Supplied by Mercedes-Benz dealer Rygor, the West London-based operator’s latest addition – like the first two – is powered by a 3-litre, Euro 6 engine delivering 175bhp via a fully automated Duonic dual clutch transmission.
The repeat order came after Proper Oils’ managing director Stephen Hurton was impressed by the Canter’s high, 6-tonne body and payload, coupled with its compact size and excellent manoeuvrability.
Their purpose-designed box bodies are by TLC Auto-Refinishing, of Feltham. They feature roller shutter doors on the nearside as well as the rear, perforated false floors with bunded areas beneath to capture spilt oil, 1,000kg DEL column tail-lifts and storage under the vehicles for Proper Oils’ delivery trollies so the wheels stay clean of oil.
As well as supplying vegetable oil, Proper Oils collects used and waste oil, and recycles it at the headquarters in Southall. The oil is then sent on for refining into high-quality biodiesel, which is used as low-carbon fuel.
The 8.55-tonners carry up to four tonnes of oil in containers of varying sizes. The Canter’s cab-over-engine design and compact dimensions mean the trucks are also agile – an advantage given the high-street locations of many of Proper Oils’ customers.
The company has also specified each vehicle with a lane departure warning system, a reversing camera, and warnings to aid cyclists and the driver when turning left.
All three trucks sport a new livery by design studio CEMYK, of Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire.
“These new trucks have enabled us to increase efficiency within our cooking oil delivery and waste oil collection service, by adding more ‘drops’ to each route,” says Hurton.
“They are superbly manoeuvrable and very easy to drive, while the Duonic gearboxes also help to improve safety by leaving our staff free to concentrate fully on traffic conditions, rather than worrying about which gear they’re in.”