Waste resource recovery is a punishing application that tests a truck’s capabilities and chassis day-in and day-out.
Longevity for the job is critical for businesses such as VTG Waste & Recycling, which is taking out the trash in the Northern Territory.
Providing a range of recycling and environmentally conscious solutions, VTG offers regular services from recycling and commercial waste disposal through to specialist handling of hazardous waste, construction and manufacturing waste, medical and e-waste and more.
The Top End’s tropical climate and rough roads in some locations presents a unique challenge for VTG, calling for equipment that performs in all conditions: be it hot, wet, dry, dusty or up to the grille in mud.
They’ve found the Isuzu FYJ 300-350 truck has a tranche of features – from a rock-solid cab chassis and a big payload, through to a comfortable and safe driving experience.
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VTG Waste & Recycling managing director, James Prakash, said that Isuzu trucks have proven to be an excellent brand match for the business. With assistance from equipment experts CJD Isuzu in Darwin, the company has brought in two of these heavy haulers to help it with collection and compaction.
“We find Isuzu is best suited to our environment and needs, particularly the tough conditions of the Top End where we have two seasons, wet and dry, and a whole lot of humidity to consider,” said Prakash.
“We currently have 14 Isuzu trucks and another three on order, so we’ll have 17 by the end of the year… We’re trying to get to the point where we run exclusively Isuzu.”
As one of the heaviest models currently on offer from Isuzu, the FYJ is specified with a GVM of 30,000 kg (28,000-kg on road legal limit) and GCM of 45,000 kg, equating to fewer trips and better efficiency for a business like VTG, which is out on the roads all day.
The FYJ’s 8×4 platform is underpinned by a six-cylinder 6UZ1-TCN engine, which hits its maximum at 257 kW (350 PS) at 2,000 rpm and offers 1,422 Nm of torque at 1,400 rpm, so there’s no concerns over pulling power.
A load-sharing twin-steer front axle, plus six-speed Allison auto transmission, work in tandem to support smooth operations. Combined with an ISRI 6860/875 air suspension driver’s seat, it makes for a comfortable experience up in the cab for the drivers.
Green machine
With the VTG team having come together from across the waste industry, Prakash said its goal was to create a community-minded business that treats staff and clients with respect.
This means disposing of waste in a sustainable and environmentally ethical way, providing advice and guidance for those struggling to find the right methods, and the implementation of green protocols.
“We understand that part of keeping the best employees in the business is giving them the right tools for the job and having Isuzu trucks is a huge part of that,” he said.
“They’re reliable, easy to use and easy to work on, and you know they just keep going.”