Isuzu Trucks are no strangers to the South African extra-heavy truck segment. Hundreds of Isuzu FVZ1400 models have been sold into rugged 6 X 4 freighter and tipper applications in the past few years – now it’s time to enter the competitive line-haul segment and GIGAMAX will permanently change perceptions of Japanese extra-heavy-duty line-haul trucks on our roads.

Isuzu GIGAMAX, a trucking segment leader in Japan and Australia, has finally arrived in South Africa. The Isuzu GIGAMAX 70-460 is exactly as the brand describes – 70 ton gross combination mass (GCM) and is powered by an Isuzu 460 horsepower (338kW) engine.

At 15,681 litres the unstressed, turbo-intercooled, common-rail, electronically-managed 338kW Isuzu diesel engine is the largest-capacity Japanese engine used in South African line-haul transport operations. Isuzu common-rail engine technology is not new. By the end of 2008 over 1000 Isuzu NQR 500 trucks, equipped with common-rail diesel engines will have entered service with South African fleets. Both fuel consumption and productivity resulting from the exceptionally high torque available through the common rail design prove that South African operators are ready for Isuzu’s new trucks that will be equipped to meet future environmental demands.

Add the GIGAMAX 70000kg GCM to overall performance capability and this powerful 6 X 4 Isuzu can also handle abnormal applications within its 70t GCM. This provides 14000kg extra engineered capacity over the maximum legal limit of 56t GCM for line-haul truck tractors.

Combined axle capacities also exceed GIGMAX 26000kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) – a front axle rating of 7500kg and rear drive axle unit rating of 21000kg total 28000kg. The rear axle unit provides matching torque capacity for 70t GCM and incorporates fuel-efficient, hypoid-design drive axles. A unique feature for Japanese trucks is the inclusion of 3 differential locks – an inter-axle diff-lock plus an inter-wheel diff-lock for each of the two axles. This means total drive axle traction for any possible extreme slippery conditions.

Stopping power is a vital factor on today’s busy trucking routes when cruising at 80km/h legal maximum speed and 56t GCM and GIGAMAX carries the full equipment spectrum for retardation control. An engine exhaust brake operating at the first stage is complemented by a hydraulic Voith retarder that acts as a second stage powerful driveline speed control device. The Voith retarder is calibrated in 4 manual control stages to allow direct driver command over vehicle speed in terms of both road conditions and gradient decline. Mounted on the transmission rear the retarder develops a massive 3200Nm retardation force at maximum engine r/min to hold 56t in check on most severe downgrades.

Ensuring vehicle stability in an emergency is critical for extra-heavy articulated rigs and vehicle combinations – ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation better known as acceleration skid control) are standard GIGAMAX brake control systems. Braking efficiency is further enhanced through standard ventilated disc brakes on all wheels – disc brakes offer superior braking efficiency through both clamping force and resistance to fade. Operators will appreciate the fact that disc brakes allow for rapid disc-pad replacement and thus minimise downtime. The engine exhaust brake and Voith retarder protect GIGAMAX foundation brakes to extend brake pad replacement intervals.

The rear suspension incorporates standard air suspension with four bags per axle and variable height control to facilitate easy trailer coupling under all conditions. This means that GIGAMAX is specifically tuned for highway applications only. While air suspension is superior for line-haul it does not offer the articulation required in rough off-road conditions that only steel suspension can handle.

Fuel tank capacity is a key factor in long-distance haulage. Side slung tanks on GIGAMAX provide a substantial 1000 litres for non-stop operations and lead the class on the SA market even when compared to both USA and European truck tractors. This provides an estimated range of anything between 1600 and 2000km in line-haul operations at 56t GCM.

A warranty of 2 years with no limitation on distance covered means that Isuzu GIGAMAX will easily run up to 400 000km and more within its warranty period. Service intervals of 20000km support the uptime required for long-distance haulage.

Isuzu Truck South Africa acknowledges that the key to success in truck marketing – especially matching the needs of the extra-heavy segment – lies in customer support. At a head office level as well Isuzu Truck SA has a staff over 35 people with the emphasis on after-sales service. Their specific focus on providing superior levels of customer service resulted in their Customer Care Department being launched in 2007 followed by a 24 hour Customer Support Centre which was implemented mid 2008.

Craig Uren, Isuzu Truck SA’s Chief Operating Officer, points out – “As a dedicated trucking company approaching the end of 2008, we will have reached our investment goal of R350 million in national dealer network facility upgrades intended for 2007 and 2008. Isuzu Truck South Africa introduces GIGAMAX to the SA market only after we laid the foundation for extra-heavy truck aftermarket support.” Uren concludes – “We are there for the long haul in every way – especially in parts and service.”