Refrigerated food distributor TCR Food Service has put its first 11 tonne refrigerated truck on the road, specifying an Isuzu F110.210 rigid chassis cab, fitted with a 5.4m fridge body.
Based in Nechells, West Midlands, TCR has traditionally run a 10-strong fleet, consisting of vehicles up to 7.5t gvw. In choosing an 11-tonner, however, the firm is now looking to carry a far greater payload, while retaining vehicle performance and versatility.
TCR's Brian Matthews explains that the new vehicle body, built by Jackson Coachworks, uses a new system of eutectic refrigeration, that creates no CO2 emissions or noise. It is also based on the firm's triple compartment 22 Series body system, and fitted with an interior bulkhead and thermal curtains.
The system significantly reduces charge down times, with the Barents Gel freezing mixture, and 25% offersd more refrigeration power than comparable systems, says Matthews.
He also says that the result is a vehicle capable of carrying a more comprehensive range of frozen, chilled and ambient products, with little or no penalty, in terms of vehicle performance or manoeuvrability.
Says Matthews: "We specialise in the wholesaling of 'Chip Shop' products to fish and chip shops throughout the Midlands. Many of our customers are located in places with limited vehicle access, so the Isuzu is ideal for this type of work.
"By moving up the weight range to 11 tonnes GVW, the Isuzu's additional payload enables us to offer our customers a wider choice of products from one delivery vehicle," he adds.
"We already have a 56 plate Isuzu 6.2 tonne rigid, which has given us complete reliability so far, and this was the major influence in choosing Isuzu for a new higher weight vehicle."
With an estimated working life of between 7 and 10 years covering 50,000 miles per annum, the Isuzu Forward 11 tonner will handle in excess of 25 daily drops on its distribution routes across the Midlands.