Isuzu Motors South Africa enhances the range of Isuzu extra-heavy gross vehicle mass (GVM) models from 16,5-ton all the way to 35-ton GVM with the launch of the Isuzu FY-Series 8 X 4 models into the South African market. Long-haul rigs operating at 56-ton gross combination mass dominated the extra-heavy truck market. However, there are a wide range of applications for specific payloads – freight carriers with mobile cranes, truck tractors, concrete mixers, tippers and compactors.
It is not only an 8 X 4 driveline that enhances Isuzu’s extra-heavy offering, it is both efficient and cost-effective applications that allow for maximum payload on a solo GVM truck. This means a legal 33-ton GVM tipper and concrete mixer plus a 35-ton GVM compactor also with manual and fully automatic transmissions.
“A useful gross combination mass (GCM) is a hallmark feature of the entire Isuzu FX, GX and FY-Series ranges,” says Dominic Rimmer, Executive Technical Services, Isuzu Motors South Africa. “For example, the FXR-17,360 freighter has a GVM of 16,500kg and a GCM of 36,000kg – it easily handles an 18-ton GVM two-axle trailer making the Isuzu 17,360 a favourite in the agricultural sector.”
The FX and FY range above the 17,360 are rated for 45,000kg GCM, except for the 26,360 mixer and tipper at 43,500kg GVM. Trailer capacity allows for flexibility in seasonal demand operations and increases ton.km productivity while reducing cents/ton.km costs.
A new model for South Africa’s solid waste industry is Isuzu’s FYH 35-360 equipped in 8 X 4 configuration with the following special features:
A legal 35-ton GVM municipal operation at 15-ton on the front twin-steer axles and 10,2-ton on each of the two rear drive axles (Regulation 240)
An Allison transmission with full-torque gearbox-driven power-take-off – this means the compactor hydraulics can be operated while the vehicle is on the move
Capability to handle a 23-cubic metre refuse (cm3) body. This massive volume also enhances productivity when calculating the daily cm3 volumes of refuse to be moved.
Effectively stopping a loaded truck is dependent on integrated braking system controls. Isuzu FX & FY-Series are equipped with:
Full-air, independently operated dual-circuit braking systems – should one circuit fail the other still operates to stop the vehicle.
A standard exhaust brake across the range – by shutting off the engine fuel supply and inserting a valve into the exhaust system, extra retardation is developed in the driveline without touching the footbrakes for maximum braking efficiency.
The Isuzu FX & FY models are also available with Allison transmission and include an optional transmission with hydraulic intarder. The GX 4 X 2 and 6 X 4 truck tractor models – included in the extra-heavy FX range – incorporate a standard Telma electro-magnetic retarder for extra braking capacity at 40-ton and 45-ton gross combination mass (GCM) respectively.
ABS – Anti-lock Braking Systems prevent wheel lock-up under emergency braking conditions.
Every Isuzu cab is designed with floor stiffener sections to minimise deformation in the event of frontal collision. The cab tilt mechanism incorporates three lock-down systems against accidental tilt.
Isofix mounted seatbelts are standard across all Isuzu trucks.
All Isuzu truck models from the FVR 900 upwards are equipped with standard air-conditioning and power windows.
The entire Isuzu FX – GX – FY range is equipped with a 9,839 litre, 6-in-line, turbo-intercooled, common-rail diesel engine. This engine develops 265kW (362hp) at 2,000rpm and 1,422 Nm torque at 1,400rpm.
Turbo-intercooling results in no power or torque losses at any altitude – performance is constant at the coast or at Witwatersrand 1500m urban altitudes.
A hallmark of Isuzu powertrain design is fuel economy. Maximum torque at low rpm allows drivers to minimise gear changes and reduce fuel usage. All Isuzu drive axles employ a low-friction, single reduction, hypoid design to return optimum fuel consumption.
“In 2018 Isuzu became the highest volume selling truck brand in South Africa, says Craig Uren, Executive Officer, Sales, Services and Marketing. “Additionally, we have occupied the number one position in the medium-and heavy-duty commercial vehicle segment of the South African market for six years in a row.”
All Isuzu Trucks come standard with 2-year/unlimited km warranty with many Isuzu trucks covering as much as 200,000km in the warranty period and with only 10 service days off the road.
Isuzu Trucks enjoy a big existing brand population that makes all 37 Isuzu truck dealers viable in terms of parts and service. “The current success and volumes of N, F and FX-Series is enhancing parts and service support, an essential component of sustainability in the truck market,’ says Uren.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- Mann Made Media Puts AI Automation and AI Video on the Table for 2027 Plans - 15 November 2026
- Balwin’s Black November Savings Land on Four Pretoria East Estates - 14 November 2026
- RS SOUTH AFRICA APPOINTS KHUPHUKILE NDEBELE AS FINANCE DIRECTOR - 14 November 2026
- Designer Pool Covers Passes 4,500 Installations as Automatic Cover Demand Grows - 14 November 2026
- The Events Guys Brings Five Event Supply Tiers Under a Single Crew - 14 November 2026
