One of Australia’s leading fruit suppliers, Plunkett Orchards, has revamped its irrigation system with Isuzu Power Solutions – keeping its cherry-red apples cool and crisp.
Situated in the golden growing belt of the Goulburn Valley, the orchards sit on 235 hectares of prime land, producing fresh fruit that makes its way across Australia and into 29 countries abroad.
The first trees were planted in 1889 by Carl and Hannah Lenne, who it seems, also sowed the seeds for the orchards’ blooming success today.
These days the orchards are run by Andrew Plunkett, great-grandson of the original growing family and a fourth-generation farmer with a unique vision for the future.
Plunkett Orchards cultivates popular apples such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Gala, Sundowner, Kanzi, and Rockets, along with a variety of pears.
“Everyone wants fresh fruit these days, compared to the many years of canned fruit we enjoyed,” said Andrew.
“People are eating a wide range of varieties, and we need to meet that demand.”
To ensure the right apples are going to the right customers and are as fresh as possible, they’ve invested in the latest sorting and packaging technology—at no small cost to the business but with a big return.
“Our process includes scanning every piece of fruit, and that determines up to 45 different uses for any apple,” explained Andrew.
“The apples are then separated and packed for customers that require fruit at that particular specification.”
Keeping the apples in prime condition is a computer-controlled irrigation system, powered by a 3.0-litre common rail 4JJ1TYBW01 industrial engine from Isuzu Power Solutions (IPS) – an industrial relative of the engine found in the popular D-Max dual-cab ute.
Plunkett Orchards’ irrigation accommodates for changing climatic conditions on the property, watering the base of each tree and using an overhead misting system to keep apples cool during the active growing season.
The team recently upgraded to a new Isuzu industrial engine to ensure reliable power across the harsh Aussie summer, where irrigation and water misting runs up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week – ensuring fruit grows in an optimum environment.
The 4JJ1TYBW01 sits under the IPS ‘Premium Made-to-Stock’ range with exhausts, air systems, control units and other accessories installed so it can be switched on straight away and get down to work.
“We had an existing Isuzu 4JG1TPW powerplant that had been in operation for well over 15 years, but with the long hot summers we needed to ensure we had a reliable irrigation engine power package on hand, so we reached out to Isuzu Power Solutions for an upgrade,” said Maintenance Manager, Brenton Rae.
“The new engine comes with greater running efficiencies, which is important as it has to run both the irrigation and water spray system to cool the fruit 24/7 during the hot periods over summer.
“For all of this to run off the one engine unit—which is much quieter and more fuel efficient— it is a true testament to the product meeting our demands.”
One of the key operational features of the 4JJ1TYBW01PRM engine package is the top-of-the-line Murphy MPC10 controller with remote start, stop and RPM control.
Continually monitoring, assessing and protecting the engine, this advanced controller allows Plunkett Orchards to keep a close eye on their critical systems with simple integration into their management system for further peace of mind.
“This system has allowed for far greater flexibility with the irrigation of the orchard,” said Andrew.
“Having the ability to check and operate the system remotely is like having an extra set of hands.”
The decision to stick with Isuzu is one Andrew says has paid off, simplifying the process of upgrading their power supply.
“As a fruit grower there are a lot of challenges—it’s about how you meet those challenges and make the right decisions quickly,” he said.
“Working with IPS was for sure the right decision for us.”
