Boasting improved payload, a lower loading height and reduced maintenance, Ford has unveiled the latest version of its Transit Tipper, the so-called One Stop Shop.
Mark Simpson, marketing director for Ford of Britain, says that the company has listened to fleet operators, whose major concerns are productivity, safety and cost of ownership.
As a result, the body weight for the single and double cab models has been reduced by 51kg and 40kg respectively, increasing the payload pro-rata. Ford says the weight saving has been achieved by reviewing every aspect of the bodywork and re-designing for weight efficiency without impacting upon performance, strength or durability.
Other operator benefits, such as maintenance-free bearings, have also shown a weight saving. Self-lubricating Delrin items have eliminated the need to grease a number of key periodic maintenance items, says the company.
The loading height has also been reduced by 40mm, by lowering the subframe 30mm and the deck under-structure by 10mm. Loading height is now 995mm at the rear axle, to assist manual handling. However, the deck retains its 2.5mm steel floor and its high strength roll formed edge to the rear.
"The success of the Ford One Stop Shop programme can be attributed to our customers," says Simpson.
"We listened to their operational concerns and needs and created a programme to cater for thousands of different types of businesses. Transit's dependability and robustness enable us to create commercial vehicles that provide effective business solutions," he adds.
