Supplied by dealer Sparshatt Truck & Van, the 3C13 model has a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 128bhp, and its 14ft dropside body is by C&D Fabrications, of Faversham.
The 3.5-tonner is supplied on lease from Mercedes-Benz Finance, and joins a 7.5-tonne Fuso Canter in the two-vehicle fleet, delivering timber, building materials and tools to the trade and general public.
“We bought our first 3.5-tonne Canter in 2000, not long after we started trading. In due course we replaced it with a 7.5-tonner, but then realised we needed a second truck so went back for another small one,” says Andy Hayward, founder of the family-run operator.
“We’ve been running two vehicles, one of each size, ever since, and update one every couple of years. It’s a policy that’s worked very well for us. Our Canters do exactly what we need them to do.
“They’re cost effective to acquire and run, exceptionally reliable, and easily loaded and unloaded.”
Dealer support is “excellent”, says Hayward, and is another reason for the operator’s loyalty to the Fuso Canter.
“We’re very busy and our trucks are on the road all day, so the fact that we can get them through Sparshatt’s Sittingbourne workshop overnight is a big help... You can’t get that level of service from other suppliers,” he adds.