Form & function: Isuzu NPR delivers for Pirtek service fleet

Pirtek is a company that needs little introduction, having grown to become one of the world’s leading suppliers of premium fluid transfer solutions—encompassing 23 countries and 13,000 product lines.

In Australia, Pirtek has a wide range of outlets from its original location in Rydalmere, New South Wales, spanning across the map through to Newman in Central Western Australia.

Specialising in the supply and maintenance of hydraulic hoses and fittings for large-scale mining machines down to small excavators on home building sites, the success of the Pirtek brand and franchise system is an excellent case in point of having the right people, product and services in place, at the right time.

This mantra extends to having their technicians arrive handily on-site to customers, supported with highly specified mobile service vehicles across the Pirtek network in Australia.

Amongst the fleet are around 100 Isuzu trucks, the majority cherry picked from Isuzu’s 4,500 kg – 7,500 kg GVM N Series range. Franchisees rely on these service trucks to meet the growing demands of their home-grown Australian customer base.

The Isuzu NPR 75-190 is a popular model in the Pirtek network

Brand Manager for Pirtek, Brian Watson, said the popularity of Isuzu product for the purpose of mobile service units comes down to the variety and versatility of models on offer.

“Our vehicles have to work in a wide range of conditions and locations, so we work with each franchisee plus the engineering group at Isuzu Trucks to best cater for what is required out in the field,” said Brian.

“Pirtek has very high standards in terms of quality with our products and service, and that includes presentation.

“When a Pirtek technician arrives on site, the customer quickly appreciates the professional approach, including the way the service vehicles are presented and laid out.”

Each Pirtek mobile unit is integrated with a custom service body by Allweld Manufacturing in Queensland to allow for large volume and weight of stock. Gullwing doors allow the technicians to work under cover, and trucks sport a high-demand electrical system on-board to power tools and hose assembly equipment.  

Further down south in Victoria, Pirtek Ballarat has a wide service footprint from Ballarat central to Melton in Melbourne’s East, through to Horsham in the west of the region. Dealer Principal Darren Campi says their fleet of Isuzu trucks, which is cemented by the NPR 75-190 (GVM of 7,500 kg), is simply the right fit for their technicians.

As well as owning the franchise in Ballarat, Darren has another two operations, one servicing the Whitsunday & Collinsville region and the other servicing Mount Isa to Cloncurry—this being one of the largest territories in the country.

Dealer Principal Darren Campi at Pirtek Ballarat

“The one thing we say as part of the Pirtek network is that every day is different with the type of work we undertake,” Darren detailed.

“Industry in Ballarat and the areas that we service include manufacturing, forestry, construction, agriculture and civil works, so it is very diverse.

“The NPR is easy to drive, works well in tight places and the turning circle is a massive bonus in some of our trickier locations.

“The safety systems including dual airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) all add up to ensure our team is safe while out on the road.”

Aside from the reassurance offered by Isuzu’s ADAS safety, the drawcard of the NPR 75-190 is a power punch delivered from a four-cylinder, 16-valve SOHC turbo diesel engine, providing 513 Nm of torque @ 1,600 – 2,600 rpm.  

Transmission choices for the NPR include an easy-to-operate, two-pedal, fully Automated Manual Transmission and a 6-speed manual for maximum driver control in any rougher terrain.

Any new additions to Pirtek Ballarat’s N Series fleet are backed by an industry-leading six-year factory warranty and six years of Isuzu’s roadside assist program. This is further supported by exceptional aftersales care offered by their local Isuzu Trucks dealerships.

Like Isuzu, Pirtek has a customer-first approach to business

“I have to say outside of regular servicing, we have not had to call on Ballarat Isuzu too much, but there is peace of mind knowing they have our back if required,” said Darren.

For Pirtek Brand Manager Brian, reliability of product and the backing of a trusted partner are among the key criteria for supporting their transport fleet.

“Across the country we have over 100 Isuzu trucks in operation that ensures we offer efficient servicing and can get our customers back in business quickly,” he said.

“Pirtek is delighted that Isuzu Trucks shares the same philosophy to putting the customer first.

“Through the extensive dealer network across Australia, we are able to ensure the wheels are kept turning to meet our customers’ needs.”