ISUZU STEERS NSW LANDSCAPER THROUGH HIGH GROWTH PHASE

[image_gallery][/image_gallery] Descas Landscapes has come a very long way in the 19 years since its inception. From a one-man operation back in 1996, the Somersby-based landscaping and horticultural business now has 80 staff members and has become renowned for offering quality services all along the coast of New South Wales. Today its client list includes major developers, civil contractors and trade clients, and its landscaping projects run the gamut from large-scale retirement villages, display home complexes, schools and sporting facilities to environmental reserves. Owner and managing director Andrew Descas and his team invested carefully in both people and capital to keep abreast of business’s rapid growth. Top of the list for getting the job done are the six Isuzu trucks the company acquired two-and-a-half years ago. “When I was doing my research, Isuzu seemed to be the brand that had the best reputation out there. Given I was making a big investment in trucks, I wanted them to be strong and reliable,” Andrew explained. Each of the company’s landscaping projects is unique. Its services range from providing footpaths, curbs, ramps and street furniture to landscaping, irrigation works, clearing and revegetation, and arboriculture. With such varied tasks to accomplish, Andrew decided two different models of Isuzu trucks were required. He settled on the NPR 300 Crew Tipper and the FRR 500 Tipper for the right combination of power, performance and economy required. “The NPR is mainly used for bringing the crew to the worksite, and for transporting lighter equipment and land materials.” The light-duty but gutsy NPR quickly proved itself equal to the work required by the Descas team. Its potent SiTEC Series III 155 engine offers torque, power and good acceleration, producing 114 kW @ 2,600 rpm and maximum torque of 419 Nm @ 1,600-2,600 rpm. The truck quickly became a favourite both for its ability to punch above its weight and for sheer utility. “We now have five NPR 300s and one FRR 500, and my drivers are very happy with them,” Andrew said. With a GVM of 10,700 kg and a SiTEC Series III 205 engine providing 151 kW @ 2,600 rpm, the FRR 500 scores points at Descas for its reliability and larger load-bearing capacity. “We rely on the FRR 500 for transporting the heavier equipment that we have. Bobcats are very cumbersome for instance, but the FRR has no problems with carrying the load in that department.” For Descas, the transport of tools is crucial to the efficient running of its daily operations. The ability to custom-design the trucks to maximise payload was a key consideration when Andrew was making his choice. The company invested in customised toolboxes that fit under the body of the truck. Andrew said, “We need to have easy access to our tools, and for the tools to be protected from the elements and from theft too. We also have a lot of machinery and equipment to float, so installing the toolbox underneath was also important in terms of space.” Descas Landscapes services the NSW Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle. With this much ground to cover, another requirement from both the truck models was comfortable and safe driving for the landscaping crew. Both models got the thumbs up from Andrew. “The drivers have said to me that they’re really comfortable. One of them even said it was like driving a car, which is high praise,” he said. “My drivers drive all over the state, so it’s important for the guys to have a strong truck they can rely on. They’re really happy with both models.” ends Attached images: 1. Five of Descas Landscapes six Isuzus 2. Descas team members (from right to left) Todd Pearman, Rhys Stratton, Sam Hamilton, Cameron Darby and Dean Dominko 3. Sam and Cameron with the Isuzu FRR 500 Tipper 4. The NPR 300 Crew Tipper 6. Cameron Derby and the FRR 500 Tipper For further information, please contact:                   Jeff Birdseye                                                               Marketing Manager                                                     Isuzu Australia Limited                                                 Phone: (03) 9644 6666 For Isuzu Truck Releases and Photos: Arkajon Communications Phone: (03) 9867 5611 Email: isuzu@arkajon.com.au