Maintaining one million power poles, around 160,000 kilometres of power lines and associated substations and power transformers is no small task, which is why Queensland electricity distributor Ergon Energy has a fleet of 490 trucks at its disposal.
Some 360 of those trucks are Isuzus, with models spanning the NPR 300, NPS 300, NQR 450, FSS 550, FSR 600 and FVZ 1400. Employed in a wide range of conditions and deployed over an area of 1.7 million kilometres, the trucks play a crucial role when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
Ergon Energy Fleet Acquisition Manager Mario Zappula says Isuzu has placed a key role within the business for many years, its products being favoured for their reliability, GVM ratings and alternative wheelbases.
"The terrain our trucks travel over on a daily basis ranges from bitumen and formed dirt roads to remote access tracks little better than a goat track," he says.
"When selecting models to suit specific roles, we first conduct a careful review of the operating conditions, the required payload and any specialist operational needs."
Mr Zappula says Isuzu has always offered a compelling blend of performance, features, support and value.
"When we evaluate trucks during our fleet procurement stage, we pay very close attention to aspects such as safety and environmental concerns, technical compliance, manufacturer and dealer support, and price," he says.
"The support Isuzu Australia Limited and the dealership provide us throughout Queensland ranks highly. Isuzu’s customer service is excellent and its ability to respond quickly to requests for assistance and support has always been one of its great strengths."