Isuzu Truck Grafter Review & Buyers' Guide

Available as: Chassis Cab, Dropside, Tipper, Engine options:3.0TD 150hp, Volume (m³): Not Applicable, Payload (kg): , 1,215 – 1,635

Our Verdict

Grafter’s torquey engine is a gem, the narrow-bodied configuration makes it ideal for restricted width urban use and the in-house designed, factory-fitted Dropside and Tipper conversions are top-notch.

grafter-2011-bg1First introduced to the UK in 1993 the N Series-based Grafter 3.5 tonne chassis cab range underwent a major overhaul in 2008 which introduced a cab with more interior space and an upgraded 3-litre common rail turbodiesel engine.

Revised in October 2009 to meet Euro 5 emission regulations, the four-cylinder diesel produces 150hp at 2,800rpm and develops peak torque of 375Nm between 1,600rpm and 2,800rpm. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and a Diesel Particulate Diffuser are used to reduce tailpipe emissions so there is no need for any additives like AdBlue.

HC_lightEngine access couldn’t be better thanks to Grafter’s truck heritage; the whole cab tips forward. Service intervals are set at 10,000 miles.

Rear-wheel drive, Grafter comes with a five-speed manual gearbox and unusually it features a dog-leg first gear shift pattern. First is found in the bottom left position, opposite reverse. It’s nothing to worry about as drivers soon become accustomed to it and it does mean that the remaining most often used gears are in an H-pattern.

The front suspension is independent and features coil springs and dampers with the rear taken care of by alloy/steel leaf springs and dampers. The rack and pinion steering is hydraulically power assisted and the brakes are ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear.

grafter-2011-bg2Available as a chassis cab or a chassis double cab, Grafter has a choice of three wheelbases, single or twin rear wheels — the latter offers greater stability — and there’s even the option of a wide cab; basically the cab from the 7.5 tonne Forward.

As a chassis cab there are a host of bodies that can be fitted to cope with virtually any application; anything from a flatbed to a Luton, curtainsider or refrigerated. Isuzu, however, offers the two most popular conversions, dropside and tipper, as factory-fitted models. The former uses weight-reducing aluminium, the latter hard-wearing high tensile Swedish steel. Gross payload for the single rear wheel Dropside is 1,380kg and 1,215kg for the Tipper. All Grafters can tow a braked trailer grossing at 3,500kg.

grafter-2011-bg3The new cab offers much more space than its predecessor and although the driving position is more truck- than car-like with the steering wheel closer to the horizontal than the vertical, it is comfortable. The rake and reach adjustable helps with the fine-tuning.

There’s bags of head and shoulder room and the twin passenger seat provides ample room for two. Storage space isn’t exactly plentiful, but at least there are two deep bins provided above the windscreen.

Standard specification is good with driver and passenger airbags, hence no glovebox, remote central locking, electric windows and a radio/CD player.

All Grafters come with a three-year unlimited mileage mechanical warranty, which includes free roadside assistance.

Link to the Author - See more at: http://www.vansa2z.com/Isuzu-Truck-Grafter-Review-Buyers-Guide#sthash.qk5UuRUw.dpuf

Source: http://www.vansa2z.com/Isuzu-Truck-Grafter-Review-Buyers-Guide

Carry It On Top - Masterack Ladder Racks for Every Type of Commercial Van

Masterack has a ladder rack for every type of commercial van, plus accessories to customize a package to your particular need. Choose from the original Masterack Locking Rack, the ergonomic Slide-Down Rack, the effortless PowerRack, or the economical heavy-duty Utility Rack.

 

To find out more, you may call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452.

Also find us at http://htbi.net/

This is how the Ford Transit prepares for American roads

In order to prove itself ready for American roads, watch as the Ford Transit takes on seven million miles of potholes, rumble strips and severe water hazards.

Developed and tested in Europe for four decades, watch the torturous tests Transit takes on in order to prove itself ready for American roads. Over seven million miles of potholes, rumble strips and severe water conditions.

Subscribe to the Ford Means Business YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/fordmean...

Learn more about the Ford Transit: http://www.ford.com/trucks/transitvan...

Introducing Pro Trailer Backup Assist | 2016 F-150

Be a #TrailerHero with the available Pro Trailer Backup Assist on the 2016 F-150!

When we talked to F-150 customers who seldom tow, we heard a common concern – they don’t like backing a trailer because it’s hard to do. We heard the problem and created an innovative solution: Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

Pro Trailer Backup Assist for the 2016 Ford F-150 makes it easy for novice and experienced drivers to back a trailer down a boat launch or into a parking spot. It works by letting the customer steer the trailer instinctively while the truck takes care of the rest.

Watch and learn how Pro Trailer Backup Assist is the latest example of Ford changing the way the world moves-- delivering smart solutions that save time and improve the productivity of our customers, so they can spend more time on the job or enjoying the lake.

Diesel vs. gasoline: Which fuel type is better for your line of work?

As a business owner who depends on a commercial vehicle for your work, you need the right truck for the job. A truck that comes up short on capability is no help — but too much truck can be a problem too, as the cost of operating it will eat into your profits. Instead, the ideal truck is one that does everything you need in the most efficient way possible.

One important decision to make when choosing your truck is fuel type. Comparing diesel vs. gasoline reveals advantages and drawbacks for each, so you need to choose the best engine and fuel type for your particular needs. Making a wise choice means doing the right thing for everyone who depends on the success of your business: your customers, your employees, you and your family. Below are some considerations for owners who want to get the most from their trucks.

Engine output

Engine output refers to the amount of horsepower and torque that an engine can produce. Horsepower is critical for sports cars, since it helps deliver quick acceleration. But torque is the more important figure for business owners who use their trucks for work. Ample torque means the truck can tow and haul heavy loads with relative ease.

If you push your truck to the limits of its towing or hauling capacity, you can depend on diesel to do the job with an impressive combination of toughness and efficiency. Those 18-wheelers you see pulling 53-foot-long trailers on the interstate use diesel for a reason. Gasoline engines can’t match diesels when it comes to heavy loads.

Fuel economy

Diesel engines also typically trump gas engines in terms of efficiency, delivering more miles per gallon to save you money at the pump. Consider the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, which delivers up to 28 mpg on the highway while providing more torque than even the Ram brand’s HEMI® V8 engine.

There is a flip side to the fuel economy advantage, however. In most places, diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline. According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, the national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel is about $0.80 more than a gallon of regular gasoline. Be sure to consider that price premium when estimating the costs of operating a diesel-powered truck against one that runs on gas.

Fuel availability can be an issue for diesel drivers, too. Gasoline is more widely available than diesel in many parts of the country.

Other ownership considerations

Besides capability and efficiency, small- and medium-sized business owners should consider maintenance costs and resale value in the diesel vs. gasoline decision process. Because gasoline engines are more common than diesels, parts and service for gas engines may be more affordable and easier to find.

But when it comes time to sell your work truck and replace it with a new one, diesels often deliver better resale value. Of course, diesels are typically more expensive to purchase new, too. The capability of the diesel truck will pay off for those who truly need it, though, and the extra value at trade-in or sale can offset some of the cost of the next truck.

Both gasoline and diesel offer advantages and disadvantages for work vehicles, depending on how you use your work truck. But generally speaking, gasoline engines are more affordable at the time of purchase, and gallon-for-gallon, gas is cheaper at the pump. Diesel engines, on the other hand, provide more capability and better fuel economy, but are pricier to buy up front. Like so many business decisions, this one comes down to figuring out what’s right for your particular needs.

Scissor Hoists by Rugby Manufacturing

Rugby's line of durable Scissor Hoists range in capacities from 2.6 to 35.7 ton and fit bodies from 7 to 22 feet long. The HR series hoists come standard with a sub-frame that accommodates all popular domestic chassis, are black powder-coated to provide you with a durable and rust-resistant finish and have an unmatched 3-year warranty!

• Range in capacities from 2.6 to 35.7 ton
• Fit bodies from 7 to 22 feet long
• Black powder-coated to provide you with a durable and rust-resistant finish

Mobile Splicing Unit (Fiber Optic) by SpaceKap

In this video, we showcase our SpaceKap fiber optic splicing unit. This service body boasts a magnitude of great features such as: Reversed rear doors that allow access in and out of the unit while the cable is passed through the integrated rear portal, 5,500 watt Onan generator (110/220), 13,500 but A/C unit, 220v electric heater, deep cycle battery with smart charger, 110v outlets on the workbench, plenty of storage space and much much more. Please give us a call for more information or even a demonstration. www.spacekap.com