G&R News October 2018

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NEWS Huntingwood The Truck People

Dealer Licence No: 13965 MVRL No: 29259

OCTOBER 2018

Welcome once again to G&R News.

The strength of the Kenworth brand in the Australian market has been developed over many years and is a tribute to the ability of PACCAR Australia to design and build trucks in this country that tailor a vehicle to successfully handle our unique operating conditions.

The first of Kenworth’s S-Models arrived in Australia from the Seattle manufacturing plant back in October 1962, with seven fullyassembled trucks each powered by Detroit 6V71 two-stroke engines matched to 12-speed Spicer transmissions.

Construction of Kenworth’s Bayswater manufacturing plant commenced in early 1970, and with an official opening in November the same year it paved the way for the first Australian-built trucks to roll offer the production line in early 1971. Number one to come off the line was a cabover K125CR, soon to be followed by W900AR and W900S2R models.

FLEET NEWS

As we approach half a century of Kenworth’s truck manufacturing at Bayswater, over 60,000 vehicles have been supplied for the Australian market. It’s a fantastic testimony to the ability and professionalism of the Bayswater workforce who now start an exciting new direction for the company, as the Dutch brand of DAF Trucks changes its heritage from being imported fully built-up from Europe and becomes “Australian Made”.

But the good news for the workforce doesn’t stop with the first DAF to exit the production line. PACCAR Australia also announced a major investment programme to expand production capability from the current 15 Kenworth models each day, plus the additional DAF products, reinforcing the company’s commitment to local production and the value placed by the company on its workforce.

Gilbert & Roach Trucks at Huntingwood is really looking forward to this new phase for DAF and Kenworth as the two premium brands share the same production values that our customers have come to expect, backed by our own reputation for great customer service to keep them out on the road with total reliability.

In this issue of G&R News we profile three of our regular Kenworth customers, with Ian Turner of Turps Tippers, Jason and Steve Mikosic of Multiquip and Jim Backhouse of Shaw’s Darwin Transport. Isuzu Trucks is close to notching up 30 years of truck market leadership in Australia. Read about all the latest upgrades to the highly popular N-Series range with a hands-on drive evaluation by our reporters.

Finally, with the Isuzu D-MAX ute and MU-X SUV firmly established in the market with a great reputation for reliability and versatility, we report on how to experience the full abilities of each vehicle on an adventure trip off-road into the Blue Mountains with Isuzu Ute Australia’s own I-Venture Club.

The opportunity to learn from the expert I-Venture team how to get the best from your ute or SUV is unique amongst the 4WD vehicle manufacturers, showing how the company supports its customers.

On behalf of all out team at Gilbert & Roach, thank you for allowing us to work with you to supply and support all your transport requirements.

Kind regards,

Gary Melrose, Dealer Principal.

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TURPS Like many operators, Ian Turner of Turps Tippers started with one truck and worked his way up to the present day where the company fleet now comprises 32 trucks and 29 permanent drivers on the books.

Strong growth over the past three to four years has resulted in fleet expansion of approximately six to seven new trucks coming into service each year, with the company expecting to reach a total of fifty trucks over the next two financial years.

Work involves transporting bulk gravels, sand, soil and profile to concrete plants and subdivisions as well as operating asphalt conveyor trailers for road infrastructure works, from the company’s Bargo, Unanderra and Goulburn yards. A new 23-acre site at Bargo has recently had DA approval to construct a purpose-built depot for the rapidly expanding business.

Gilbert & Roach Trucks at Huntingwood has so far supplied three new T610 model trucks equipped with the Cummins X15 engines, and these work in conjunction with Muscat Trailers for PBS, truck and quad dog work, with another four units in various stages of completion and a T409 on the way as well.

THREE SYDNEY OPERATORS GIVE THEIR VIEWS ABOUT WORKING WITH KENWORTH AND GILBERT & ROACH

TIPPERS “I believe that Kenworth trucks are the best equipment for the work we do,” says Ian, “and the combination of service we get from Gilbert & Roach and Muscat Trailers is great.

“I simply get a quote, decide on a particular product, give the go ahead, and sometime later it arrives here, registered and ready to work, that day. Spencer Richards is the salesperson we deal with – he knows what I like and what I don’t like.

“I can tell Spencer what I want the truck for and what type of work it will primarily be doing and he already knows what specifications I’m going to need for the truck in relation to compliance for work sites. The big jobs are demanding unprecedented levels of safety features like reverse cameras, painted step treads, door alarms, lights under door openings and orange seat belts to name a few.

If you don’t have these items you don’t get on the site, it’s that simple. With prior experience in these areas, Gilbert & Roach sales get the options right, first go.

“I believe that Kenworth trucks are the best equipment for the work we do”

“As I look back now on how things progressed for Turps Tippers, my only regret would probably be that I didn’t buy a new truck sooner, I don’t think that I would have prospered any sooner or grown any further, it’s just I think I may have done it a little easier,” concluded Ian. GILBERT & ROACH OCTOBER 2018

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MULTIQUIP A three-way alliance between Gilbert & Roach, Kenworth and Muscat Trailers is driving growth and fleet expansion for the Multiquip Group of companies, from its 1200-acre Bungonia Quarry site, approximately 20 km south of Marulan NSW. Steve Mikosic, Multiquip group of companies’ managing director, explained to G&R News that his company had recently commissioned eight new Kenworth T610 SAR, truck and quad dog, PBS combinations to carry sand from its Bungonia quarry to concrete batching plants located throughout Sydney. The trucks were purchased through Gilbert & Roach Trucks, Huntingwood, with the deal being handled by sales manager Bill Anderson.

“Gilbert and Roach has been our chosen supplier for Kenworth trucks. Bill understands our business and works in well with our chosen body supplier of Muscat trailers to achieve a unified end goal. The purchase of the latest eight new T610 SAR trucks has been a positive experience all round,” explained Jason.

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General manager of Multiquip, Jason Mikosic (Steve’s son), explained, “The first of the new Kenworth T610 models were placed into service in December last year with the last units coming on board in May of this year. All combinations are fitted with Muscat Trailers, PBS approved, truck bodies and dog trailers, with features such as roll-top auto tarps, the Wabco smartboard system, Hendrickson axles, data hubs, and lift-up axles on the dog trailers.

“We run the eight trucks with the Eaton UltraShift PLUS AMT, behind the X15 Cummins engine, rated at 600 hp and with 2050 Nm of torque. This choice of drivetrain, in conjunction with the Eaton’s dual-mode transmission programme is yielding an average of 2.0 km/l, which is better than one of our other dominant brands featured within our fleet. I’m quite happy with these figures.

“The extra 300 mm width inside the cab over the dimension of the outgoing T409 makes the drivers’ office a little more spacious, together with improvements in ergonomics. We are loading the combinations to 57.5 tonnes gross weight for the two 350 to 370-kilometre round trips to Sydney they complete each day”.

Satellite tracking with geofencing capability highlights actual truck location and the speed zones in place, confirming the adherence to speed limits. Additionally, the trucks have forward and rear-facing dash cameras and a fatigue detection unit mounted on the dash-top and driver’s side A-pillar. These monitor the driver’s face, sound an alarm and vibrate the seat if attention drifts away from the forward view for more than a preset time frame. Each event is notified to a compliance manager and reviewed to see if any action is required.

In-cab weight gauges assist loading within legal limits, confirmed by a quad-deck weighbridge set up for these combinations at the quarry, which allows individual axle group weight evaluation in a one-stop movement.

Multiquip has capitalised on permissible weight allowances under the PBS and mass management schemes through not requiring heavy rock lining reinforcement. As the trucks will be transporting sand and crushed rock, the trailers achieve an average tare weight of just under 18 tonnes, enabling the combinations to realise payloads just short of 40 tonnes on some of the units.

“These units ultimately measure in at just a little under the 19-metre mark, and our weight distribution is spot on, which is fantastic,” said Jason.

GILBERT & ROACH OCTOBER 2018

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SHAW’S DARWIN TRANSPORT When he purchased his first cabover Kenworth in 1981, William Shaw set the foundation stone for a successful Darwin road express freight service, firstly as a subcontractor to a major national carrier, then as his own company. Now, some 37 years later, Shaw’s Darwin Transport operates a fleet of 47 Kenworth prime movers, 126 trailers, 60 dollies and 22 Isuzu rigid trucks, employing around 150 staff.

With the company head office and depot in western Sydney, weekly, express and general return services to Darwin are operated out of depots in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, with additional return services east to west between Sydney and Perth.

Shaw’s chooses not to run B-double or AB-triples, preferring to stick to their proven road train, double and triple combinations for their freight movements, utilising dog runners to get the multiple trailers to their respective assembly areas. With their Darwin depot situated on an 11-acre site comprising 7200 square metres of warehouse space, located at East Darwin, road train combinations can be run in as complete units.

Operating under mass and maintenance management schemes, Shaw’s Darwin Transport runs triple road trains up to 110 tonnes GCM, to a maximum length of 53 metres in triple form, on the 3500-4000-kilometre (one way) routes covered. It’s this highly efficient and time-sensitive service to local clients and the oil and gas industries that underscores the benefits of utilising Darwin as their support base.

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According to Jim Backhouse, the company’s fleet maintenance manager and one of the company’s five directors, temperature-sensitive freight work is expanding, particularly in and out of their Brisbane depot.

“We have in our fleet, 47 Kenworth prime movers and 22 Isuzu local delivery rigids. The prime movers range from the line haul 900-series Kenworths down to our smaller local and regional 400-series models. Some of these trucks have in excess of three million kilometres on them,” explained Jim. “Kenworths have always been utilised for our work and we have moved with the Cummins evolution from series-one and two Signature engines through to EGR ISXE5, and, now with our most recent trucks, the X15 powerplant.

“The latest X15 generation of engine is proving itself well for us, and we adapt to the new technology as it evolves from the manufacturers.

“We prefer the Kenworth six-rod suspension for its durability and ability to take all kinds of punishment that our drivers may encounter on the sealed, but somewhat sad, road surfaces on which they travel. Airbag suspension systems are starting to work their way into Shaw’s trailers, and this has been mainly driven by customer requirements,” explained Jim.

“Our choice of specification for our trucks has been learned by many years of operation, and trial and error.

We have experimented with various power and torque ratings, final drive ratios and ancillary components, to come up with what we believe is the best and most reliable design for the work that we do.

“We use three different manufacturers for our trailing equipment, these being Haulmark, FTE and a few Barker trailers. Up until recently we used Dana axles, now preferring to use BPW,” said Jim. The company’s fleet of Kenworth trucks, including all of those used for local, regional and line haul heavy-duty specifications, together with its range of Isuzu commercial vehicles, have been purchased through Gilbert & Roach Trucks Huntingwood, with whom Jim said they have built up a good relationship of trust.

Gilbert & Roach has just completed delivery of a new T909 to Shaw’s Darwin Transport’s Sydney depot, and this truck will shortly be put to work out of their Brisbane depot on refrigerated work.

Bill Anderson, Gilbert & Roach’s sales manager, and Lloyd Moran jointly processed the purchase, and Bill explained that between the two makes of Kenworth and Isuzu, Shaw’s averages a couple of new truck purchases each year.

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GILBERT & ROACH “We have a good relationship with them and we make sure everything is tailored to their exacting requirements for their unique freight operation,” explained Bill.

“Specifications for the company’s latest T909 include the Cummins X15 engine, rated at 600 hp and 1850 ft-lb torque and Eaton Roadranger 18-speed manual transmission. Final drive ratios are 4.56:1 with the

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 IS AVAILABLE TO APPROVED APPLICANTS ONLY CONTACT:

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Jennifer Wilson or Michael Petrakis PH: 02 8825 1000

GILBERT & ROACH OCTOBER 2018

rear axle spread stretched out to 56 inches, over the commonly used 52-inch spread,” added Bill.

Fuel capacity is achieved through the fitment of four rectangular tanks, two 650-litre tanks on the near side, plus a 650-litre and a 420-litre on the off side, and with a 225-litre AdBlue tank that’s positioned between the two off-side tanks.

FINANCE

THE LEGEND CONTINUES PACCAR Australia confirms increased investment in its Bayswater, Victoria, manufacturing plant as DAF joins Kenworth on the production line.

Aussie-made for Aussie conditions! That’s always been the background on which Kenworth has based its success, and now that manufacturing rationale is to extend to selected DAF products that are joining the iconic North American brand on the Bayswater production line.

To any person lucky enough to visit the Bayswater plant, whether it’s as you move between the chassis assembly area, engine dress area, the mating of the driveline to the chassis with axles and tyres, or the cab construction, the overwhelming impression of the workforce is that everyone genuinely wants to make the best product possible for the Australian truck operator.

PACCAR Australia does its job extremely well when it comes to liaising with its customers, many of whom have longstanding relationships through their own families with the manufacturer that has now produced over 60,000 vehicles for the Australian market. The members of the production-line workforce in many cases have their own appreciation of the customer base, often able to meet with the operator when they visit the factory to view progress on a new truck for the fleet.

This is a place where genuine tradespeople put part of their own value and worth into the construction of the vehicles heading down the assembly lines. But it’s also a place where young talent is recognised, with young men and women graduates that have brought their own level of enthusiasm into the business of making trucks.

Andrew Hadjikakou, Managing Director PACCAR Australia GILBERT & ROACH OCTOBER 2018

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Meredith Young, Production Supervisor

Kenworth has long been the focus for Bayswater since 1971, when the first Australian-made Kenworth, a K125CR, rolled off the production line. But now it’s time to talk about a new direction for the company, as the Dutch brand of DAF Trucks changes its heritage from being imported fully built-up from Europe and becomes “Australian Made”.

PACCAR Australia has, until now, built trucks to suit the more arduous conditions of Australian transport, where each component and its associated connections, wiring harnesses and control systems are assembled and fixed to the chassis with the aim of them remaining where they were put without the risk of premature failure.

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DAF is the leading heavy truck band in the United Kingdom and has strong heritage for the early adoption of technology, being the first truck maker to offer turbocharging, and always leading the way with cab comfort, safety and ergonomics.

In place of a full import operation, the PACCAR Australia plant at Bayswater now incorporates a DAF assembly line within the plant, with the DAF CF now running down the same assembly line as Kenworth cabovers and conventionals.

Prior to the production start-up, members of the assembly line team were able to visit the Dutch and Belgian DAF factories and work alongside their European counterparts,

learning the intricacies of the production process as they apply to the DAF product. Interestingly, although the DAF CF range will be the first to be locally built, behind the scenes the company is planning for the product range to widen to include the LF and XF models, adding full Euro 6 confirmation well in advance of the suggested legal requirement for introduction to the Australian market.

PACCAR Australia managing director, Andrew Hadjikakou, officially presented the first locally-produced DAF CF85 prime mover to long-term customer and supporter of DAF Trucks Australia, Cahill Transport. The presentation took place on the factory floor, where Mr. Hadjikakou proudly handed over the keys to directors of Cahill Transport, Michael and Daniel Cahill.

Knowledge gained in the assembly and construction of Kenworths for Australian conditions is also flowing into the assembly of the DAF products, with cable and pipework clipping, wiring connections and general mechanical fit and finish upgrades being incorporated into the full production process. The aim of course is to build a DAF to the same standard as a traditional Kenworth, and, with all the right checks and balances in place for quality control, the proof will certainly be evident in the final build standards.

Cahill Transport was started in 1951 by Joe Cahill, moving from the horse and cart era to buying his first Kenworth in 1976. In the company history, Cahills was the first operator to purchase over 60 DAF trucks, making the presentation of Australia’s first locally-produced DAF a fitting moment in the brand history.

The celebrations surrounding the announcement of the start of DAF production in Bayswater were built around the presentation of the first DAF to exit the factory, a CF85 powered by the PACCAR MX 13 engine rated at 510 hp.

What made the event particularly memorable was the presence of the entire Bayswater production facility workforce, with the production line stopped completely to enable all to attend, followed by a lunch to continue the celebrations.

But the good news for the workforce doesn’t stop with the first DAF to exit the production line. PACCAR Australia also announced a major investment programme to expand production capability from the current 15 Kenworth models each day, plus the additional DAF products, reinforcing the company’s commitment to local production and the value placed by the company on its workforce.

Andrew Hadjikakou, Managing Director PACCAR Australia GILBERT & ROACH OCTOBER 2018 11

PREMIUM USED TRUCKS

2017 Isuzu NPS Crew Cab 4x4 cab chassis

2013 Isuzu NPR 200 TradePack

$74,900

Kilometres: 3,269

Stock #: 15931

4x4 – 155hp - Ideal for landscaping and municipal council work.

2012 Isuzu NPR 200

$52,900

Kilometres: 78,190

Alloy bulbar, full drop-side service body with ladder racks.

2012 Isuzu FSD 850 Premium

$44,990

Kilometres: 172,899

Stock #: 15921

Stock #: 15926

Box body with checker-plate trim – 155hp - automatic.

$89,900

Kilometres: 198,800

Stock #: 15881

Curtainsider body 14,000kg GVM – Automatic – 235hp.

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.

EVERYDAY WORKERS

As Isuzu Trucks approaches its 30th consecutive year as the overall market leader, updates for 2019 increase the appeal of the N-Series The N-Series enters the new year with a broad range of updates and improvements, matching the timing of the company’s move into a new corporate head office at Truganina, in south-western Melbourne.

Starting with the smallest of the range, the NLR 45-150 with a GVM of 4500 kg, which can be driven on a standard car licence, the models available to drive extended up to the NQR 87-190 crew-cab with seating for six, a GVM of 8700 kg and GCM to 11,000 kg.

This varied range of some 48 combinations, plus four new models for 2019, has seen the Isuzu N-Series in a variety of sectors from fire appliances to food vans and from service trucks to tippers.

“Our 2019 N-Series model range provides more of what Australian truck customers are looking for from the market leader,” commented director and chief operating officer, Andrew Harbison.

Now with several updates, the new N-Series just got a whole lot better. “Our range once again represents an ongoing evolution of this best-selling light truck platform,” Simon Humphries, the IAL chief engineer added. “Many of the updates are in direct response to customer feedback, while we’ve introduced elements such as independent front suspension (IFS) to most of our NNR models to provide an even more car-like driving experience”.

The engine choice across the range covers three different options, depending on your application, weights and the terrain you need to tackle.

Starting with the well-proven 3.0-litre 4JJ1 turbocharged, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC diesel engine, this produces 110 kW of power at 2800 rpm and 375 Nm of torque between 1600 and 2800 rpm. It’s this engine that features as standard in the lightest models such as the NLR 45-150, with a GVM of 4500 kg, up to the NNR 65-150 with a GVM of 6500 kg.

For operators that need a bit more oomph, the next option up the power range is the 5.2-litre 4HK1 turbocharged,

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four-cylinder, 16-valve diesel engine in the NPR and NQR models. Here you get 114 kW of power at 2600 rpm and 419 Nm of torque between 1600 and 2600 rpm in the 45005500 kg GVM plated NPR 45/55-155 models.

The same unit can also be uprated to 140 kW of power at 2600 rpm and 513 Nm of torque between 1600 and 2600 rpm in the 6500 kg NPR 65/45-190, the 7500 kg GVM NPR 75-190 and the 8700 kg GVM NQR 87-190 models.

The big improvement for the 2019 update has been the move to a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) exhaust system to meet Euro 5 in the bigger 4HK1 engine. DOC technology is a maintenance-free system ideal for trucks that have high idle times. It also means that the N-Series doesn’t need a particulate filter that requires regenerations, or AdBlue. The move to Euro 6 would require AdBlue, but that is still a few years away in Australia.

One of the main improvements to the N-Series is the addition of independent front suspension (IFS) to key models in the range. As a consequence of this design change the ride is considerable improved on Isuzu’s NNR 45-150 crew, the single-cab NNR 55-150, and NNR 65-150 models.

“With most of the NNR line-up, we’ve moved away from a more rigid leaf-spring set-up over to an independent coilspring assembly, which is designed to improve ride quality and handling, while still able to support a decent payload,” Simon Humphries explained.

During our evaluation, alternating between models with and without the IFS really showed how much improvement it gave over the usual leaf suspension. The steering was also sharper with the addition of new rack and pinion steering box, giving the new truck a real car-like feel that is ideal for the drivers who are only used to driving a car or ute.

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By choosing Isuzu, buyers in this light-truck segment will certainly notice how comfortable it is to spend a day behind the wheel, even in heavy traffic congestion. With a mechanically suspended driver’s seat, fully adjustable steering wheel and plenty of room for all heights, shapes and sizes, the initial assessment was full of compliments, rather than complaints.

Isuzu has established a strong reputation amongst fire services and first responders for its go-anywhere, allwheel-drive versions, and this high acceptance has flowed through to the private sector with the landscape gardening segment. Five of the models available for evaluation were all-wheel-drive versions, and where better to try out their ability and put them through their paces than the Lerderderg State Park? As an old quarry, it’s an ideal 4x4 playground to the north of Melbourne.

Isuzu’s NPS 4x4 range now benefits from the addition of an automated manual transmission (AMT) option.

“Because the NPS with AMT is the only factory-built two-pedal 4x4 light truck available on the market today, we invested the time and resources into taking a literal ground-up approach to developing a superior product for all operators looking for a 4x4 light truck that’s easier than ever to drive,” said Simon Humphries.

“Isuzu’s MYY5T five-speed automated manual transmission has been calibrated for off-road conditions, so, when 4x4 low range is selected, the AMT reverts to clutchless manual control mode, which is ideal in steep terrain,” he added.

During the off-road driving tests, G&R News drove a selection of the 4x4 NPS models, both in day-cab and crew-cab configurations, across typical fire tracks, steep

hills and through water traps. With the five demo units all loaded, they all easily negotiated the terrain without ever any suggestion they might face a situation that they couldn’t easily get through.

The manual NPS performed just as well, but the AMT meant that you could concentrate more on which track to take to make the best progress, plus it reduces the risk of drivers less familiar with uneven or slippery terrain from abusing the driveline.

Isuzu, along with some of the other Japanese brands, has had some of the best infotainment systems of any trucks on the market, but, with the new updates, the N-Series’ system, known as DAVE, is now better than a lot of the standard fitments on offer in cars.

DAVE features a 6.2-inch touchscreen, runs Android Automotive system, USB 3.0 connectivity, Bluetooth V4, voicecontrol, split screen and AM/FM/DAB+ radio options. And if you still can’t find the music to get you going, the new system can link to your phone’s data to search the Internet’s infinite range of radio stations across the world.

several useful accessories, such as four separate cameras, rear parking sensors and tyre monitoring using Bluetoothconnected valve caps.

As well as having an impressive light truck, Isuzu has also put a lot of effort into sourcing quality bodies that let dealers pre-build trucks that are ready to work.

Realising that many customers cannot wait weeks or months for their service body, refrigerated pan, tray back or three-way tipper, the pre-build body options on offer are available throughout the country.

“The new updates have given the range car-like drivability and probably the best multimedia system in the industry.”

It also gets a truck programmable sat/nav system that allows drivers to set specific truck limits, such as weight, length and heights, so you aren’t sent down the wrong road by accident – particularly useful for one-time users.

An interesting change for the new model is that the SD card is now hidden behind the dash to prevent theft. By responding to customer feedback, it shows that Isuzu listens and reacts to the views of its buyers when making product upgrades. The multimedia system also enables

For 2019, Isuzu has also added more options such as VanPack, TrayPack, ServicePack-X, and the Blue or Black TradePack cab colour options. Additional accessory options include an alloy steel bumper, LED spotlights, plus much, much, more.

With many fleets facing the challenge that a standard ute can easily become overloaded, and, with authorities starting to target companies that continue to turn a blind eye or have not yet realised the significance of Chain of Responsibility legislation, the N-Series offers a real alternative.

For buyers requiring a carrying capacity well over 1000 kg, a decent tray bed area, three or six seats, plus towing up to 4500 kg, there aren’t many competitors that can match the Isuzu N-Series range.

The new updates have given the range car-like drivability with the improved AMT, comfortable ride quality on the new independent front suspension, and probably the best multimedia system in the industry.

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PREMIUM USED TRUCKS

2011 Isuzu FRR 500

$69,900

Kilometres: 109,547

Stock #: 15916

Tipper body – GVM 10,400kg – manual 205hp

2010 Isuzu FTR 900

$91,900

Kilometres: 143,175

Stock #: 15860

4x2 – 235hp – Manual - Tray body with rope rails and headboard

2016 Isuzu FSD 850

2015 Isuzu FSR 850

$130,000

Kilometres: 80,989

Stock #: 15927

$99,900

Kilometres: 135,912

Stock #: 15962

260hp - refrigerated body and EEZFREEZ Automated manual transmission

235hp - High quality 4x2 steel tipper body - automated manual

2010 Isuzu FVL 1400

2013 Isuzu NPR-300

119,900

Kilometres: 293,125

Stock #: 15940

Polished alloy bulbar – 6x2 curtainsider body with Nosecone and tailgate lift.

$59,900

Kilometres: 66,532

Stock #: 15949

Crew Cab Premium with tray back. Alloy bull bar and driving lamps, 155hp, manual

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.

I CAME, I SAW, I VENTURED

Trekking in the Blue Mountains with the I-Venture Club.

Isuzu D-MAX ute and MU-X buyers are special. So special in fact that Isuzu Ute Australia runs a special fun-filled escape adventure in different areas of the country where owners gain expert tuition in how to get the best from their vehicles when travelling off the bitumen.

Isuzu’s determination to provide great aftersales customer support goes way past any of its competitors in order to show D-MAX and MU-X owners the abilities of their vehicles, as well as developing skills, all wrapped up in a good time under the heading of I-Venture.

G&R News recently joined an I-Venture group of owners across some of the more challenging terrain of the Blue Mountains in NSW, taking a far less direct but more scenic path through the reserves and national parks than the direct run on the Great Western Highway.

The mountains to the west of Sydney present challenges even today, although less strenuous than it was for the likes of explorers Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth, who completed the first trek across in 1813.

The Isuzu I-Venture club is taking the convoy through the magnificent bush regions either side of the highway, using tranquil tracks through the scrub that require genuine offroad ability of the vehicle and some skills behind the wheel.

The D-MAX utility and its MU-X sibling offer the mechanical skill set to complete some challenging tracks to stunning lookouts, the first foray of about 500 km on largely-unsealed roads over the following three days.

The drivers are supported by 4WD trainer, David Wilson, who imparts advice, instruction and directions, in tandem with tour guide Greg ‘Simmo’ Simpson, a Bathurst local.

This is no sojourn on graded pristine back roads to wineries for wines matched to undersized meals on oversized plates. The convoy has varying experience levels of drivers, but it is soon traversing rocky, rutted tracks, with less-experienced drivers (and their passengers) having any concerns allayed by instructions over the two-way radio, or by Mr. Wilson on foot.

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The convoy winds its way through the scrubby Gardens of Stone National Park, taking in the panoramic view from the Lost City lookout over Marrangaroo.

It is the fourth year of the Isuzu programme, with more than 2100 customers participating in over 100 day-trip or longweekend events, ranging from driver training days to longweekend trips of the same ilk as the Blue Mountains event.

Interest remains strong, with weekend trips like this run selling out in a matter of days – the training days cost $300, which covers two people with vehicle, breakfast and lunch, and a dedicated 4x4 trainer.

The longer format trips generally cost between $1500 for three days or $2000 for a four-day sojourn, and that covers two people, all food and non-alcoholic beverages, the trainer and overnight accommodation.

Isuzu Ute Australia’s marketing and public relations general manager, Mike Conybeare, said the I-Venture

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Club was all about enabling customers to experience the lifestyle that comes with owning an Isuzu vehicle.

“We take the time to educate our customers in a safe and controlled environment and equip them with the tools they need to confidently ‘go their own way’,” he said.

Mr. Conybeare said the programme was a key factor in the brand’s ongoing success.

“Our aim is to inform and educate our drivers on the correct way to tackle any terrain in a way that both looks after the vehicle and the safety of its passengers. Most of them are blown away by the inherent capability of the vehicle offroad and are empowered to then head off and enjoy all the benefits that owning an Isuzu offers,” he added.

The convoy is well fed and watered, with the lunch stop in the quirky village kiosk – once the pub – of Newnes, a highlight. Nestled deep in the Wolgan Valley, surrounded by thick bush and abrupt and tall rocky peaks, there’s

“Participants repeatedly expressed amazement at the terrain their vehicles could cover” precious little to interrupt the tranquillity, made even better by an absence of mobile phone coverage.

amazement at the terrain their vehicles could cover, as well as praise for the brand and its customer programme.

After an overnight stop in Wallerawang, the Isuzu convoy returned to the bush, heading into the Ben Bullen State Forest.

A dusk gold-panning lesson on the banks of the Turon River was a quirky conclusion to the day, which finished with dinner and overnight accommodation in Bathurst.

The rookies were feeling a little more at ease behind the wheel, coming to grips with the talents of their vehicles and growing in confidence.

The lookout over Wolgan Gap provided a stunning backdrop for selfies and a group shot.

Steep downhill sections soon tested the confidence of the drivers and the mettle of the machinery. The group all negotiated the slippery rock-riddled and deeply-rutted section under the direction of Mr. Wilson, with instructions and humour in equal measure.

Lurching through ruts and lifting wheels like seasoned campaigners, the participants repeatedly expressed

A few relaxed laps of the famous Mount Panorama motor racing circuit – a public road and NSW Highway Patrol turf for most of the year – preceded more off-roading, this time through the Mount Walker and the Marrangaroo National Parks. The vehicles and their occupants were again challenged by slippery rock-riddled tracks, as well as some creek crossings.

At the end of the I-Venture journey, the crew tucked into pub lunches and reflected on the 500 km jaunt, during which confidence and skill grew, enthusiasm for fourwheel-driving and the brand was amplified, and plans for more trips were made.

GILBERT & ROACH OCTOBER 2018 19

Huntingwood

The Truck People

02 8825 1000

OUR CONTACTS Address

8 Huntingwood Dr. cnr Great Western Hwy, Huntingwood NSW 2148

Phone: (02) 8825 1000 FAX: (02) 8825 1079

MAP WHERE TO FIND US

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