Supplied by dealer Orwell Truck & Van, all are 7.5-tonne Canter 7C18 models with Comfort day cabs. They are powered by 3.0-litre common-rail turbodiesels, producing 173bhp and up to 430Nm of torque, and driving through fully automated, dual-clutch Duonic transmissions.
The second order comes after strong demand from contractors for Rioned’s latest jet-vac combination unit, which uses the Canter’s engine PTO to operate the jetting and vacuum pumps.
“We were previously using a competitor’s chassis and an auxiliary engine for this application,” says Mark Cox, Rioned UK sales manager. “Although the new model is our first production-line PTO drive unit, previous bespoke projects have utilised the Canter’s PTO with great success.”
He adds: “Payload capacity and reliability are also crucial in this industry. The Canter delivers on both counts. Its compact footprint is another key attribute for contractors that work in busy urban environments, where access can often be restricted.”
The Canter trucks comply with the requirements of London’s ultra low emission zone and this, says Cox, is also resulting in more enquiries from London-based firms.
Among these is Rochester-based Kent Drainage, whose vehicles spend most of their time in the capital. It purchased the prototype which Rioned presented at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show. “We’re certainly impressed with the vehicle,” says director Tom Coe (pictured).
“It’s highly manoeuvrable and looks neat and tidy, yet is also very powerful for such a small unit.”
Rioned is pre-building the new units at its Dutch factory, for sale from stock. The company anticipates purchasing 40 chassis a year from Orwell Truck & Van.