After investigating a few different brands of light duty tippers, Cameron McDonald, owner of Sydney based landscaping and home improvement company Outdoor Residential, checked in with Gilbert & Roach Isuzu at Huntingwood for a look at the NPR 55-155 Tipper.
According to McDonald, it was the professional dealership staff at Gilbert & Roach who sealed the deal, following up the initial visit with a live video demonstration showing McDonald and his Dad a range of fit-for-purpose options and tipper features in action.
“I wasn’t too sure about what size truck I needed,” said McDonald. “But I knew it had to be big enough to haul our equipment and tow a trailer, yet small enough to get around town and park in our clients’ driveways.
“One of the guys at Gilbert & Roach, Chris Bloor, recorded a video showing us the different tippers and running through the features and options – that just made it for me,” he said.
One of the key things needed, said McDonald, was the space to have an all-in-one unit where the team could turn up to a job with all the essential tools on hand.
“The dealership organised a tray roll-back to enable an extra-large toolbox to be fitted between the cab and tray, along with a bullbar, reverse camera and a cover for the top of loads,” said McDonald – adding that the 5.5-tonne Gross Vehicle Mass allows for a decent load in the tray.
“The great thing about this NPR is that you can fit a big load of materials and still have no problem manoeuvring around tight streets in residential areas.”
Other features with which McDonald is chuffed are the auto-release tailgate and drop sides which he said are a real time saver.
“We’re constantly at the tip, so being able to just reverse back and release the tailgate is great,” he said.
“On one of our recent jobs, we moved 45 tonnes of material in one day due to a supplier not making the delivery – so you can imagine the time savings there having this truck.”
McDonald also said the reverse camera and large motorised mirrors on both sides mean visibility is excellent, especially when hooking up to a trailer.
“It’s got decent storage behind the centre console, plus the extra width in the NPR cab makes it easier for three big guys with bags and all our day-to-day stuff to fit in.” he said.
“All up it’s just a no-dramas type of truck. And with the wrap on, it’s got a standout presence on the road which helps generate extra business for us.”