A quick look at the Isuzu Forward N75 7.5 tonne tipper reveals a friendly-looking cab, with its soft appearance quite at odds with the harsh environments it usually works in...
A quick look at the Isuzu N75 7.5 tonne tipper reveals a friendly-looking cab, with its soft appearance quite at odds with the harsh environments it usually works in. This is due to the Hexapod cab, whose combination of wide front grille and light clusters gives a nice smiley face. The cab looks a bit on the small side from the exterior but contradicts that first impression with a spacious interior. The driver's suspension seat is simple to adjust and this, together with an adjustable steering column, makes it easy to achieve a comfortable driving position.
Visibility from behind the wheel of the Isuzu Forward N75 7.5 tonne tipper is excellent, aided by a vast expanse of glass to the front and sides which is cut low into the doors and forward area. The big mirrors are well placed too and minimise any blind spots, which is particularly important for reversing on site. The rear window is protected by mesh but offers a fine view of the load area. Some models also shipped with removable protective seat covers, which are ideal for mucky site work. The twin passenger seat has a fold-down centre section which can be used as a table and storage is good, with rear wall bin, door pockets and overhead shelf all useable. The dash is split into four dials, with a digital gear readout and speed indicator pleasingly prominent. There are easy-clean surfaces and the tough-looking switchgear is logically placed around the dials. The Isuzu Forward N75 7.5 tonne tipper comes in four wheelbases and offers both day and crew cabs.
The Isuzu N75.190 7.5 tonne tipper's engine is the 4HK1TC four-cylinder unit with overhead cam and uses EGR technology to achieve Euro 4 compliance. It delivers a maximum of 190hp at 2,600rpm and generates 515Mm of torque from 1,500 to 2,600rpm. It has common rail fuel injection and, although audible in the cab, is acceptably quiet. There is a two-position exhaust brake which is good enough to relieve the main brakes of a lot of work. Power delivery is smooth and transmitted via the Easyshift electro-hydraulic gearbox, which is one of the best units in the 7.5 tonne class. Gear changes are smooth and the system adapts to your driving style, depending on your light or heavy use of the throttle. This alters the gear-change timings and a kick-down system on the throttle allows for rapid drops of gear should the situation demand it. An Eco button adjacent to the selector will combat your heavy right foot and manual selections can be made by tapping the stalk to the right.
The Easyshift system works fine in most open-road conditions and it prompts you to stick it in neutral when waiting too long at the lights. The Isuzu Forward N75 7.5 tonne tipper suspension is via tough steel springs to the front and rear, complemented by shocks and an anti-roll bar.
In short, the Isuzu Forward N75 7.5 tonne tipper is a simple and effective set-up with a good record on reliability. It is a no-nonsense wagon, well suited to its no-nonsense work environment and good examples will make a sound second-hand investment.