Isuzu's Medium Duty F Series Taking Care of Business

There’s no argument that Australia’s road transport industry is under the pump, driven by burgeoning demand in the online shopping and last-mile delivery space.

In line with government forecasts predicting rapid growth in the road freight task, Australian truck fleets surveyed in Isuzu’s recently released Future of Trucking report indicate a strong call for services, with 50 per cent of operators prepared to purchase new equipment through government tax incentives; building capacity to meet increased volumes.

Be it waste and refuse, cold-chain logistics, dry freight, pick-up and delivery, emergency services or something out of the ordinary, Isuzu’s F Series range is the unsurpassed favourite for operators in the medium-duty segment.

From one-truck heroes to line-haul operations, the F Series range is built specifically for local business, offering a complete package with multiple engine, transmission, suspension and chassis options, covering 4×2, 4×4, 6×2 and 6×4 axle configurations.

And the best thing? They’re all backed by Isuzu’s comprehensive aftersales support and a powerful legacy as Australia’s truck market leader for 32 consecutive years.

Functionality first

Aussie fleet owners know that reliable capital equipment pays back in spades when it comes to taking care of business.

“Our F Series range is constantly evolving to provide customers the freedom of choice to find a truck that matches their daily needs,” said Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Engineering Support Manager, Jeff Gibson.

“Whether you need a truck for urban delivery, a solution for your demanding stop-start operation or maybe some rural work, these trucks are designed to perform under pressure when you need them to.

“What cannot be underestimated is the suitability of the F Series for a diverse range of medium-duty applications.

“We’re offering better fuel economy, better reliability and smarter features for the task at hand… adding up to whole-of-life cost savings for our customers.”

Engine options

In the super competitive 10 to 14 tonne GVM range, there are two engine options available in Isuzu F Series models: the ever-popular four-cylinder 4HK1, renowned as one of the cleanest, most efficient Japanese diesel engines in its class, and its larger incarnation, the six-cylinder 6HK1, designed for those more demanding tasks.

4HK1

Utilising Isuzu’s state-of-the-art diesel technology, 4HK1 engines are found in 13 models across the F Series range, spanning 10,700 kg GVM to 14,000 kg GVM.

The 5.2 litre, two-stage turbo-charged and intercooled engine is one of the most economical engines available on the market, making it perfect for use in urban and metro scenarios where efficiency counts.

Both low-pressure and high-pressure elements of the turbo-charged engine operate throughout the rev range, providing even and unbroken power from take-off.

The Isuzu 4HK1 is available in two power ratings:

Efficiency comes first in the 4HK1range—they’re matched with an Idle-Stop System (ISS) that can cut engine use when the vehicle comes to a stop—saving fuel and money.

Depending on the variant, 4HK1 models are available with Isuzu’s 6-speed manual transmission or in two-pedal guise with Isuzu’s Torque Converter Automated Manual Transmission (TC-AMT).

Combined with TC-AMT, the ISS system helps deliver better fuel economy and allows for a smoother, car-like driving experience.

6HK1

Also available are the big brother, six-cylinder 6HK1 engines. Built with the same efficiency savings in mind, these models are perfectly suited to applications where the going gets tough. Heavy operation, highway running, towing, or if you just need more grunt, the 6HK1 variant is the solution.

Used across dozens of F Series models spanning 11,000 kg to 26,000 kg GVM, Isuzu’s 6HK1 engines seamlessly balance power and torque:

Model dependent, there are three compatible transmissions—Isuzu’s 6-speed manual, a ZF 9-speed manual, or fully automatic Allison 6-speed transmission—to ensure customers can find their perfect fit.

Turn-key solutions

As the persistent challenge of driver and skills shortages continues within the labour market, so does a growing customer preference for turn-key trucks with broad driver appeal.

Isuzu Trucks recognises this demand and continues to expand upon the sensationally popular Ready-to-Work (RTW) range with both Freightpack and Tipper models available under the four-and six-cylinder F Series banner.

“On-road, off-road, mining, trades, furniture removal or freight and logistics, we can confidently say the Ready-to-Work range has you covered,” said Mr Gibson.

“All models, including our Tippers and Freightpacks come pre-bodied, getting you back on the work site without delay after purchase.

“Circling back to the argument for total cost of ownership, there are distinct advantages in factory-backed, pre-bodied trucks when road transport is your main game. Think commonality of parts, ease of maintenance and your own peace of mind in buying a tried and tested product.

“We also back up our RTW range with a full factory-backed, bumper-to-bumper warranty.”

Productivity boost

For metro and regional freight operators, the F Series Freightpack line-up, covering 10-pallet, 12-pallet and 14-pallet models, not only delivers flexible transport, but also encompasses a list of features for smarter, safer and more efficient trucking. These include quick–release latches on all curtain-siders; LED interior strip lighting and step halo lights; yellow safety grab handles and steps; internal body and reversing cameras; sat-nav and 6.2-inch multimedia touch screen for days on the road.

In the same vein, Isuzu Trucks continues the expansion of the well-loved, medium-duty Tipper range, with models tightly specified for productivity including the recently released 14 tonne GVM FSR 140-260 Tipper. The FSR Tipper comes with a Japanese-built Shinmaywa 2.1m3 steel body, underpinned by a sturdy 3.2mm deck plate and auto-release two-way tailgate and body lockdown hook—making it ready for business when you are.

“Regardless whether it falls under our pre-bodied or cab-chassis range, our F Series trucks are famously reliable for seeing customers safely through the daily cut and thrust of the road transport business,” Mr Gibson explained.

“They’re packed with the class-leading features customers have come to expect from Isuzu, and so versatile you’d be hard pressed finding a medium-duty application not catered for in the range.

“Adding in Isuzu’s comprehensive Factory Warranty and Roadside Assist package… the F Series is nothing short of an unbreakable business investment.”