MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
The 3.5-tonne Canter 3C13 was supplied by Newcastle Mercedes-Benz dealer Bell Truck and Van – the Fuso light truck range is sold and supplied by the German manufacturer’s dealer network in the UK.
Husband and wife team John and Sharon Graham purchased the Canter for their plant hire business after their previous, van-based vehicle was written off in an accident.
"The van-derived chassis cab had its limitations," said Mr Graham. "Our work takes me off-road into quarries most days so I need a vehicle that can stand up to the job – the Canter is built like a proper truck, with a tough ladder frame and twin rear wheels."
The Canter’s 3.5-tonne towing capacity is among the best in class. "That’s extremely useful too," said Mr Graham, "because I tow a trailer that carries a 2.0-tonne digger. Likewise, the fact that the Canter rides that bit higher then my last vehicle also means there’s increased protection from damage."
The Grahams specified their new Canter with a light alloy dropside body by Robinson Truck Bodies, of Blaydon, while the light and fuel-efficient 130hp engine drives through a smooth, efficient DUONIC gearbox. New this year, DUONIC is the first twin-plate automated transmission to be fitted to a light truck.
"The DUONIC gearbox is excellent," confirmed Mr Graham. "It takes a lot of the strain out of driving, especially in traffic, and the truck is still returning an impressive 23mpg. The cab is also well-designed and comfortable with easy access, and the engine brake is very effective as well."
He recalled: "I contacted Bell Truck and Van, whose sales executive Jeff Beat came out to see us. Sharon and I were both really impressed with his consultative approach. He gave us all the information we needed and helped us come up with a solution that really meets our needs. Bell even loaned us their Canter demonstrator for two weeks until our new truck was ready, so I was able to continue working."
John Graham’s new Canter is the subject of a flat-rate 1.95 per cent finance arrangement, which is available on all new Fuso models supplied by Mercedes-Benz dealers. "The very cost-effective finance deal, coupled with the Canter’s three-year unlimited mileage warranty, also helped to make the whole package very attractive," he said.
