Supplied by Motus Truck & Van, it has lined up alongside two older Canters. One is two years old, and the other still going strong after seven years’ service. The fleet also includes four vans.
As a 3C15 model, the new Canter is powered by a 3.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine producing 110 kW (150 hp) and 370 Nm of torque which, thanks to variable turbine technology, is available from low engine speeds.
This engine drives through a fuel-efficient DUONIC automated dual-clutch transmission with Eco Mode, Parking and Creep functions. The chassis has a 2,500 mm wheelbase – the shortest of eight sizes available – and was fitted with an alloy tipping body by KMR Engineering, of Ipswich.
Meanwhile, a newly developed, compact exhaust system means the Canter also meets the Euro VI – Step E emission standard.
Director James Sargeant said: “A lot of our work is on barn conversions and upgrades of very old buildings, where access can be very tight. Often there just isn’t room to get a big truck in, either to collect a skip or to make a delivery.
“That means we have to do almost everything ourselves, from removing site waste to bringing in a wide range of materials, and the Canter has shown itself to be well up to any task required. It’s a real workhorse, much sturdier than other options we’ve tried in the same weight category, while the cab is roomy and comfortable and the DUONIC gearbox makes it really easy to drive.
“We certainly work our Canters hard but they perform well even when fully loaded. The short wheelbase makes them very manoeuvrable, and the twin rear wheels offer great traction on rough sites. Bodywork is good too, in this job they inevitably get knocked around a bit but they never seem to rust.”
Like its predecessors Sargeant’s new tipper will be serviced and maintained in the workshop at Motus Truck & Van’s Witham branch.