Isuzu Truck launches new Grafter Green 3.5 tonne truck range

Isuzu Truck UK has launched a new line of 2018 Grafter 3.5 tonne rigid trucks called the Grafter Green range.

The 4x2 chassis cab rigids are available in both single and twin rear wheel configurations, offering improved performance, significant weight savings and a better ride quality. And the new Euro-6 compliant vehicles have no need for AdBlue.

Both single rear wheel and twin rear wheel Grafter Greens have already been added to the successful Isuzu Truck Driveaway pre-bodied truck programme with both tipper and dropside models.

Pete Murphy, managing director of Isuzu Truck UK, said, 'Grafter Green introduces new proven technology to the UK market, with many changes to the specification that will certainly differentiate the range from its predecessors.

'As a global manufacturer, Isuzu Motors has listened to UK customer feedback over the years and the changes have now been incorporated throughout the new Grafter Green model range for the UK market'

The vehicles use a brand-new Isuzu RZ4E 1898cc four-cylinder Euro six diesel engine with Lean NOx Trap technology.

Improved power and torque is 90kW at 3200rpm and 320Nm at 1600-2000rpm respectively. This enables a reduction in CO₂ emissions while the new engine is also far more fuel-efficient by the nature of its design and reduced displacement.

The Grafter Green features the new six speed MCV6W manual gearbox with easy gear selection. Driveability is much improved as the gear shift is lighter and more precise for all ratios. The clutch pedal application feel is also improved and lightened, making it a more car-like drive.

Noise reduction is a key feature of the new Grafter Green range with both stationary and driving sound levels being significantly lower than its predecessor. Moving sound levels of the N35.125 have now dropped to under 70dB from 74.5dB.

More concise steering and improvements in ride and handling result from the adoption of a new front suspension and steering system, while a spare wheel and carrier is standard on all models.

Another significant feature of the new range is the reduced weight of the chassis cab. Weighing 1710kg, the Grafter Green single rear wheel SWB chassis cab is 152kg lighter than its predecessor, while the twin rear wheel LWB Grafter Green is 150kg lighter than the older model.

Pete Murphy said: 'We believe that with our new Grafter Green, Isuzu Truck will continue to be the major supplier of forward control 3.5 tonners to the UK commercial vehicle market for many years to come'