefits include split design camshaft drive gears, large sized connecting rod big-end bearings on the crankshaft, robust cast roller rocker arms and large roller bearings.

A new Isuzu developed six-speed manual gearbox is matched to a new six-speed Aisin fluid automatic transmission, with the driveline also featuring a new differential designed to accept the higher torque production.

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Having an additional 6th gear ratio spells for lower engine rpm at maximum highway cruise speeds, thereby reducing fuel consumption by an estimated five percent. The driver also benefits from a more responsive drivetrain thanks to the closer ratio steps between each gear, and this in turn means better tow performance and general driving characteristics.

The Isuzu developed six-speed manual gearbox features triple-cone synchronisers on 1st, 2nd and 3rd ratios and a reverse gear synchroniser. The shift pattern is light and easy to use and swapping cogs is smooth, fast and a pleasant experience.

Heading into automatic transmission territory with the Aisin six-speed fluid gearbox introduces the driver to intelligent thinking. The adaptive logic incorporated in the control module of the gearbox swaps ratios and holds them where engine braking is required, such as on downhill slopes.

CLEAN LIVING The six ratios are coupled to a lock-up torque converter thus reducing any fluid slip, and this reduces fuel consumption and lessens the possibility for any surging through the drivetrain as power is applied. Thanks to the adaptive learning ability of the electronic control unit, the transmission adapts to the style of the driver and varies the shift protocol accordingly. For those preferring to select ratios themselves when necessary, the sequential shift lever swaps gears at the touch of the lever.

Externally there are a series of design improvements that tweak the styling slightly, with a new bonnet and grille that’s slightly more aggressive. Daytime running lamps are now incorporated in the headlamp assemblies and there’s been an upgrade in the headlamp beams themselves with the introduction of either projector beams or halogen beams, dependent on the model.

Internally the centre console has been refreshed a little, and with seven-inch and eight-inch screens it’s easier to programme the audio system. Surprisingly only the LS-M models have an integrated reverse camera, but the display is on the rear vision mirror and not the main central screen unless an optional upgrade to add a reverse camera as a listed accessory is specified.

Three USB ports have been included for the LS variant, two in the dash fascia and one in the rear, but accessing these is fiddly.

Interior noise levels are now more subdued than in the previous model, thanks to thicker sound insulation across the firewall internally and some additional treatment inside the front wheelarches.

The big factors in favour of the D-MAX and MU-X have always been their reputation for reliability and performance and these new upgrades have only reinforced that premise.

All models, 4x2 included, now have the addition of Hill Descent Control, which, as its name suggests, controls the descent speed of the vehicle when heading down a steep decline. When starting on a steep incline, the driver now has the added benefit of Hill Start Assist, preventing rollback.

Cruising at freeway speeds it’s reasonable to expect fuel economy figures around the 7.0 l/100 km mark and it achieves and holds cruise speed with an engine showing just 1500 rpm to provide a quiet and comfortable ride.

D-MAX and MU-X are supported by a 5-year/130,000 km warranty with service intervals of 12 months/10,000 km with oil drain intervals completed during every second service at 20,000 km. Capped-price servicing can be current for 5 years or 50,000 km and Isuzu has calculated that compared to the previous Euro 4 model the service costs of the Euro 5 vehicle have been reduced by 18 percent.

If you fancy a D-MAX with a difference, Isuzu has created a limited edition special called the X-Runner. Priced at $46,990 drive-away, it features special colour-coded trim panels and an exclusive list of accessories with items such as black and red seats, red stitching on the steering wheel, a black sports bar, special alloy wheels, a heavy-duty tub liner, rear park assist, touchscreen display and side steps.

The great appeal of the D-MAX it its ability to handle any job efficiently and comfortably, whether running unladen or with a full payload and hitched to a caravan or horse float.

For those looking for SUV levels of comfort with seven seats to carry the family safely, the MU-X features all the upgrades in terms of engine, transmission and improved comfort that makes this brand’s reputation.

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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