Major fleet replacement means more Ivecos for Coleman’s ABC 17 October 2012

Drinks wholesaler Coleman's ABC has replaced half of its commercial vehicle fleet with new Ivecos, including two 12-tonne rigids built onto Iveco's special 'EL' low height chassis.

Other additions to the 10-strong fleet are a new Daily 70C17 and two Daily 35C15 vans.

The two Eurocargos 12-tonnres have been mounted with bespoke lightweight aluminium curtainslider bodies, manufactured by Solent Bodybuilders.

Dan Coleman, sales manager and third-generation in the family firm, confirms that, for driver safety, strong net curtains inside the body ensure that the payload is retained securely when opening and closing the curtains.

The bodywork is also notable for its lack of rear doors and a tail-lift – both key to achieving the maximum legal payload.

The low-height urban distribution vehicles are built on the regular Eurocargo production line, but give an overall height more than 75mm lower than the standard truck, which, combined with its 'one-step' entry design, eases access to the cab and body.

To achieve this lower frame height, the side-members are shallower by 45mm and the frame itself is carried on 17.5in, rather than 19.5in, wheels and tyres.

"Whenever we procure new vehicles we evaluate a range of different models to ensure we are buying the best asset for our specific needs," explains Coleman.

"On this occasion, the Ivecos were up against competitive products from three other marques, but the Eurocargo 120EL22s won hands-down in terms of payload capacity and chassis height," he continues.

"The 12-tonners can make up to 40 drops a day and payload is critical. The low chassis height is making deliveries easier than ever before: in fact, we wish we'd specified this truck as standard in our fleet years ago."

And commenting on the Dailys, Coleman adds: "Our delivery routes take us up some steep hills, which our previous vehicles had to take in first gear. In contrast, the Dailys are gliding up the same inclines in third.

"Engine performance is first class. It's as if the vehicles don't know when they're carrying maximum weight."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Iveco

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