‘You Think Your Job Sucks’ – that’s the motto of Mackay-based Groundvac.
Russell and Kerri Fry acquired the business five years ago, growing the operation from three trucks to a fleet of seven – with six of those bearing the Isuzu badge.
Groundvac’s operation utilises a system where high-pressure water breaks up and liquefies soil, which is then immediately removed by a powerful vacuum. This allows for non-destructive digging around underground utilities, sensitive sites, congested areas, or locations with limited access.
In the demanding environment of the Mackay region and Bowen Basin, where the heat and the reliability of equipment is a constant challenge, Russell made the decision to upgrade his heavy vehicle fleet with the latest in truck technology from Isuzu.
Groundvac uses truck-mounted Vermeer hydro vacuum excavators, keeping the entire system mobile for a wide range of sites and scenarios.
Its biggest clients include Mackay Regional Council, Harrup Park, Ergon, Ventia, Hay Point & Daly Bay Coal Terminals, along with various mine sites, civil contractors, builders, plumbers and electricians.
Across the wide and varied sites they need to access, Groundvac needed a truck with a high load capacity on a relatively short wheelbase, while ensuring safety and comfort for the driver.
The solution was the all-new Isuzu FVZ 260-300 6×4 from the MY25 F Series range.
With a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 26,000kg, Groundvac’s new FVZ 260-300 has a wheelbase of 5485 mm, a perfect platform to mount its 8000-litre hydro excavation spoil system on a flatbed body.
“Keeping this all mounted on a reliable truck means we can be in and out easily. We not only needed a vehicle that can carry the equipment, but it had to be highly manoeuvrable on all types of sites,” Russell said.
“We have a big shutdown coming up at the Major Mackay Port and we wanted to showcase our business in the best possible way and that included the new FVZ Isuzu.
“This job’s a true test of Groundvac, but I have full confidence in delivering to the customer thanks to our new mobile operation.”
The 2025-model FVZ features the all-new 6.7 litre, water-cooled DB6A engine from Isuzu, offering 221 kW (296 hp or 300 PS) of power 2200 rpm and torque of 984 Nm 1000 to 2100 rpm. This DB6A engine series meets Euro-VI emissions without the need for an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system and features improved retardation when required from an engine compression brake.
Offering improved performance and better fuel economy, the new Isuzu FVZ is fitted exclusively with the MD3500 six-speed Allison automatic transmission with GEN-6 software controls.
The Allison 3500 series is specifically designed for medium-duty commercial trucking, offering advanced features like a push button controller with oil level checks and mode selection to enhanced fuel economy, increased performance, and reduced downtime. This reduces brake wear and enhances safe vehicle control.
“Isuzu has always been up to task for our needs, but this new truck really steps things up in terms of performance, vehicle dynamics, safety and comfort,” Russell explained.
“Our trucks work hard and manoeuvrability in the new model is a definite improvement. It’s no good having all the kit without having the ability to get to the job and then accessing the site.
“Then there is the performance and economy from the engine, which is a major plus in what are hot conditions pretty much all year-round.”
Another non-negotiable for Russell is safety. The next generation FVZ 260-300 features a bolstered range of passive and active systems thanks to Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance System – ADAS – camera technology (now mounted low on the windscreen), designed to assist the driver’s judgement to avoid or reduce the possibility of an accident.
Advanced functions controlled by the new system include Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Attention Assist Warning (AAW), Traffic Movement Warning (TMW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) with Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL) and Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB). Rare in the FVZ’s segment, standard Lane Keep Assist (LKA) is an extension of the LDW system, using an electric motor and solenoid on the steering column to assist the driver. This same electric motor provides a dynamic steering function which reduces driver steering effort at low speeds, while maintaining stability and control at higher speeds.
Features controlled by the camera and millimetre radar include the Distance Warning System – DWS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (F-ACC).
Inside the cabin the seating position and interface with the steering wheel has been enhanced, with the changes reflecting a more responsive, stress-free driving experience.
“The biggest feedback I get from the crew is that it is built for the driver,” said Russell.
“It is closer to a car than ever before with all the creature comforts, including the cooled seat; which is a major plus when you have a driver in and out of the cab in the local climate.”
A highlight for Russell is an all-new driver’s seat in the form of the ergonomic ISRI 6860/875 NTS2 climate seat, customisable with a range of climate and positioning controls specified to suit all manner of applications and environments.
“The best way I can describe the driving experience is relaxing,” said Russell.
Another addition to the Isuzu range in an updated glass specification. A huge 99 per cent reduction in ultraviolet (UV) and a 59 per cent reduction in infrared (IR) cut-through has been achieved, helping to enhance visibility, prevent sunburn and retina damage and markedly improve cabin insulation.
“You might say the truck is built for the Capricornia region, but I can see the benefits for operators across the country,” he said.
“The exterior looks great too, which is really important in showcasing our business. Plenty of clients notice that you have the latest set of wheels.
“As an employer, I’m confident in having my crew getting around in the right truck for the work we do, plus the safest and most comfortable for them to drive.”