When Isuzu’s FX Series first squared-up for a heavy-duty battle in 2008, it arrived as a formidable proposition.
The range provided Australian truck buyers with the opportunity to choose Isuzu’s famed reliability as a strong alternative to the many brands already competing in this weight segment.
Initially made available in five model variants, the FX was positioned in the market between the popular Isuzu FV models and the now retired Giga (C & E Series) heavy-duty range.
The FXR and FXD models were well received by intrastate operators, in applications such as furniture vans or in urban operations, where towing a two-axle pig trailer was required. The FXZ became ideally suited to council and quarry-based tippers.
The original FX was powered by the then top-of-the-range Isuzu 6UZ1 “SiTEC SERIES II 325” engine.
This 9.8 litre 6-cylinder powerplant featured high pressure common rail fuel injection, four valves per cylinder overhead camshaft (OHC) design, twin exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a variable geometry system – VGS – turbocharger, providing operators with a high torque output powerplant, ideally suited to the targeted applications.
Today, the FX has evolved from a powerful apprentice into a sophisticated industry pillar, where power and payload are seamlessly matched by intelligent, industry-leading safety.
Seventeen years later, the FX’s legacy of performance endures, but its defining character has been radically enhanced.
At the heart of the modern FX is a comprehensive, industry-leading safety suite, positioning it among the safest heavy-duty vehicles Isuzu Trucks says it has ever developed.
Enabled by a second-generation twin camera and radar combination – a key component of Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance System 0r ADAS – this comprehensive technology integrates both active and passive features as standard.
The FX now boasts critical functions including Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, actively working to prevent incidents and protect drivers, assets, and other road users.
The Lane Keep Assist function also brings an excellent dynamic steering assistance function to the heavy range, which must be driven to be appreciated, says Isuzu.
This safety evolution complements a continued commitment to environmental performance.
Today’s FX range benefits from advanced engine and emissions technology that meets stringent modern standards, a significant evolution from the landscape of 2008.
Now comprising of eight model variations up to 26,000kg GVM and sharing Isuzu’s highly capable and aptly powered six-cylinder, 259 kilowatt 6UZ1-TCC powerplant, the line-up has been refined for a host of Australian applications and operational environments.
Exclusively mated with Gen 6 Allison transmissions, operators enjoy fluid shifting with surprising fuel efficiency, suitable for various applications like agriculture, heavy construction, and long-range general freight transportation.
Power is delivered to the ground through higher capacity Cummins-Meritor axles with standard differential locks, and the new axles now feature air disc brakes at every position.
From livestock cartage to materials movement, the FX continues to fly the flag for a range of applications and end-users across the country, delivering a carefully balanced combination of power, efficiency, safety and drivability.
Below three operators share why they made the transition to the new FX and how it’s been performing for them.
M&B McKimmie Livestock Transport, Alpine Victoria
M&B McKimmie Livestock Transport is an essential service operating in the rugged high country of Victoria, a stone’s throw from Mount Kosciuszko. The family-run business transports livestock for local farmers, navigating tough terrain and long distances to market.
Challenge: The extreme environment, featuring steep mountain roads and rapidly changing weather, demands a supremely capable and reliable truck. This need was critically highlighted during the devastating summer bushfires of 2019, where the ability to swiftly rescue and transport injured livestock became a matter of urgent community support.
Solution: The McKimmies invested in an Isuzu FXY 240-350 6×4, selected for its powerful 257kW engine, high torque (1422 Nm), and exceptional stability from its bogie axles, which are vital for balancing heavy perishable loads on winding tracks. It’s straightforward, robust design and proven reliability in harsh conditions made it the ideal choice.
Outcome: The FXY has proven utterly dependable, with zero downtime in six years of hard work. Its capability and added features like Agri-matting for animal welfare have strengthened the McKimmie’s reputation, ensuring repeat business. The truck’s outstanding visibility and safety features provide confidence on some of the country’s most dangerous roads, making it an indispensable asset to both their business and their local community.
Clay Excavations, Pakenham, Victoria
Clay Excavations is a long-standing local excavation company servicing the Pakenham region, specialising in earthworks, driveways, and dam builds for farmers and neighbours. Their operations require versatile and reliable trucks to continuously cart heavy loads of crushed rock and transport machinery.
Challenge: The business needed a truck capable of handling high-volume tipper work while also serving as a powerful transport solution for moving heavy excavators and rollers. They required a vehicle that could improve driver comfort for long days and boost on-site professionalism.
Solution: Owner, Dino Peacock, invested in a heavy-duty Isuzu FXY 240-350 6×4 Auto tipper. Key features that directly met their needs included a powerful 350hp engine producing 1,422 Nm of torque, a robust 24,000kg GVM, and a durable Hardox steel tipper body. The comfortable cab and popular Allison automatic transmission reduced driver fatigue.
Outcome: The FXY has become an indispensable asset for Dino, effortlessly handling full days of carting crushed rock and simultaneously transporting heavy machinery on its tray and a tag-along float. Its reliability and impressive presence have boosted the company’s professional image and the truck’s performance and comfort have been so impressive that Dino plans to standardise his growing fleet, with another Isuzu purchase already planned.
Tequa Plumbing & Civil, Gippsland, Victoria
Tequa Plumbing & Civil is a Gippsland-based contractor providing essential services for major infrastructure projects. Their operations demand a fleet of reliable heavy-duty trucks to transport excavators, skid steers, and other machinery across challenging job sites.
Challenge: The company’s previous trucks were a constant source of financial drain and operational risk. They suffered from frequent breakdowns, high maintenance and triggered significant downtime. This unreliability threatened project timelines and profitability, hampering the business’s growth and reputation.
Solution: Tequa implemented a strategic fleet standardisation around Isuzu’s heavy-duty FX range. They introduced two FXY 240-350 6×4 models, selected for their renowned Japanese reliability, impressive payload capacity and powerful 350hp engines designed for demanding civil applications.
Outcome: The move to the Isuzu FX series has been transformative. The trucks have delivered exceptional reliability, drastically reducing maintenance costs and eliminating the downtime associated with the previous fleet.
The strategic investment has provided a clear return on investment through reduced operating costs and has become the foundation for the company’s continued growth and success.