Isuzu is pointing to the rapid growth in high-rise, high-density residents and commercial property in Australian cities as a continuing challenge for the waste industry and reckons it has the perfect solution
Isuzu says it will highlight the challenge of difficult and tight access for waste trucks in high rise and high density properties at the upcoming ReGen Expo, Conference and Product Showcase at Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC) this week, starting tomorrow Wednesday the 23rd July and continuing on Thursday the 24th July.
The ReGen Expo, Conference and Product Showcase was formally known as the Australian Waste & Recycling Expo and Isuzu reckons the Circular Waste Economy will be a key talking point at this year’s conference and expo.
Isuzu reckons that tackling the issue at a national, state and local government level, has seen a range of initiatives implemented to foster a ‘Circular Waste Economy,’ by encouraging the recycling and reuse of products, which in turn reduces overall waste in densely populated cities.
The company is also hoping to get tongues wagging with the smallest addition to its new model range, which it says is aimed directly at inner-city, urban applications with a narrow, low-cab, in its new compact NKR 65/45-150, light duty truck which is dual rated at either 6.5tonne or 4.5tonnes.
Isuzu is dubbing the little truck as the ‘City Slicker,’ and reckons the NKR cab chassis line-up is returning to the Australian market as part of its all-new range of trucks that was recently unveiled at the Brisbane Truck Show.
The new NKR has a width of 1,695 mm and a height of 1,990 mm, as well as a range of wheelbase options from 2,490mm, up to 2,760mm and topping out with a 3,360 mm available,
Isuzu claims its “ReGen NKR 65/45-150” offers a novel solution for a ‘wide range of inner-city waste collection requirements, where access can be limited’.
“The NKR is the perfect inner-city dweller with its narrow cab allowing easy egress in and out of the vehicle in tight places, plus the sub two-metre roof line means it can access a large number of underground carparks and loading docks,” said Rajeev Pillai, Isuzu ’s (IAL) product manager for light duty trucks,.
“While offering a decent payload, the little NKR also features a tight 11.5m kerb to kerb turning circle diameter (3360mm wheelbase), meaning dead-end lanes and loading bays can be accessed more efficiently,” said Pillai.
“The bonus of the NKR is that it can be built with fit-for-purpose bodies that can directly benefit waste operators, this is not just an oversized ute.
“With a raft of changes to the way we approach waste management coming our way, we’re confident this new product will plug in well for a range of applications in this space,”
Isuzu points to the fact that the release of the NKR later this year feeds into another initiative to be discussed at ReGen 25, the Federal Government’s National Kerbside Collections Roadmap, which it says aims to progressively introduce consistent bin lid colours, cut waste sent to landfill, and provide clear information about what can and can’t be collected and recycled.
The company claims the changes are likely to translate to an increase in different bin types on our tight inner-city streets, laneways, underground carparks and shopping centre loading docks. In turn, this is prompting councils and waste disposal companies to think outside the box in terms of what is the most efficient collection solution for these scenarios.
Isuzu says the NKR 65/45-150, which is powered by its own advanced 3.0 litre, 4-cyclinder 110 kW and 375 Nm 4JZ1-TCS powerplant will be top of mind on Isuzu’s stand at the ReGen show.
Isuzu also claims that a feature that will help with driver retention and ease of use in urban settings will be the 4JZ1 engine which is mated to Isuzu’s new 9-speed, MYR-9S dual-clutch automated manual transmission, with a 6-speed manual transmission available as an option.
The company says that the NKR is available in six model variants, covering GVMs from 4,500 kg to 6,500 kg along with a 4,000 kg towing capacity, at 4,500 kg GVM.
The NKR also comes with a ‘street smart’ intelligent safety suite thanks to it being a part of Isuzu’s MY25 range with highlights that include intersection warning system, intersection advanced emergency braking, attention alert system, traffic movement warning and full speed adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition which Isuzu claims will deliver stress free driving in high density traffic. The company does point out that it is only on the MYR-9S models.
“From the cabin design to the myriad of active and passive safety systems, this model has been developed specially to allow for safe and efficient operation in high density locations,” Pillai said.
“The car-like cabin interior and excellent visibility also translate to fewer blind spots and an overall enhanced and pleasurable driving experience.
“Coming direct form one of the world’s most densely populated countries in Japan, we’re extremely confident not only in the quality of this product, but in its pure applicability in helping solve some the emerging waste and refuse issues facing our major cities,” he added.
Isuzu says that it will also showcase its Isuzu Power Solutions (IPS) Generator Set offering with the 20kVA GS 020-PTY at the 2025 ReGen Expo, which it says goes hand in hand with its reputation one of the world’s leading manufacturers of diesel engine technology.
