Trade services are in demand like never before, calling for over 1.3 million workers nationwide – one of the highest combined workforces in Australia, second only to health care and social assistance.
This includes just shy of 70,000 new tradies who picked up the tools between November 2022 and 2023, according to recent federal government statistics.
For those new to the sector and existing businesses preparing to meet Australia’s demand, the choice of a work transport that can help streamline costs and deliver genuine efficiencies has never been more important.
Offering a huge range of pre-built models and cab chassis light-duty trucks, Isuzu Trucks has a multitude of options available to help operators achieve their productivity goals.
Front and centre comes Isuzu’s number-one selling light-duty truck in Australia: the 4.5-tonne GVM Ready-to-Work NLR 45-150 Traypack. This premium trade-centric truck has found a home in all manner of trades and services needing a work-ready vehicle, from carpenters, builders, electricians, and plumbers, through to material transport and delivery.
A chief concern for many owner-operators in the field is the time required to earn a rigid vehicle licence and any potential setbacks this wait time can have on the business timeline.
Light-duty trucks such as the NLR 45-150 Traypack, which feature a 4,500kg GVM and a substantial 4,000kg towing limit** (model dependent), can be driven on a standard Australian car licence – removing the need for extra licencing and opening up opportunities for apprentices and staff to get behind the wheel.
The right rig
For a limited time (April 1, 2024–June 30, 2024) and as part of its Ready-to-Work, Playtime’s Over campaign, Isuzu is offering the NLR 45-150 AMT SWB Traypack for a drive-away price of $62,990, with a bonus $3,500 extra that can be put towards Isuzu Genuine Parts & Accessories or an Isuzu Essentials Service Agreement*.
The bonus $3,500 (for Isuzu Genuine Parts & Accessories or for an Isuzu Essentials Service Agreement) is also applicable across Isuzu’s entire NLR Traypack range, providing greater choice with manual and two-pedal Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) models in a variety of short-and medium-wheelbase sizes.
The Traypack’s four-cylinder 4JJ1-TCS turbo-diesel engine produces 110kW @ 2,800rpm of power and 375Nm of torque @ 1,600–2,800rpm. Matched with a payload capacity of 2,210kg, this is sure to keep tools and materials moving no matter what’s packed into the tray.
This truck is adaptable to a wide range of uses – both on and off-site – with a pre-built, heavy-duty aluminium tray a headline feature. Add to this removable drop-sides and rear tailgate, integrated load restraint anchor points, headboard (including rear window protector) and a low light capable reversing camera.
Coming with Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which is a standard inclusion in all 4×2 Isuzu N Series trucks, the Ready-to-Work Traypack is geared to get operators on site, safely, and in record time.
Smart Traypack fleet
Family-run business Smart Posts has gone from strength to strength since opening their doors in 1989. With the catch phrase ‘Creating a Better Image’, Smart Posts are a professional supplier and installer of signage to the real estate arena and property development market in Adelaide, South Australia.
Business owner Stephen Banwell took the opportunity to upgrade his aging ute fleet as demand for their service increased.
Stephen introduced seven new Isuzu trucks to his vehicle fleet, including six NLR 45-150 AMT Traypacks which were put to purpose transporting large signs and posters for installation around the city.
The six NLR 45-150 Traypacks are fitted with custom built containers, designed to allow the installers easy, efficient loading and unloading of the signboards.
Improving both delivery timelines and making the job easier for his staff, Stephen said their Traypacks have helped to improve overall business efficiency.
“We can now comfortably secure 32 signboards as opposed to only 20 signboards, which were carried by the utes,” Stephen says.
“Since we offer a quick turnaround service when required, this has been so beneficial in keeping our customers happy.
“The capacity of each truck being able to take more signboards on each run has saved transit time to and from our premises,” he continues.
“Knowing that our installers – who often travel 500 to 600km a day – are driving a reliable and comfortable vehicle adds to the value of having these trucks.”
Since introducing the NLR 45-150 Traypacks to the team, Stephen has recorded a reduction in driver fatigue, with positive reports coming from staff behind the wheel and hopping in and out of the cab each day.
“All in all, I believe the investment we have made in purchasing Isuzu trucks has upheld our catch phrase of ‘Creating a Better Image’—I couldn’t be happier with the decision,” Stephen remarks.
Make the move
Isuzu’s extensive Dealer Network, which supports home-grown operations such as Smart Posts from over 70 locations Australia-wide, stands ready to assist new buyers and expanding transport fleets during this time of unprecedented industry growth.
“There’s incredible demand for tradespeople and services across a gamut of industries right now, which extends to increased demand on their associated capital equipment,” says Isuzu Australia Limited Head of Sales, Craig White.
“Taking the NLR 45-150 AMT SWB Traypack as a great example, it not only has more load space compared to a regular ute, but it also can carry a substantial 1,000kg of additional weight, with a much greater legal towing capacity.
“That means more tools and materials on-board and fewer trips back to base, all in a vehicle specifically engineered to get this work done day-in and day-out.
“It’s these real-time savings that add up to better value and better efficiency for businesses over the long run.”
Further details can be found at www.isuzu.com.au and local Isuzu dealerships.