Cityline gets it up with Isuzu

Cityline Scaffolding is a Melbourne business that has a commercial and residential focus, supplying scaffolding equipment and staff to some of Victoria’s premier construction companies, while servicing some of the state’s leading building projects including Victoria’s Parliament House refurbishment.

Owner and Company Director, Marcello Notarfrancesco, established the business back in 1998. Prior to that he worked with his three brothers in the scaffolding industry.

But Marcello’s choice to go it alone has paid dividends with Cityline Scaffolding now the number one scaffolding supplier in Victoria.

Marcello says that what separates Cityline Scaffolding from the pack is the complete service they offer. While others supply the frames, couplers and planks, Cityline provides a skilled labour force as well.

“A service is what people are ultimately after,” explained Marcello. “A lot of companies only provide the raw material, and they outsource the trucks and they outsource the labour.

“We’ve got it all in-house. We provide the material, the trucks and the labour.”

This one stop service is not only a benefit that customers enjoy - providing them with peace of mind - it also allows Cityline Scaffolding to respond to job demands at the drop of a hat.

The investment in people is important said Marcello, “Because they’re representing the company, so they’ve got to be the best you’ve got.”

The same rule of thumb applies to the trucks Cityline use. They have to be reliable, provide a well-rounded service and present well. In fact, one of the biggest challenges the business faces is having the transport solution in place to meet demand.

At present, Cityline has multiple F Series variants, including an FVZ 1400, FRR 500, FTR 400 and a lighter NQR, with Marcello looking at purchasing another truck in Isuzu’s medium duty F Series range, like another 6x2 FVM or FVL 230/240-300.

Marcello’s relationship with the brand goes back 15 years. Asked to explain why he chose them, Marcello explains Isuzu were simply a part of the furniture when he started out with his brothers.

“That’s all we used. We had crane trucks, Isuzu flat-bed trucks, nothing but Isuzu. I’ve always driven Isuzu. They’re a comfortable truck to drive.”

Cityline uses flat trays to carry their scaffolding material to sites. A load can weigh up to 14 tonnes and the FVZ 1400 usually floats a forklift to sites as well.

It’s the combination of drivability and comfort, combined with a significant payload that ensures the Isuzu F Series remains the range of choice for Marcello.

“The interior in the new models is pretty flash. The suspension’s really good, the seats are comfortable, and the gear ratio is excellent with the split box,” said Marcello.

The FVZ 1400 boasts a GVM of 26,000kg, with Isuzu’s famed 6HK1 engine producing 221kW at 2400rpm and 981Nm at 1450rpm. The NQR 450 has a GVM of 8700kg with 140kW at 2600rpm and 510Nm at 1600 to 2600rpm.

Covering hundreds of kilometres a week, driving anywhere from the outer suburbs to the CBD, reliability is at a premium. And given the trucks are on the road every day, downtime is something the business can’t afford.

Cityline uses Isuzu’s roadside assist in the case of any on road emergency and has Isuzu Priority service agreements in place so the fleet is always performing at its optimum.

Reliability and complete service is what Cityline Scaffolding provides to their customers in the construction trade and it’s something they look for in their suppliers and capital equipment.

“Reliability I guess is the reason I keep going back to Isuzu. In addition to that, they look great and very professional when we’re out on the road. Presentation means a lot in this business.”