From Strain to Gain: The Isuzu Power Upgrade Feeding the Nation's Livestock

It’s in the heart of Central West NSW, during the crunch of harvest time, that the mettle of a machine is truly tested. ​ 

At the East Coast Stockfeeds (ECS) Billimari facility, the rhythm is everything: a constant, dusty flow of grain from truck to silo, to blend, to truck again, feeding the nation’s livestock. ​ 

For years, this beat was set by a straining diesel engine, a source of anxiety, but that was before a new power unit, an Isuzu Power Solutions (IPS) 6HK1T, stepped into the fray, turning a potential bottleneck into a model of quiet efficiency. 

Food for thought 

Boasting a commitment that goes back four generations, the crew at ECS work with growers across New South Wales, Victoria and in supplying both feed manufacturers and graziers with high quality stock feed blends. 

A major part of this operation includes a bulk storage site and grain packing facility outside of Billimari, in-between Cowra and Canowindra, where during harvest time, the workforce swells by up to 20 people. 

The complex includes a group of 12 silos that store, blend and rotate 7,000-tonnes of predominately wheat, barley and canola. ​ 

In all, ECS produces 22 lines of feed product across its network to cater for a wide range of livestock requirements including cattle (beef and dairy), sheep (meat, wool & milk), poultry, pigs, goat and deer, through to blends for horses and alpacas. ​ 

Move it or lose it 

All the grain is moved by a hydraulic motor as part of a hopper system that empties the grain into whichever silo is required. The Billimari facility loads the grain into heavy vehicles transported to processing facilities across the east coast, as well as directly to farms as far south as Central Victoria and north to Moree. 

“The operation, especially during harvest, is busy with a fleet of trucks collecting and delivering the grain, then we blend them for supply to the likes of chicken feed pellet producers through to farmers who need to ensure their stock stays fat,” said Central West NSW Site Operations Manager, Kurt Dolden. ​ 

“We do up to 1,000-tonnes per week in conditions that could be freezing through to blazing heat; it puts a load on all our systems.” 

Powering the process 

A key mechanical element of the facility is the engine that drives the hopper along with the loading and unloading of the silos, as well as the mixing of the feed blends. 

The workload on the previous diesel engine proved a challenge, so Kurt took the opportunity to upgrade the unit to ensure better productivity and reliability. 

It was this opportunity that led Kurt and his team to research a range of options, including Isuzu Power Solutions through the Tracserv Isuzu dealership in Dubbo. 

“Kurt wanted a water-cooled unit to replace the air-cooled engine they had been operating. It had to be robust, economical, and able to operate for long periods of time,” said Tracserv’s IPS Sales Manager, Daniel Kirby. ​ 

“After receiving the brief from Kurt, we worked with the product specialists at IPS and collectively, we settled on the 6HK1T unit. 

“We had the unit not only ordered but delivered within three weeks, which Kurt and his team really appreciated as otherwise things could have become desperate. 

“Each application is different, but Kurt’s team had a list of questions of fitment and thanks to the Isuzu engineering support we ensured all the necessary technical back-up.” 

Strong, silent type 

Perfect for the task, the IPS 6HK1T is a turbocharged, direct injection, water cooled 7.8-litre engine providing low fuel consumption, little maintenance and quiet operation. 

Manufactured in Japan, the six-cylinder powerplant boasts an output of 143 kW (192 BHP) @ 2,200 rpm, although ECS has it running a lower rate of 1,600 rpm to produce 123 kW and 735 Nm of torque for its needs. 

“The first time we started it up, we immediately noticed how much quieter it was compared to the old unit,” said Kurt. 

“It works without sounding stressed, and the general upkeep is a massive improvement. 

“Whether it’s below zero with frosts or a scorching summer’s day, it ticks over and doesn’t miss a beat.” 

Welcome to the team 

Such has been the turnaround; Kurt now regards the new unit as ‘part of the team.’ 

“It starts in the morning, doesn’t stop for lunch and works through to the end of day,” Kurt enthused. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

“Any running issues are shown on the digital readout, and it has safeguards in the management systems to avoid any damage. 

“We clean out the radiator and filters each morning, more out of habit, but we understand our environment, especially on those blustery days. 

“I like that anything that requires maintenance is easily accessible, especially the radiator and filters as dust from grains can quickly build-up especially after a dry spell followed by rain.” 

The team has noticed greater efficiency from an operational and economic point of view. 

“Comparing to what we had – its night and day,” said Kurt. 

“I have no reason to doubt the changeover to Isuzu in terms of its overall capabilities and greater fuel savings. 

“For me it is the peace of mind of not just having a new unit that is up to the job but one that I know is consistent and reliable.”