William Brown, Isuzu’s general manager, commented: ‘Vehicle conversions are more popular than ever before as businesses and public-sector organisations increasingly require task-specific vehicles that better fit their working environment and needs.
‘The Isuzu D-Max is the perfect base vehicle for many of the most demanding conversions, as its rugged chassis and class-leading towing capacity means it can accommodate a variety of specialist adaptations. We will introduce a number of further conversion options to meet an even broader range of business customers.’
The Isuzu D-Max Brigade Response Vehicle (BRV), converted by Pickup Systems, is developed to complement the fleet of vehicles already operated by Fire and Rescue services across the UK. According to Isuzu, the flexible platform, four-occupant cabin and high-capacity water tanks mean the Isuzu D-Max BRV is capable of dealing with up to 90% of all 999 calls requiring the fire or rescue services.
Based on the underpinnings of the D-Max 4×4 double cab, the Isuzu D-Max BRV is a first-response vehicle that is especially useful for rural environments thanks to its four-wheel drive system and generous ground clearance.
The D-Max has been modified to include fully integrated foam tanks, and side and rear lockers with lockable roller shutter doors, complete with strip lighting, for the storage of tools and emergency equipment.
The Isuzu D-Max mobile elevating working platform (MEWP) – also known as a “cherry-picker” – converted by Cumberland Platforms UK, is a work platform attached to a telescopic boom developed specifically for the utility and arborist industries.
To ensure operators’ safety, the Isuzu D-Max MEWP is fitted with four A-frame hydraulic stabilisers, a chassis-fitted spirit level and self-levelling basket to provide a steady base from which to work. The pipes and cables to operate the basket are encased within the telescopic boom to protect against damage, while a manual emergency descent pump offers contingency should the system fail.
Isuzu representatives will be on-hand to discuss conversions at the Commercial Vehicle Show, which takes place from 29 April – 1st March 2014 at the NEC in Birmingham.