VTG is cleaning up the Territory with Isuzu

VTG offers services from recycling and commercial waste disposal through to handling hazardous waste, construction and manufacturing waste, medical and e-waste and much more – all with the help of a fleet of medium and heavy-duty fleet of Isuzu trucks.

“When someone's got a hard problem, we help find a solution,” said James Prakash, Managing Director of VTG Waste & Recycling.

James goes on to explain that a huge amount of improperly discarded waste exists simply because people aren’t equipped with the knowledge of what needs to be done.

“A lot of things get put in the too-hard basket, particularly when it comes to environmental solutions.

“If there's some sort of contamination, we love to help find the right fix and provide the whole service including collection and disposal.”

As regular customers at CJD Isuzu in Darwin, VTG is supported by CJD Area Manager Ed Hayden, who has assisted with recent purchases of Isuzu FYJ 300-350 8x4 trucks with Allison auto transmission, and an FVD 165-300 to bolster their transport fleet.

Operating in the environmental conditions of the Northern Territory presents a unique challenge for any business, and in the punishing game of waste and resource recovery, equipment and vehicles need to be rock solid.

James – who came to the VTG business armed with valuable experience assembling fleets – said that Isuzu Trucks has proven to be an excellent brand match for the business.

He noted that the trucks were performing well in the changeable extremes of the Northern Territory, be that the weather or variable road conditions.

“We currently have 14 Isuzu trucks and another three on order, so we'll have 17 by the end of the year… we're trying to get to the point where we run exclusively Isuzu.

“We find Isuzu is best suited to our environment and needs, particularly the tough conditions of the Top End where we have two seasons, wet and dry, and a whole lot of humidity to consider.

“They’re reliable, easy to use and easy to work on, and you know they just keep going.”

There are certainly no doubts surrounding the suitability of the new FYJ 300-350s for the task. The heavy-duty trucks clock in with a GVM of 30,000kg (28,000kg on-road legal limit) and hefty GCM of 45,000kg which offers VTG a big payload, translating to fewer trips and better efficiency for the business.

The rugged 8x4 platform is also underpinned by Isuzu’s powerful six-cylinder 6UZ1-TCN engine which hits max power at 257kW (350hp) at 2000 rpm and offers 1422Nm of torque at 1400rpm, meaning they have no concerns over the trucks’ capacity to pull large loads up hills.

The full fleet line-up is an impressive sight with each truck customised in a one-of-a-kind colour scheme simply known as VTG Green. They’ve become a cheerful and welcome sight on their rounds visiting customers about the Top End.

With the VTG team having come together from all across the waste industry, James said their goal is create a community-minded business that treats its staff and clients with respect.

“When the whole team have the same goals, that’s when we’re at our absolute best.

“We understand that part of keeping the best employees in the business is giving them the right tools for the job and having Isuzu trucks is a huge part of that,” James continued.

“We’ve been very happy with the product Isuzu provides.”