If you’re curious to try one of America’s number-one selling low cab forward (LCF) trucks, now is as great a time as ever. Perhaps consider a truck that’s a fan favorite among fleet managers just like you. Fleet managers voted the Isuzu FTR as the 2018 Medium-Duty Truck of the Year. The vote was based on durability, quality, maintenance, lifecycle costs, and servicing—not to mention its application effectiveness. If you’re curious to try, maybe reading ahead will push you to take the plunge.
WHAT YOU NEED
The FTR is a Class 6 truck with a GVWR of 25,950 lbs. Don’t worry about what you need to carry in the truck’s box because this truck has a payload of 14,641 to 15,690 lbs. Its 5.2-L diesel engine pumps out 245 hp at 2,500 rpm and 520 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. The FTR features a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Owners can choose from eight wheelbases between 152 and 248 inches. Diesel FTRs can accommodate bodies from 14 to 30 ft. Owners also have a choice of a 50- or 100-gallon fuel tank depending on the need of the application.
The FTR was made for your upfit and your application. It features a clean frame and optional features such as a PTO switch, cold weather packages, an Emergency Engine Shutdown System, and an Engine Idle Shutdown after 3 or 5 minutes.
DIESEL COVERAGE
Some options have more perks than others. If owners choose a diesel option, they’re covered for the long haul. The diesel FTR—as well as all Isuzu diesels—is equipped with Isuzu’s Data Recording Module (DRM) that tracks the truck’s performance, fuel economy, engine and emission conditions, braking conditions, and more. Dealers can retrieve this data and give a Vehicle Health Report to owners for insights on how the truck is driven, help protect the investment, and identify potential repairs to maximize uptime.
Additionally, a two-year/60,000-mile complimentary oil coverage plan comes with the purchase of a new FTR diesel. Yes, this plan covers an oil and filter change every 10,000 miles, but it also covers more. When you take your truck in for an oil change, technicians will lubricate the chassis, replace engine and fuel filters, check tires, and run a Vehicle Health Report. It’s just one of the ways Isuzu ensures you’re happy with your truck and the way you’re treated.
RETAIN DRIVERS
Any driver enjoys a luxurious interior. But driver retention goes further than leather seats and state-of-the-art technology. What’s the use in having first-class features if driving the truck is a hassle due to low maneuverability and visibility? Fortunately, Isuzu low cab forward drivers get the best of both worlds with the option for first-class features as well as more visibility and maneuverability than traditional cabs.
For example, consider a traditional truck and an LCF. Even if both trucks have the exact same box body with the exact length, the LCF truck will have a shorter overall vehicle length than that of a traditional truck. This gives the LCF driver more maneuverability with the same cargo load. Now consider forward visibility in a traditional truck versus an LCF. The hood of the traditional truck pushes the driver’s line of sight farther in front of them. There is no hood to obstruct the driver’s view in the LCF. As a result, LCF drivers have more visibility. Not only is there better maneuverability and visibility in an Isuzu LCF, they also have a class-leading turning radius for a fewer-point turnaround every time.
TOP-END FEATURES
There’s more to driver enjoyment than ease of driving—and Isuzu delivers. Take for instance the keyless entry, a chrome grille for aesthetic appeal, wear-and-tear protective seat covers, and heated mirrors for better visibility in all kinds of weather; these options give your drivers that luxury feel while working hard on the job. Additional options include a lockable DEF cap to prevent theft and contamination from filling the tank with other liquids, a Hendrickson HAS 230 air suspension, Alcoa aluminum wheels, a heated fuel filter, and a backup alarm for safety.
Owners also have the option of a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as built-in Bluetooth, SiriusXM connectivity, an HDMI input, and a USB port and AUX input. A backup camera is also available with the system as an upgrade. Speaking of safety cameras, the FTR includes more safety features to keep your drivers and truck safe.
and maneuverability in an Isuzu FTR.
SAFETY FEATURES
Isuzu equips FTR drivers and owners with MobilEye as an option. MobilEye is a safety system that alerts and warns drivers to improve safety. The system features Pedestrian Collision Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Headway Monitoring and Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. The FTR’s high-visibility red seatbelts grab drivers’ attention upon entering the cab, reminding them to strap in; they also clearly indicate that the belt is worn to safety officers outside the vehicle.
But safety doesn’t stop there. Isuzu allows its FTRs to be governed at speeds at 58, 65, 68, or 70 mph, eliminating even the heaviest leadfoot in your fleet.
BUY CONFIDENTLY
If you’re still on the fence about purchasing an FTR, listen up. Not only will the Isuzu FTR be a winner among your drivers, it will also be a winner in your garage and maintenance bays. Isuzu offers plenty of support and service programs to give you a boost of confidence before you buy. In addition to the Vehicle Health Reports and oil coverage plan discussed earlier, Isuzu offers a Priority Service Maintenance Program that protects Isuzu truck owners against any increases in labor and parts costs for three to six years. It also ensures you’ll receive priority treatment during truck service visits and roadside assistance events.
Isuzu’s extended warranty is another option for owners to consider. It extends the warranty to five years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first. Standard for Isuzu diesel trucks is the company’s Roadside Assistance for the first three years with unlimited miles. The program covers jump starts, lock outs, tows, and fueling. In addition to these programs is Isuzu’s Finance program, Isuzu Finance of America. It offers exclusive programs such as Isuzu iLease, offering owners low monthly payments.
Rest assured, no matter your need or application, an Isuzu FTR can fit the bill. And with Isuzu’s maintenance and warranty programs, you’re sure to stay on the road maximizing uptime and profits.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about the Isuzu FTR, visit www.isuzucv.com.
