Tow-rific Upgrade: A New Ride for QLD's Farrier Extraordinaire
When it comes to retiring an old workhorse, it's only natural to look for a worthy replacement—one that'll deliver years of dependable service. The same holds true for upgrading your work vehicle, though sometimes, a new set of wheels means you can go above and beyond what you had before.
For Nathan Kerrison of Ag & Equine Services, this was certainly the case. Recently, Nathan traded in his ute for a rugged Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack, ideal for hauling his tools, equipment, and gooseneck horse float.
Nathan's business revolves around the art of corrective farriery, offering services like trimming, shoeing, and rebalancing horses' hooves—essentially, he’s an equine podiatrist. To keep his operation running smoothly, Nathan needs to carry a hefty selection of gear within a three-hour radius of Toowoomba, Queensland.
His “swag” of tools includes everything from various horseshoes and hand tools like hammers and anvils, to larger equipment like drills, welders, air compressors, and jerry cans of fuel. He also packs a small power generator and a 60-litre fridge to ensure he's set up, even when working in remote locations without access to power—or a cold drink.
Ample Room for Equipment & More
The new truck provides Nathan the space and versatility to carry it all, whether he's dealing with Queensland's unpredictable weather or towing a horse float for trail riding or stock work.
When Nathan visited the Black Truck & Ag branch in Toowoomba in June, he quickly realised the Isuzu NPR Tradepack was exactly what he needed. With a short wheelbase (SWB) and a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4,500 kg, the Tradepack could still be driven on a standard car licence, making it a practical choice.
It features a robust 9,000 kg Gross Combination Mass (GCM) and 4,500 kg towing capacity, powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder 4HK1-TCN engine. With 114 kW (155 PS) of power and 419 Nm of torque, this vehicle doesn't just keep up with Nathan's busy schedule—it exceeds expectations.
"The ute just couldn't handle the load," Nathan shared. "Once I packed all my tools and gear, there was no room left for anything else—like horse feed or extra equipment."
With the Tradepack, however, Nathan still has ample room in the tray, which measures 3.45 metres in length. Even with his gear loaded up, there's still space left over for whatever he might need on the job.
The Road Warrior
Nathan clocks around 130,000 km a year, visiting clients such as racing stables, riding schools, and private horse owners. On weekends, he alternates between stock work and trail riding with his three horses.
"Every day is a 12-hour shift. I'm booked out solid six weeks in advance, averaging about 100 horses a week," Nathan said. "I start my day at 4 am, out the door by 5, and usually back home by 5 or 6 pm."
For someone who works this hard, downtime is a rare commodity. But Nathan wouldn’t have it any other way—and neither would his new Isuzu truck. With the vehicle supporting both his business and recreational needs, Nathan has also opted for an Isuzu Essentials Service Agreement, which covers the first six scheduled services, plus oils and lubricants.
He’s committed to using only genuine Isuzu parts, ensuring the best fit and durability for his truck. After all, Nathan's previous ute delivered an impressive 837,000 km over a decade, and he’s hoping his new truck will stand the test of time as well.
"I really push my vehicles hard, so they need to be reliable. My ute was faultless, which is why I’ve stuck with Isuzu," Nathan explained. "I expect to get a million kilometres out of this new one over the next 10 years."
A Tough Truck for the Tough Terrain
A 6-speed manual transmission was non-negotiable for Nathan, giving him precise control when reversing and towing his float or trailer, especially across the region’s varied terrain.
“The steep hills around Toowoomba used to be a real issue with the ute,” he said. “Now, my new truck handles those hills with ease, and I don't even need to touch the brakes when towing. It just tows beautifully.”
Despite the slightly longer overall vehicle length, Nathan was pleasantly surprised by the Tradepack's compact 10.2-metre turning circle, which allows him to navigate tight properties with ease. “It’s actually easier to park at the supermarket than my ute!” he added.
Features like SatNav, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay also make his long days on the road a bit more enjoyable. “The tech in this truck is fantastic," Nathan said. "It has everything I need and is simple enough to operate.”
With his new Isuzu, Nathan is all set to continue delivering top-notch service to Queensland’s horses and their owners—one kilometre at a time.
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