When harvest hits full swing in Central West New South Wales, the East Coast Stockfeeds (ECS) facility at Billimari becomes a 24-hour engine of rural industry — trucks rolling in, silos filling fast, and feed mixes heading out to farms across the region. In this non-stop environment, reliability isn’t optional — it’s essential.
That’s why ECS recently replaced its aging diesel motor with a new Isuzu Power Solutions (IPS) 6HK1T power unit — an industrial-grade engine that’s turned what was once a maintenance headache into a smooth, consistent, and quiet operation.
A lifeline for livestock producers
ECS supplies high-quality stock feed blends to graziers and manufacturers from New South Wales to Victoria, producing 22 feed varieties for cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and other livestock. At the Billimari site, 12 silos store and process up to 7,000 tonnes of grain, including wheat, barley and canola.
During harvest, the site ramps up to handle around 1,000 tonnes of product a week, relying on a hydraulic hopper system to keep grain moving efficiently between silos and trucks. But the old air-cooled engine driving that system was struggling under the strain, especially during extreme weather.
“Harvest can be freezing one week and scorching the next — it’s tough on every part of the system,” said Site Operations Manager, Kurt Dolden. “We were starting to lose time and confidence in the old unit.”
Engineering a smarter solution
To find a more durable and efficient replacement, ECS partnered with Tracserv Isuzu in Dubbo, who recommended the Isuzu 6HK1T — a 7.8-litre, turbocharged, water-cooled diesel engine known for its balance of torque and fuel efficiency.
“ECS needed an engine that could run long hours under heavy loads and cope with heat and dust,” said Daniel Kirby, IPS Sales Manager at Tracserv. “The 6HK1T ticked all the boxes — it’s robust, economical, and easy to maintain. With support from the IPS engineering team, we were able to have the new unit delivered and fitted in under three weeks.”
Running at 1,600 rpm, the 6HK1T generates 123 kW of power and 735 Nm of torque, giving the feed system all the grunt it needs while cutting fuel use and noise.
Less strain, more gain
“The difference was immediate,” Kurt said. “It’s quieter, smoother, and just gets on with the job. Maintenance is much easier — everything’s accessible, and the daily checks are straightforward.”
The Isuzu engine’s digital monitoring and safety controls have also given ECS a new level of confidence in its operation. “It tells us what’s going on before anything becomes an issue,” Kurt added. “We’ve had zero downtime since it went in.”
He also credits the engine with improving workplace comfort. “You don’t realise how much noise and vibration wear people down over time. This new setup makes a big difference for the crew working around it all day.”
Reliability that runs deep
For an organisation built on long-term relationships with growers and customers, ECS views reliability as its most valuable asset. And in a sector where every delay costs time, fuel, and feed quality, the upgrade has paid off quickly.
“It’s not just about having a new engine,” said Kurt. “It’s about knowing the job will get done, no matter the conditions. The 6HK1T has earned its place as part of the team.”
Built for Australian conditions
Isuzu Power Solutions engines are engineered for industries that demand endurance — agriculture, construction, mining, and manufacturing. Like their on-road truck counterparts, IPS engines are renowned for efficiency, longevity, and local support.
For East Coast Stockfeeds, that means one less worry during the busiest time of the year — and a reminder that sometimes, the most important piece of equipment on site isn’t the biggest, but the one that keeps everything else moving.
