Isuzu solves tricky access

A Melbourne plumbing business has purchased an Isuzu FYX 2500 to solve its 'access pains'.

Helms Plumbing Services, operating out of Campbellfield on the Victorian capital's northern fringes, often has to access metro sites with 30 tonnes of excavation equipment, and gaining access to the right location can be a recurring nightmare.

Its seven excavators have traditionally been carted by semi-trailers, but with access a constant issue director Helmi Adams eventually decided the solution was an FYX 2500 with a heavy-duty beavertail tray and third wheel axle.

"The truck is used daily to transport our excavators and other heavy equipment that can`t be floated with our other beavertail trucks," Adams said. “

"Isuzu FYX has that additional rear axle which enables us to transport extra-heavy equipment in a flat tray truck to and from locations where access is limited, and where semis are not able to enter.

"It has a six-metre, heavy-duty beavertail body with hydraulic ramps, custom tool boxes and storage cages. We also installed safety lighting and aluminum wheels.

"The new FYX 2500 also has a 350hp turbo-diesel engine which offers more than enough torque and power to carry our heaviest loads."

The FYX 2500 comes standard with Isuzu's digital radio via the Digital Audio Visual Entertainment system (DAVE), which has become a much-loved feature for the Helms team.

"The best feature for the guys is the cabin comfort and also the DAVE unit," Adams said.

"Although, having the flexibility of being able to transport all of our equipment, regardless of weight and size, is probably top of the list."

Helms Plumbing Services started operation in 2006, with only two employees and a mini excavator.

In only eight years it has grown substantially, employing a total of 33 staff operating seven excavators, two tipper trucks and four beavertail flat-tray civil and drainage-works trucks.

The company's first Isuzu was the FTR 900, which was purchased in 2007 and is still used on a daily basis.