TriVan Truck Body - Mobile Command Center - Well Done!

Text from YouTube post: "This is a Mobile Command Center for King County Sheriff's Department that was built at TriVan Truck Body in Ferndale, WA. TriVan builds Specialty Vehicles of all sorts, including Mobile Command Centers, SWAT Trucks, Bomb Squad Vehicles, Hazmat Trucks, etc. Each vehicle is custom designed and built at our 40,000 foot facility. All bodies are built out of an extruded aluminum panel that is .100" thick, and features an integrated rib every 12". This affords great flexibility in design and application. We've sent our vehicles around the world, and if you're considering building a Specialty Vehicle, please contact us!"

I've been looking around YouTube for some good commercial truck videos. There aren't very many compared to how many there are with people falling down, or being arrested, or just acting the fool. Seems to me like it would be a really good thing to have a lot of these.

Anyway. . . I found this one and some 20 videos put up by TriVan Truck Body. (Here's a link to their YouTube site: www.youtube.com/user/cason234. I especially loved this one on a sweet rig built last year for King County Sheriff's Department in Washington. I love the truck sure enough and loved the specialty features too, but what I liked most was the wonderful, detailed narration presenting all of the features of this great body in a nice, calm, yet enthusiastic way. There seemed to be just a bit of pride for the job well done by the company. I loved how he pointed out each feature and explained some in great detail such as the electrical control system.

This video is one of several on this same truck, and I've watched the others too and they are good as well. This one stood out and I have high praise for getting these done, showing off their great work, and getting out there. Check out their website too: www.trivan.net.

Thanks TriVan! Keep sharing.

Pace Edwards Tonneau Cover Utility Bedlocker For Service Truck Beds

This video shows how to operate the utility bedlocker tonneau cover for service body truck beds from Pace Edwards. This may be a great solution for many instead of a cargo bed enclosure because it is lighter and it opens all the way, whereas a cargo bed enclosure usually opens 50 to 66% of the bed area only. The bedlocker tonneau cover also can be stopped at any point between open and closed and it is totally convenient since it operates electrically. It would also be a great solution for those with fifth wheel trailers to tow. Great idea. See the full line of products at http://www.pace-edwards.com/, or call them at 888-231-2686.

World's First Double Clutch Transmission From Mitsubishi Fuso

Fuso has presented a world first with a double-clutch transmission for commercial vehicles. The new transmission drives like an automatic transmission, but unlike a fully automatic torque converter transmission, it makes for lower consumption figures and therefore lower exhaust emissions. See more about Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks at http://www.mitfuso.com/

Ask The Builder Talks About Utility Truck Beds

Tim Carter, of http://www.askthebuilder.com/, explains the advantages of using work truck bodies over regular truck beds and shows some features you should look for when selecting utility truck beds.

This is a great video showing some of the advantages of a utility body over a pickup and Tim Carter does an outstanding job of it. He happens to be showing off a Knapheide KUV body.

Victorian Freight Specialists Grow Business With Isuzu Trucks

Leading Melbourne transport provider, Victorian Freight Specialists (VFS), has recently taken delivery of two new Isuzu FXL 1500 trucks and an Isuzu FXD 1000 truck to meet its expanded workload in regional Victoria.

Filling a niche left in the market by bigger international transport companies, VFS has tripled its clientele in the last 12 years through a combination of reliability and service.

Today, VFS provides overnight delivery services into regional Victoria and southern New South Wales, as well as metropolitan pick-up and delivery in city centres.

Currently, VFS employs over 70 staff members and approximately 30 drivers in Melbourne, and over 250 sub contractors and administration staff through 23 regional agents in Victoria and New South Wales.

Having used Isuzu trucks for over a decade, VFS Director, Chris Collins, said the FX models were purchased based on their versatility, power and suitability for VFS’ application.

"We purchased the FX model trucks because they offered us a tight turning circle along with an engine that was powerful enough to pull hefty loads on country roads," Mr Collins said.

The Isuzu FXL 1500s are fitted with 16 pallet mezzanine floor curtainside bodies, while the FXD 1000 is equipped with a 14 pallet mezzanine floor curtainside body and a 10 pallet pig trailer.

According to Mr Collins – who still remains very hands on and tests all new vehicles – reliability is the standout feature of Isuzu trucks.

"I’ve been using Isuzus for over 12 years, and I have never had any problems with them mechanically," Mr Collins said.

"We work the new FX trucks pretty hard, as they carry out double shifts in both stop-start city conditions as well as country highway driving – the trucks are performing very well," Mr Collins said.

The trucks’ Euro V emissions rating also assists VFS in the tendering process for new business, according to Mr Collins.

"VFS must meet very strict environmental and OH&S policies because they deliver for many of Australia’s leading companies," Mr Collins said.

"The FXs’ Euro V environmental rating goes a long way in showing our customers that we have the cleanest trucks on the market."

Fitted with standard Isri 6860 air-suspended driver’s seat, driver’s SRS Airbag, ABS brakes, electric mirrors, climate control, air conditioning and an easy to use touch-screen audio visual unit (TAV), the Isuzu FX provides comfort, convenience and safety for VFS drivers, according to Mr Collins.

"The drivers have all commented very positively on the cabin space and extra leg room in the new FX trucks," Mr Collins said.

"Our drivers spend a lot of time in the trucks and we want them to be as comfortable and safe as possible.

"Having Meritor ABS brakes, rear Hendrickson airbag suspension and Front Underun Protection Device as standard, the new FX models ensure that VFS complies with the most stringent chain of responsibility regulations," Mr Collins said.

To ensure it has the most up-to-date fleet, VFS renews its Isuzu trucks every four years and services its trucks internally with the assistance of specialist Isuzu mechanics.

To see more great trucks from Isuzu Australia, go to http://www.isuzu.com.au/

Geelong Power Sweep Isuzu Brushes The Competition

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/.

Isuzu FRR 500 - Jack Of All Trades

A fleet of six new medium duty Isuzu FRR 500 trucks is helping to ensure clear drains, crack-free footpaths and healthy trees remain a charming feature of the historic City of Port Adelaide Enfield.

City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council Fleet Manager, Jim Bower, has confirmed that the three FRR 500 chipper trucks, two FRR 500 concrete tray trucks and an FRR 500 tipper with crane are now in action and hard at work throughout the city.

The three chipper trucks have been fitted out with a canopy body to catch the remains of tree limbs, which are shredded by Council’s parks and gardens staff.

Jim says the FRR 500 tipper with crane tows a three-ton vacuum unit and is primarily used in drainage maintenance across the city.

"The crane is powered by the truck’s PTO and is used to lift drain lids in the stormwater network so sumps can be cleared of leaf matter and debris that wash down and cause blockages," Jim said.

According to Jim, the long, flat trays fitted to the FRR 500 concrete trucks make it easier for Council maintenance staff to perform their tasks. In turn, this improves occupational health and safety outcomes.

"The ‘concreters’ are being used for roadside curb and footpath repairs and the implementation of pram-access ramps, " Jim said.

"We do up to 200 of these ramps each year, improving the footpath environment, developing residential and commercial areas, and making repairs to existing infrastructure."

All six of the bodies fitted to the Council’s new Isuzus were fabricated by North East Isuzu in Burton, about 20 kilometres north of Port Adelaide.

Jim said the dealership was tasked with specifying the trucks to include a range of storage and functional options.

"North East Isuzu were 100 per cent – we’ve never had an issue with them," Jim said. "Their attitude has been ‘if the customer has a request, we’ll accommodate it."

The rigorous procurement process in local government means a number of factors come into play when making purchasing decisions.

According to Jim, price is just one factor considered in this process, with other variables including serviceability, fuel efficiency and emissions, occupational health and safety, commonality within the fleet and an operator assessment. The latter can often be the most telling.

"When the operator does an assessment it’s usually about creature comfort and the Isuzu cabins are very well appointed," Jim said.

From the heated exterior mirrors to the quality Isri 6860 seat, driver airbag, car-like handling and optional multi information display unit with satellite navigation, the Isuzu FRR 500s remain at the forefront of cabin refinement in the Australian truck market.

The versatile FRR 500s also pack plenty of power with154 kW at 2,600 rpm and 637 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm.

To see more trucks from Isuzu Australia, go to www.isuzu.com.au

Hino To Launch Automatic Trans Hybrid

Hino is poised to launch an automatic transmission version of its proven Hino Hybrid 300 Series diesel-electric truck.

Hino was the first manufacturer to offer a hybrid truck in Australia.

The new 300 Series model will be Australia’s first automatic hybrid truck.

The company is already conducting trials of medium-duty hybrid trucks – putting them to the test against Australia’s often demanding climate and road conditions.

Compared to a similar diesel truck, Hino’s Hybrid 300 Series delivers a significant reduction in fuel consumption and achieves reduced carbon monoxide emissions, as well as reductions in particulate matter and nitrogen oxide.

It is particularly suited to stop-start urban applications, such as city delivery operations. Blue chip companies, smaller family businesses and government bodies including local councils are equally now moving towards more environmentally sustainable transport solutions and are turning to hybrids to reduce their carbon footprint.

The new Hino Hybrid 714 Auto’s intelligent six-speed transmission has specially tailored control software to optimise electric assist during initial acceleration and maximise energy recovery through regenerative braking.

Key to the hybrid truck’s efficiency compared with a conventional diesel truck is its unique ability to use regenerative braking to capture the vehicle’s kinetic energy when decelerating and store that energy as electricity for later use powering the vehicle.

A conventional truck wastes that kinetic energy as heat through the service brakes. The hybrid truck therefore saves on brake life as well as fuel and emissions.

In addition, Hino Hybrid has an engine-stop feature, so the diesel engine stops when the vehicle is stationary.

The new automatic transmission truck offers significant fuel savings compared with an equivalent diesel automatic truck.

It uses the power from a 100kW diesel engine and 36kW electric motor, according to driving conditions, to optimise fuel use and minimise emissions.

The transmission is Hino’s proven A860E unit, for optimum reliability.

However, new “fuzzy logic” control software means the transmission mimics a manual transmission during both acceleration and deceleration.

During initial acceleration, revised up-shift points make better use of the electric motor’s torque.

During deceleration, torque converter lock-up is maintained and the transmission initiates down-shifts sooner – to boost the regenerative braking effect and hence capture more kinetic energy.

Isuzu Giga Crane Trucks Have Rad Appeal

Carting large loads of steel may look like heavy work, but with the right equipment the job is made easier – such is the case for ETA Transport who recently took delivery of two new Isuzu EXD 455 Premium models to help with an expanded workload.

ETA Transport specialises in all types of crane work, and uses the two new Isuzu crane trucks to deliver heavy products for customers including well-known steel manufacturers, Stratco and Metroll.

Established in 2005, the company has since grown to employ 12 staff and is enjoying the benefits of Australia’s sustained residential and commercial building activity.

According to company owner, Rad Ivanic, the Gigas were selected because Isuzu’s reliability is second to none.

"When purchasing a new vehicle I look for a truck that is reliable and won’t break down, we can’t afford to keep our customers waiting," Mr Ivanic said.

"Isuzu trucks are very reliable in service and maintenance. We also previously used an earlier model Giga 425 EXY which proved very reliable and still have a light duty NPR 200 Tradepack for small jobs."

Features of the Giga EXD 455 trucks such as the twelve speed constant mesh Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) and the electronically controlled airbag suspension are useful for carting heavy loads.

"The 455 horsepower engines in the Isuzu Giga EXDs offer plenty of power to cart steel and other heavy products," Mr Ivanic said.

ETA Transport makes one particular modification to the bodies of their trucks – the addition of a crane mounted behind the cabin.

"All of our trucks have cranes. We use them to ensure there is no damage to the product when we are unloading to our customers; this is particularly important when there is no machinery at the delivery site to assist," Mr Ivanic said.

As well as coping with the heavy loads, the trucks on the ETA Transport fleet also cover significant ground – up to 150,000 kilometres per year.

"We usually deliver to our customers’ private addresses, so our trucks operate in all conditions, from highway driving right through to rough secondary roads. Isuzu trucks offer a comfortable ride even for our interstate deliveries thanks to the Isri driver’s seat and other cabin appointments," Mr Ivanic said.

Mr Ivanic purchased his new Giga from Patterson Cheney Trucks, located in Dandenong, and was impressed with what they had to offer.

"As a customer whose business relies largely on its fleet, I hold customer service and servicing in great importance. The staff at Patterson Cheney Trucks are extremely helpful and the 24 hour service centre is very convenient and it means less downtime for our business."

Given the demanding nature of the work and the kilometres travelled, Mr Ivanic has opted to take out 750,000 kilometer extended warranties on the new trucks for additional peace of mind.

With business booming, Mr Ivanic plans to add further Isuzu models to the ETA Transport fleet in the near future.

To see more great Isuzu Trucks, go to http://www.isuzu.com.au/.

Isuzu Caters To Reynolds Needs For Last 7 Years

Seven years after the first Isuzu joined the all-refrigerated fleet at Reynolds in 2003, the company now runs almost 70 Isuzu trucks. Following the recent arrival of a further 31 new Isuzu Forward 7.5t rigids, the Waltham Abbey based catering company now predominantly specifies Isuzu for all their 7.5t distribution truck requirements.

45% of the 164 strong Reynolds vehicle fleet runs at 7.5 tonnes GVW and as Commercial Director Paul Collins says, ”Originally we were attracted by the Isuzu’s payload potential for our intensive multi-drop distribution routes. Over the years though, the Isuzu’s have given us additional benefits, as they have proved to be extremely reliable and they offer really low operational running costs, all of which is backed by a superb working relationship between the two companies.”

The latest 31 Isuzu Forward N75.190 rigids have been specified with the popular Easyshift transmission, which is proving to be ideal for the Reynolds stop/start delivery journeys. The trucks are also all fitted with the latest single compartment Solomon’s refrigerated bodies which feature Carrier Transicold Xarios 600 direct drive refrigeration systems.

Working out of the five Reynolds distribution depots nationwide and with an estimated working life of between 5 and 7 years, the Isuzu’s are worked hard on intensive daily delivery routes involving between 25 and 30 drops per truck journey.

Established over 60 years ago and still a family business, Reynolds has grown to become one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of fresh produce and ambient goods to the foodservice market. Reynolds now has strategically located depots in Scotland, Leicester, Manchester and Bristol as well as its national distribution centre and head office at Waltham Cross.

“The success of the 7.5t Isuzu’s at Reynolds is testament to the strength of the relationship between the two companies. Intensive multi-drop food distribution is a challenge for any vehicle and the Isuzus have proven to be consistently good performers and up to the job over the years. We have worked closely with Reynolds now for seven years to ensure that our vehicles provide them with unquestionable reliability and good service, day in, day out,” said Keith Child, Marketing Director, Isuzu Truck UK.

Full details of the 2010 Isuzu Truck product range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website http://www.isuzutruck.co.uk/

Batsford Timber Switches To Isuzu For First Time

When Batsford Timber decided to replace its aging DAF 7.5tonne delivery vehicle, the company chose to switch brand for the first time by specifying a new Isuzu N75.190 chassis cab with a tipper body.

Based at the company’s Gloucestershire site in Moreton-in-Marsh, the new Isuzu will be delivering the company’s timber products, including agricultural, industrial and domestic fencing, gates, poles, garden furniture and decking to local contractors and retail/domestic customers.

The Isuzu 7.5 tonner chosen has the popular Easyshift transmission system as standard as well as air conditioning in the cab. The vehicle is fitted with a 15ft aluminium Tipmaster body and, according to Batsford Timber, will be running on a 5 days-a-week distribution cycle, over a five- year working life, covering in excess of 200,000 miles.

Explaining why they chose Isuzu for the first time, Batsford Timber’s Managing Director Bob Clark says, “We originally looked at Isuzu some 2 years ago at the APF (Association of Professional Foresters) Show and were impressed by the versatility and driveability of the truck, combined with the frugal fuel consumption and obvious payload potential. Over the next two years we then talked to other owners of Isuzu trucks who, without exception, were unanimous in singing the praises of their Isuzus in service.”

The debutant Isuzu was supplied to Batsford Timber by local Isuzu dealer Greenmeadow Commercial Services in Swindon, whose close proximity and all-round service facilities also impressed Batsford
Timber.

“Greenmeadow provides us with a local 24 hour service facility, allowing us to take advantage of night servicing, thereby reducing any unnecessary downtime for the vehicle over its working life,” commented Bob Clark.

Batsford Timber operates from sites in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire and Longleat in Wiltshire, running a 5-strong vehicle fleet. This year, the company is celebrating 21 years of trading and this new Isuzu vehicle is sporting a specially designed commemorative 21st anniversary livery.

Full details of the 2010 Isuzu Truck product range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website http://www.isuzutruck.co.uk/

TK Truckbody Canada 9' Service Body Looking So Good

Here's a sample of a custom built 9' service body with drawer option, crane with body reinforcement, custom lighting package and vented oxygen/acetylene compartment from TK Truckbody Canada. Troy Mazar of TK Truckbody was kind enough to share these and the information below about their company.

About TK Truckbody Canada

TK Truck body Canada started out in 1964 as a division of Thermo King Western Inc. In 1978, when we had difficulty sourcing high-quality insulated vans, we began manufacturing them in-house. We've never looked back.

Our success is built on the principles of integrity, honesty and enthusiasm for everything we do. We are committed to working closely with customers to deliver solutions that meet each one's specific requirements. Our staff are motivated to achieve the highest levels of service through our culture, training programs, and resources available. You will experience that resolve every time you deal with TK Truck body Canada.

Service Bodies

TK Truck body Canada will build a custom service body to meet your specific needs. We offer a vast range of dependable products.

Construction

• Structural steel frame
• Galvanized steel body panels
• Acrylic-urethane paint with 6-year warranty
• Aluminum doors with extruded aluminum frames
• Stainless steel hardware

Options

• Cranes: Auto crane & Stellar
• Air compressors: Twister & Ingersoll Rand
• Under hood air: Vmac
• Heater systems
• Compartment alarms
• Complete line of truck accessories
• All aluminum construction

In addition to standard features, TK Truck body Canada can design a fully custom solution to meet your needs including special requirements such as backpack pumps, welders, hose reels, varsol tanks, and strobe lights.

Oxy acetylene compartments
Built to occupational health and safety specifications these compartments are designed to safely store oxygen and acetylene bottles for welding/cutting torches.

Surface Treatment

Backed by our 6 year limited warranty, TK Truck body Canada Service Bodies are protected by a proprietary surface treatment that includes galvaneal coated steel panels, aluminum doors, high grade automotive primer, and an acrylic-urethane paint finish.

TK Truckbody Canada is located in Edmonton, Alberta and you can reach them at 780-447-9529 and visit their website at http://www.tktruck.com/.

Electric Truck: Boulder EV

See much more at http://www.boulderev.com/.

Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks Commercial

Isuzu Begins Production of 2011 N-Series Medium Duty Trucks

ISUZU BEGINS PRODUCTION OF FIRST-IN-CLASS ENGINES

TO MEET TOUGH 2010 EMISSIONS STANDARDS

EPA 2010 and CARB HD-OBD Compliant, Clean-Idle Certified

ANAHEIM, CA—Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of America’s best-selling low-cab-forward trucks, announced today that production has begun of the U.S. market’s first and only low-cab-forward medium-duty diesel engines to meet the newest and strictest emissions standards.
2011 Isuzu N-Series trucks equipped with the clean, powerful and economical new powerplants have already began to roll off the line at Isuzu Motors Limited’s factory in Fujisawa, Japan and will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships in early August 2010.

“Isuzu is a world leader in clean diesel technology,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “So it’s no surprise that Isuzu trucks would be the first in their class to meet these new regulations. The great news for our customers is that these engines are not only environmentally friendly, they are also more powerful and more fuel efficient than the engines they replace.”
The new Isuzu N-Series trucks are the first medium-duty low-cab-forward trucks on the market to offer Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection to meet three exacting and stringent requirements:

• Compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 emissions standards (EPA 2010), which require reductions in NOx
• Compliance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) HD-OBD requirement that trucks over 14,001 lbs. GVWR employ on-board diagnostics equipment to monitor and verify NOx and particulates emissions levels
• Clean-idle certified