Midlands based specialist bodybuilder Shawtrack Services has decided to exploit the potential of their unique designs by expanding their Shawhire self-drive hire division. The company has recently ordered 40 new Isuzu 7.5t 'Forward' 4x2 rigids. The majority of the vehicles will be fitted with 6m low profile beavertail bodies, whilst the remainder will be equipped as twin-deck car transporters (www.shawhire.com).
This combination of the Isuzu chassis/cab and lightweight specialist plant body gives Shawtrack a potential payload offering of 3950kgs on these vehicles, which Shawtrack claims to be the best payload available at this weight range, within the competitive plant-hire industry.
According to Jeff Wright, Sales Director at Shawtrack, "We have been aware of the payload benefits of the Isuzu range for many years, having run the Isuzu marque for some time. So when the time came for us to expand our hire fleet at the 7.5t GVW range, we decided to exclusively specify the brand new Isuzu 'Forward' chassis/cabs. This move will enable our customers to hire state of the art lightweight beavertail bodied trucks with market-leading payload."
All 40 of the long wheelbase N75.190 Isuzu rigids will be supplied with Isuzu's 'Easyshift' transmission and feature Shawtrack's own bespoke 6m low profile beavertail bodies. Included in the standard hire body specification is a 4000kg heavy-duty electric winch, rope hooks and lashing rings to the deck, 22mm composite flooring, lightweight alloy ramps and twin working lights on the headboard.
"The detailed specification of the Isuzu 'Forward' 7.5 tonne rigid is ideal for the type of work involved in plant hire. We believe that the new range of Isuzu trucks not only gives us the edge in terms of payload but also in "on-the-road" vehicle performance, not forgetting its plentiful features. The new cab is superb, with more standard features and far more spacious accommodation than any other competitor makes at this weight range," added Jeff Wright.
Shawtrack Services came to the resolve of ordering the 40 new Isuzu 4x2 rigids at last year's SED show. The order was officially placed a little later with a phased introduction of the vehicles over a 6-month period and this delivery schedule has now virtually been completed.
"Shawtrack were one of the first companies to make a substantial commitment to our new range of 'Forward' trucks, they actually saw them first at our official launch in Milton Keynes last year. We have always had a very good and close working partnership with Shawtrack. They told us that they were about to increase their fleet of 7.5 tonners within the Shawhire business, and we've worked with them to ensure that their customers benefit from the perfect solution for plant hire transportation," said Keith Child, Marketing Director at Isuzu Truck UK.