With the hotly contested 8×4 agitator market heating up, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has announced its popular FYJ 300-350 Auto Agitator package now includes locally manufactured outrigger body mounts as standard.
This is but one of an impressive tranche of features now coming standard on the newly revamped model, covering everything from major parts and componentry to in-cab technology.
Concrete agitating is one of the toughest applications around, testing a truck’s chassis day-in and day-out.
“Our customers wanted a safer, more robust chassis design that would stand the test of time,” said IAL Chief Engineer, Product Strategy, Simon Humphries.
“And we’ve listened to their feedback. The new FYJ Auto Agitator comes with Isuzu-designed and fitted outrigger style body mounts, which help to increase chassis integrity and durability under extreme pressure.”
Humphries explained that normally these outrigger mounts would be added during the aftermarket agitator installation process, involving a significant additional labour cost to remove and reinstall various parts.
“Our customers will enjoy significant cost savings at the body builders, with the extra assurance that these integral components are covered by Isuzu’s standard factory warranty,” he said.
Another amelioration is the updated in-cab control panel that, according to IAL, boasts the best of Isuzu ingenuity, with Kerb-and-Channel functionality – previously an aftermarket addition – standard in both forward and reverse gears.
IAL said safety is assured with the Kerb-and-Channel system disabling, should the driver remove their foot from the brake pedal.
For ease of operation, Allison 4430 automatic transmission programming has been enhanced in the FYJ 300-350 Auto Agitator model, improving overall control while also reducing service brake wear.
The transmission now also includes two industry required safety features: Range Inhibit – where drivers must have their foot on the brake for gear selection; and Auto Neutral – where the transmission will automatically select neutral when the park brake is applied.
Other additions to the safety suite include a two-kilogram fire extinguisher with in-cab mounted bracket and subtle “quacker” style reverse alarm.
Further mechanical improvements include power divider and cross-locks protection, eliminating the risk of a driver engaging locks when the wheels are spinning, thus reducing the likelihood of both driver accidents and potential warranty issues. The new FYJ 300-350 Auto Agitator also sports a combination of Dunlop SP160 steer tyres and SP431 drive tyres, reflecting industry requirements on construction sites.
Rigorously tested for optimal performance, the unique patterns now supplied for both steer and drive axles provide both superior traction and driver control under challenging conditions, while increasing lifespan, IAL said.
The selected Dunlop tyres remain light in mass, keeping the vehicle tare mass to a minimum, and so maximising payload in this weight-critical segment.
According to IAL’s Humphries, the non-stop evolution of the FY Series platform is what sets Isuzu’s FYJ Agitators apart from nearby competitors.
“We are constantly looking at ways to improve the prospect for businesses in this segment, with refinements to specifications and model offering,” said Humphries.
“I think our customers will notice a big difference in what comes standard with an Isuzu FY Series truck and with the FYJ Agitators in particular against comparable models in the market,” he said.