Like its predecessor, the truck was supplied by Bell Truck and Van. The new arrival is a 7.5-tonne Canter 7C15 with Comfort day cab, and is fitted with a lightweight alloy dropside body by Robinson Truck Bodies, of Newcastle upon Tyne.
With a driver and half a tank of fuel, the Canter weighs in at 3,100kg, giving a load capacity of 4,400kg – said to be more than any comparable vehicle in this weight segment. But overall size and manoeuvrability are equally important for deliveries, says the operator.
“We make the majority of our deliveries to urban areas, and our drivers particularly appreciate the impressive steering lock which helps to ensure that the Canter is able to get into places most trucks can’t,” says Dean Grey, director.
The Canter joins two others in the fleet, all 7C15 variants. This model is powered by a 3.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel which offers high torque – 370Nm is available over a broad engine speed range – and produces 148bhp. It also comes with an engine brake as standard.
Originally a family roofing business, Durham Render Centre now distributes external renders and accessories across the UK, using the Canters for deliveries within 100 miles of its base.