Supplied by Mertrux Truck & Van, the Worksop-based operator’s new 7.5-tonner is a Canter 7C18, powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 173bhp and driving through a Duonic dual-clutch automated gearbox. An engine brake is included as standard.
The Canter was fitted with 6.2-metre platform body and Cayvol crane by Alfreton-based Plant Equipment. It can lift 380kg at a distance of 9.8 metres, yet retains a payload of over 2.5 tonnes and can tow a further 3.5 tonnes.
The vehicle can carry up to 80sqm of the pontoon product. TPA has also commissioned a trailer to hold a further 64sqm of pontoon, which is used in a range of applications where access across water is required – from temporary bridges and marinas, to platforms for engineers to repair sluice gates.
“We were using 3.5-tonne, van-based vehicles for smaller deliveries, or calling in subcontractors for anything larger,” explains operations manager Neil Crosby.
“However, to cope with growing demand for our pontoon equipment, and to ensure that we have more control over our deliveries, we decided it was time to invest in our own truck.”
The combined capacity of the truck and trailer is equivalent to a 13.6m semi-trailer, he adds.
“This represents a six-fold increase, by volume, over what we were getting on a 3.5-tonne van, while the crane significantly reduces the amount of manual handling required. We have also invested in C+E licence training for two operatives, who now share the driving duties on the new truck.
“These are still early days but the Canter hasn’t missed a beat... It’s a great truck and we couldn’t be happier with it.”