With parts of Australia in the grip of another wave of Covid-19 infections, the demand for comprehensive sanitation solutions has grown exponentially. In anticipation, Brisbane-based Service Bodies Australia (SBA) has teamed-up with Isuzu Trucks to build two prototype ‘Covid Buster’ Isuzu N Series trucks, designed to clean and sanitise large surface areas in shared spaces such as parks, recreational areas, schools and apartment complexes.
Designed to carry a fully equipped, compressed air sanitation unit with an on-board water reservoir, the units were put through their paces. With both private and local government stakeholders in attendance, the capabilities of both units were showcased at a popular Brisbane picnic area.
Isuzu Australia Limited Fleet Sales Manager (QLD & NT), Steve Goulding, said the development of the prototypes was a timely response to an unprecedented public safety issue. Mr Goulding said:
“Alongside our partners at SBA, we’re pleased to be able to demonstrate the capabilities and the efficiencies of this product in a real-world situation. I think it’s particularly pertinent in today’s market. The Covid situation is changing so rapidly, and I think it’s important that industry remains agile and adaptable to that change. This is a great example of two innovative organisations showing their willingness to adapt and modify a product, to respond to the needs of the market. It is a space where Isuzu Trucks has built an exceptional track record over the years—in working with our partners to develop unique solutions for the benefit of our customer base.”
Built upon Isuzu’s popular NPR 45-155 Servicepack X AMT platform and the rugged NPS 45-155 4×4 Servicepack X AMT, the two Covid Buster models come equipped with SBA’s Spitwater compressor cleaning unit, capable of thoroughly cleaning and treating all contaminable surfaces, from glass to concrete or steel.
The mobile units are capable of dispersing a disinfectant solution in a number of ways via the compressed air unit, which is powered by the truck’s engine. A variety of cleaning and dispersal accessories can then be attached, allowing an operator to reach, and efficiently clean multiple surfaces and angles over a large area.
Perfect for common areas and shared public spaces where infection thrives, the units are adapted to Isuzu’s current Ready-to-Work Servicepack X range, spanning a GVM band of 4,500 kg through to 7,500 kg.
The range comes pre-built, with a fully powder-coated, lightweight hybrid aluminium and steel body. Gullwing doors reveal a large open access main storage compartment, suitable for attachments and other cleaning supplies.
The Spitwater compressor unit is anchored to the Servicepack’s rear tray with checker plate floor, drop-down sides and integrated load restraint anchor points.
SBA Managing Director, JP Shelburn, stressed the importance of mobile sanitising solutions, particularly given the events in Victoria more recently. Mr Shelburn said:
“I think right now it’s extremely important to demonstrate how easy it is to take existing, readily available capital equipment and adapt its end use into something critically important to public health. We’ve been developing this application with our partners at Isuzu Trucks and Spitwater Australia since the pandemic started, and it’s been put together with follow-up waves of infections in mind. This is a nasty, unpredictable virus, and it’s important to continue to be prepared and be a step ahead as this pandemic continues to unfold.”
Source: Isuzu Trucks
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