Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has made a number of design changes to its successful FY series of 8×4 and 10×4 rigid trucks, making them suitable for a wider selection of applications.
Isuzu’s range of twin-steer FY Series trucks encompasses Gross Vehicle Masses (GVM) between 30,000 and 35,000kg.
The adaptive platform finds a home in varied applications such as concrete agitator, mining, water and liquids, waste and refuse.
Most significant of the changes is a marginally shorter rear axle ratio for all FY Auto models, which according to IAL was developed in response to demand from the experienced Isuzu dealer network and customer feedback.
The new ratio of 5.286:1 is said to provide improved startability in tricky conditions and assists in overall performance, particularly at lower speeds.
In charge of fine-tuning the upgrade was IAL Chief Engineer, Product Strategy, Simon Humphries, who said the FY Auto models’ overall gearing and on-road performance at cruising speeds is now comparable with manual transmission options.
“It’s now sitting at almost the same as a manual transmission model at 1,830rpm at 100 km/h – up from 1,690rpm at 100 km/h with the previous axle ratio – with minimal impact on fuel economy,” said Humphries.
IAL’s National Sales Manager, Les Spaltman, commented on the broad operational appeal of the FY Series platform, which has gone from strength to strength since its debut in the Australian market back in 2013.
“Durability and quality are the ultimate outcome for heavy-duty applications,” said Spaltman.
“From agitating cement to compacting garbage, truck customers need a product that is suited to a wide range of tasks, and one that will stand the test of time.”
According to Spaltman, the FY range has been designed with this in mind and they’re thoughtfully specified with only the best in componentry and technology available.
“We’re very pleased to have made significant ground with extensions on prior improvements to the FY platform, despite a challenging 2020,” he said.
FY model variants include 8×4 and 10×4 options, a choice of three different transmissions, airbag or steel spring suspension and multiple wheelbase lengths.
All FYH and FYJ Auto models feature the beefy Allison 4430 transmission, a significant upgrade on the Allison 3200 transmission which is widely considered the industry norm for this class of truck.
Isuzu’s FYH and FYJ models are built for endurance, engineered with the best of North American driveline componentry, including Meritor and Hendrickson axles and suspension and Allison transmissions.