Supplied by dealer Ciceley Commercials, the Manchester-based operator’s new additions are all Antos 2530 Lnr models with ClassicSpace cabs. Their buckleless curtain ‘smoothsider’ bodies are by PPS Commercials, of Bury, and printed with images of LWC products. Each is also fitted with a 1,500kg capacity DEL column tail-lift.
All have 300bhp, six-cylinder engines, driving through eight-speed Mercedes PowerShift automated transmissions.
The first three are 26-tonners with lowered frames, low-profile tyres and all-round air suspension. The result is a reduced deck height which – with the suspension lowered – can be dropped up to 200mm lower than a standard model, making deliveries easier for drivers.
A fourth, identical vehicle, and three similarly equipped Antos 1824 Lnr 18-tonners, are due to enter service before the end of November.
The LWC fleet now extends to more than 100 trucks, ranging from 7.5 to 26 tonnes gvw.
LWC’s national operations manager Stuart Tinnion says: “We’re making more deliveries and handling larger consignments than ever before, so we need trucks that offer bigger payloads. At the same time, though, we need to retain a low working height to make life easier – and safer – for our drivers.
“These Antos are ideally suited to the drinks industry and perfect for our operation. As well as their low height they have steering rear axles which means they’re highly manoeuvrable, a big advantage given the tight access at many of the city centre locations on our delivery lists.
“They also look really smart, so double as a great mobile advertisement for our business and high operating standards.”