Introducing the GIGAMAX
Isuzu GIGAMAX, a trucking segment leader in Japan and Australia, has finally
arrived in South Africa. The Isuzu GIGAMAX 70-460 is exactly as the brand
describes – 70 ton gross combination mass (GCM) and is powered by an Isuzu 460
horsepower (338kW) engine.
At 15,681 litres the unstressed, turbo-intercooled, common-rail,
electronically-managed 338kW Isuzu diesel engine is the largest-capacity
Japanese engine used in South African line-haul transport operations. Isuzu
common-rail engine technology is not new. Add the GIGAMAX 70000kg GCM to overall
performance capability and this powerful 6 X 4 Isuzu can also handle abnormal
applications within its 70t GCM. This provides 14000kg extra engineered capacity
over the maximum legal limit of 56t GCM for line-haul truck tractors.
Combined axle capacities also exceed GIGMAX 26000kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) – a
front axle rating of 7500kg and rear drive axle unit rating of 21000kg total
28000kg. The rear axle unit provides matching torque capacity for 70t GCM and
incorporates fuel-efficient, hypoid-design drive axles. A unique feature for
Japanese trucks is the inclusion of 3 differential locks – an inter-axle
diff-lock plus an inter-wheel diff-lock for each of the two axles. This means
total drive axle traction for any possible extreme slippery conditions.
Stopping power is a vital factor on today’s busy trucking routes when cruising
at 80km/h legal maximum speed and 56t GCM and GIGAMAX carries the full equipment
spectrum for retardation control. An engine exhaust brake operating at the first
stage is complemented by a hydraulic Voith retarder that acts as a second stage
powerful driveline speed control device. The Voith retarder is calibrated in 4
manual control stages to allow direct driver command over vehicle speed in terms
of both road conditions and gradient decline. Mounted on the transmission rear
the retarder develops a massive 3200Nm retardation force at maximum engine r/min
to hold 56t in check on most severe downgrades.
Ensuring vehicle stability in an emergency is critical for extra-heavy
articulated rigs and vehicle combinations – ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), EBD
(Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation better known
as acceleration skid control) are standard GIGAMAX brake control systems.
Braking efficiency is further enhanced through standard ventilated disc brakes
on all wheels – disc brakes offer superior braking efficiency through both
clamping force and resistance to fade. Operators will appreciate the fact that
disc brakes allow for rapid disc-pad replacement and thus minimise downtime. The
engine exhaust brake and Voith retarder protect GIGAMAX foundation brakes to
extend brake pad replacement intervals.
The rear suspension incorporates standard air suspension with four bags per axle
and variable height control to facilitate easy trailer coupling under all
conditions. This means that GIGAMAX is specifically tuned for highway
applications only. While air suspension is superior for line-haul it does not
offer the articulation required in rough off-road conditions that only steel
suspension can handle.
Fuel tank capacity is a key factor in long-distance haulage. Side slung tanks on
GIGAMAX provide a substantial 1000 litres for non-stop operations and lead the
class on the SA market even when compared to both USA and European truck
tractors. This provides an estimated range of anything between 1600 and 2000km
in line-haul operations at 56t GCM.
A warranty of 2 years with no limitation on distance covered means that Isuzu
GIGAMAX will easily run up to 400 000km and more within its warranty period.
Service intervals of 20000km support the uptime required for long-distance
haulage.
Related information
GIGAMAX Specifications >>
GIGAMAX Price List 2009 >>