2025 construction truck buyer’s guide

Australia’s construction boom shows no sign of slowing, as the nation strives to meet housing targets, cities expand in line with population growth, and Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics.

In fact, between 2023 and 2024, construction contributed seven per cent to Australia’s GDP, ranking as the fourth-largest employing industry with 1.3 million jobs and generating $633.6 billion in income, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

With that boom comes the demand for purpose-built trucks such as tippers, agitators, and cranes to keep the industry moving and projects on schedule.

While power, payload, and comfort are key considerations, safety—especially pedestrian safety—remains paramount, given the prevalence of inner-city and worksite operation.

Whether you're shopping for a construction truck or just want to know what’s hot in the market, here are Australia’s leading construction truck models in 2025—listed in no particular order.

Western Star’s X-Series heavy-duty range offers Euro 6 engines and serious versatility to cover a broad spectrum of applications, from road trains to tippers.

The smallest model in the range, the 47X, is well suited to construction, with a short, sloped bonnet and set-back axle for excellent visibility, manoeuvrability, and payload flexibility thanks to a low tare weight.

Available in day and sleeper cab variants, the 47X has GCMs ranging from 72,500kg to 140,000kg, with 6x4, 8x4, and 10x4 configurations.

Engine choices include the Cummins L9 (330 to 380hp, 1700Nm max) paired with an Allison automatic, ideal for lighter duties, or the Detroit DD13 Gen 5 (up to 525hp/2500Nm), matched with a Detroit DT12 auto or Eaton Fuller manual.

It comes with a range of safety tech including active brake assist, adaptive cruise control to 0km/h, side guard assist and intelligent LED headlights.

Related: Western Star 47X 8x4 2024 Review

Quick specs:

Engine outputs: DD13 Gen 5, 450–525hp and 2100–2500Nm; Cummins L9, 260–380hp and 1166–1700Nm
Transmission: Allison auto, Eaton Fuller manual, Detroit DT12 automated manual
GCM: 72,500kg–140,000kg

Hino’s heavy-duty 700 Series is a proven construction king, delivering Euro 6 grunt and an impressive safety suite aimed at ease of operation and driver comfort.

As previously reported, Hino is launching 11 new variants of the 700 series in October with increased GCM ratings and the brand’s new in-house 12-speed AMT.

GCMs range from 38,000kg to 63,000kg in 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, and 8x4 configurations, making the 700 series ideal for truck and dog, agitator, or B-double work.

Engine options include a nine-litre producing up to 360hp/1569Nm or a 13-litre offering up to 450hp/3268Nm.

Transmission choices include Hino’s new 12-speed AMT, Allison, or ZF automatics.

The 700 series comes with plenty of technology including in-cab infotainment and instrument displays as well as safety features such as adaptive cruise control, driver monitoring, pre-collision assist, lane departure warning, and pedestrian detection.

Quick specs:

Engine Outputs: 360hp/1569Nm; 450hp/3268Nm
Transmission: Hino M112, ZF TraXon, Allison 4440/3200
GCM: 38,000kg–63,000kg

The Isuzu FX range is renowned for reliability and strong Japanese performance, offering a variety of configurations ideal for heavy-duty construction.

It offers a good mix of power, payload, comfort, and safety to take it from road to worksite, and can be fitted with factory accessories for extra versatility.

GCM ratings span 38,000kg to 45,000kg, with 4x2, 6x2, and 6x4 options, ticking the box for a work-ready construction truck.

Power comes from Isuzu’s proven 9.8-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 347hp/1437Nm, paired with a six-speed Allison 4430 automatic transmission.

Standard tech features include a modern infotainment system, auto wipers, passive entry/start, Bi-LED headlights with daytime running lights, and ADAS systems like advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning, distance warning and traffic movement alerts.

Quick specs:

Engine Output: 347hp/1437Nm
Transmission: Allison Automatic 4430
GCM: 38,000kg–45,000kg

Fuso’s Shogun is Australia’s most powerful Japanese truck, combining serious performance and Daimler technology to tackle tough construction jobs.

The cab-over layout delivers strong visibility, low tare weight, and excellent manoeuvrability.

GCM spans 25,000kg to 63,000kg in prime mover form, with 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4 axle configurations available, alongside tipper-ready variants.

Engine options include a 7.7-litre turbo-diesel unit producing 360hp/1400Nm, a 10.7-litre turbo-diesel producing 455hp/2200Nm and a 13-litre turbo-diesel with 510hp/2500Nm. All engines are Euro 6 compliant and are mated to Daimler’s 12-speed AMT.

Shogun also leads in safety and tech, offering advanced emergency braking, moving pedestrian protection, lane departure warning, active attention assist, active sideguard assist (available on most wheelbase options) and intelligent LED headlights.

Quick specs:

Engine Outputs: 360hp/1400Nm; 455hp/2200Nm; 510hp/2500Nm
Transmission: Daimler Truck 12-speed AMT
GCM: 25,000kg–63,000kg

Mack’s Trident has been a trusted name in the transport and construction industry for over 30 years, especially in heavy tipper and dog roles.

Its forward axle setup boosts payload and manoeuvrability and it comes in a standard 6x4 configuration with GCM up to 90 tonnes, with custom specs available.

Cab options include a day cab and a 36-inch sleeper for long-haul work.

Power comes from a 13-litre Mack MP8 inline six engine producing 500hp or 535hp and up to 2630Nm of torque, mated to a 12-speed mDrive AMT with deep reduction gears.

Inside, the Trident offers Isri seats, smartphone-mirroring infotainment, and Volvo Group tech. Safety tech includes following distance alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise and autonomous emergency braking.

Quick specs:

Engine Outputs: 500hp/2550Nm; 535hp/2630Nm
Transmission: 12-speed mDrive AMT
GCM: Up to 90,000kg (base spec)

Since launching locally in 2004, the UD Quon has proven itself a capable, fuel-efficient, and safety-focused construction truck alongside the other heavy hitters in this guide.

Configurations include 6x2, 6x4, and 8x4, with GCMs ranging from 22,000kg to 60,000kg.

Powering the Quon is either an 11-litre engine producing up to 460hp/2250Nm or an 8-litre engine producing 360hp/1428Nm, both mated to a 12-speed ESCOT-VI automated manual transmission.

The Quon is a seriously safe truck too, offering advanced safety tech such as traffic eye brake, adaptive cruise with stop & go, driver alert systems, blind spot monitoring, lane change support and lane departure warning.

Quick specs:

Engine Outputs: 360hp/1428Nm; 460hp/2250Nm
Transmission: ESCOT-VI 12-speed AMT
GCM: 22,000kg–60,000kg

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This article was first published on trucksales.com.au