Geelong Power Sweep (GPS) owner, Glenn Laybourne, is counting on a newly acquired Isuzu FSR 850 Schwarze Road Sweeper to maintain his edge in an ultra competitive field.
Starting his working life as an interstate truck operator, Glenn has a sound knowledge of heavy vehicles and goes through a six month process of research, driver feedback and testing before purchase of any new equipment.
According to Glenn, taking a proactive 'hands on' approach in the truck specification process is not only crucial to GPS's survival, but a long time hobby as well.
"I have a vast interest in anything mechanical, as I have operated machinery all my working life," Glenn said.
"GPS, over the last two decades of operation has fended off a string of acquisition offers from bigger companies.
"Due to Geelong's close proximity to Melbourne, we face fierce competition on any new government and commercial projects in the area.
"Often the bigger engineering and construction companies are better resourced than we are, therefore it's essential that we have the best and most up to date equipment available," Glenn said.
Suitable for cleaning up a wide variety of materials and substances ranging from gravel, dirt and road pavement mix to fertiliser, mud and sewerage, the Isuzu powered sweeper often works in ship cargo bays, container terminals, on construction projects and housing estates, and at the scene of traffic accidents.
Fitted with an auxiliary engine and a six cubic metre hopper, GPS's Isuzu FSR 850 is able to sweep and vacuum up to five and a half tonnes of debris per run via its 355 millimetre suction hose, sweeping head and gutter broom.
For added safety and navigation, the truck is also fitted with a reversing camera, full colour closed circuit television camera system on its gutter brooms, satellite tracking and external LED display lamps.
According to Glenn, the Isuzu FSR 850's Euro IV emission rating is extremely valuable for GPS during large government project tenders.
"The truck's Euro IV rating makes it one of the cleanest 14 tonne trucks you can buy on the market," Glenn said.
"To further our truck's environmental advantage, we have also had the truck certified under the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) system, which measures the truck's decibel emissions as well as its dust and micron emissions.
"Having the cleanest truck on the market greatly benefits us when we tender for large government and construction projects, as it shows that we take the environment seriously," Glenn said.
Aside from the Isuzu's environmental credentials, GPS's purchase decision was also influenced by the truck's simple yet comfortable cabin ergonomics, plus reputation for reliability and functionality, according to Glenn.
"I've been using Isuzu trucks for over 15 years, and I have never had any major problems with the trucks mechanically," Glenn said.
"When I tested the FSR 850, I was very impressed with the easy-to-use Touch-screen Audio Visual (TAV) unit, as well as the space of the cabin.
"Operators often feel cramped in dual steer vehicles, but in the Isuzu, there is plenty of leg room and visibility," Glenn said.
GPS's all Isuzu fleet is driven by three contract drivers and Glenn's son Eden. The newly delivered Isuzu FSR 850 currently operates in the Geelong area, running on eight or 12 hour cycles.
See more about Isuzu Trucks Australia at http://www.isuzu.com.au/.
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