Isuzu Commercial Truck of America's 2009 N-Series line-up of low cab forward trucks above 14,500 lb GVW is 50-state “Clean Idle Certified” and will not require the idle shutdown.
The front suspensions, spring rates, steering, and cab mount bushings have been tuned for more comfort and a better ride. A new optional Limited Slip Differential distributes torque evenly to the wheels, an important feature for trucks driven on surfaces where loss of traction may occur.
All N-Series diesel models incorporate a data recording module that can provide a vehicle health report showing the condition of the engine, transmission, emissions, and brakes, plus fuel economy and driver operating habits.
For longer brake life, an electronic braking distribution system balances brake pressure to all wheels by automatically adjusting to the load's weight distribution.
More wheelbases have been added to accommodate the widest possible range of bodies. Wheelbase choices from 109“ to 212“ handle bodies from 10' to 24' in length. GVWRs offerings range from 12,000 lb to 19,500 lb.
The low cab forward design offers a curb-to-curb turning diameter of 33.5' for a 109“ wheelbase model.
The N-Series overhead cam 5.2L 4H turbocharged, intercooled, diesel engine delivers 205 horsepower at 2400 rpm with 441 lb-ft of torque at 1850 rpm. It has a B-10 durability rating of 310,000 miles, meaning 90% of the engines should reach this mileage before a major component failure. The engine is mated to an Aisin heavy-duty, six-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive.
For customers who prefer a gasoline engine, NPR, NPR HD, and their crew cab models are also available with a Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine with 325 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. These models come with a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic with lockup torque converter and overdrive.
Isuzu also released the industry's first gas-powered, low cab forward crew cab truck.
The new model features a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine with 325hp and a Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and overdrive for increased performance and efficiency.
Carrying seven workers, the crew cabs are available with 150“ and 176“ wheelbases to accommodate 12' and 16' bodies. GVW ratings are 12,000 lb and 14,500 lb, with payload allowances ranging from 6251 to 8821 lb.
The Isuzu gas-powered crew cab and standard cab trucks are assembled in Janesville, Wisconsin. They are distributed through 205 Isuzu truck dealers and 350 GM W-Series dealers nationwide.
Marketing rep Hank Needle said the current sales volume of the gas-powered trucks — geared for landscape, construction, and delivery companies that need to haul a team of workers and equipment in one trip — is 6000 units annually and is expected to grow significantly.
“We're looking at gas-powered truck production climbing,” he said. “In medium duty, there will be a 35% increase in gas and a 38% decrease in diesel.”
Idle shutdown timer
He clarified the idle shutdown timer, saying that with the parking brake applied, the vehicle stopped, the transmission in neutral or park, and the engine coolant above 60 degrees F, the engine will shut down in five minutes.
At four minutes and 30 seconds, an instrument-panel alarm will sound continuously and a red engine warning lamp will illuminate, alerting the driver to imminent vehicle shutdown.
Driver input to the throttle, footbrake, and clutch, or shifting the transmission out of park, will reset the engine shutdown timer to five minutes.
With the parking brake not applied, the vehicle stopped, the transmission in neutral or park, and engine coolant above 60 degrees F, the engine will shut down in 15 minutes.
At 14 minutes and 30 seconds, an instrument-panel alarm will sound continuously and a red engine warning lamp will illuminate, alerting the driver to imminent vehicle shutdown.
Driver input to the throttle, footbrake, and clutch, or shifting the transmission out of park, will reset the engine shutdown timer to 15 minutes.
Exceptions to the idle shutdown timer:
-
The engine coolant temperature is below 60 degrees F.
-
If the PTO mode is selected by the instrument panel switch and the ECM determines that the vehicle can enter PTO mode, the PTO lamp will be illuminated in the tell-tale module, engine RPM speed will be elevated to the default PTO speed setting and the ECM will override the idle shutdown timer.
-
If the vehicle is parked with the parking brake applied and an exhaust system regeneration is initiated, the vehicle will not shut down for 30 minutes.
-
If vehicle service diagnostics are being performed by a technician, the vehicle will be temporarily allowed to idle for a maximum of 60 minutes.