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16/01/2009

Dawsons aims hire with Canter

Leading vehicle hire firm Dawsonrentals has invested in a fleet of 30 new Mitsubishi Fuso Canter 7.5-tonners.

The trucks come with a variety of bodies to suit a range of different applications but, says Managing Director Steve Miller, their attributes mean they will appeal to operators for the same basic reasons.

“We’ve equipped these vehicles for different tasks, but the Canter chassis offers three particular advantages that will make it an attractive proposition for our customers,” he says.

“Firstly, the Canter is physically smaller than most 7.5-tonners. That can lead some operators to think – wrongly – that it’s not a proper truck. In fact it has a strong, ladder-style chassis and takes a full load very happily. Those compact dimensions make it ideal for work in city centres, narrow streets or anywhere access is tight. It sits slightly lower than most vehicles at this weight too, which means climbing in and out of the cab, as well as lifting items on and off the load bed, is much easier.

“Secondly, the chassis is also light for its weight capacity, which gives it a significant body/payload allowance advantage over its competitors. That’s obviously a key factor for anyone carrying heavy items, but also for things like refrigerated vehicles, where the weight of the body can take a big bite out of a truck’s payload capability.

“Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that the Canter is supported by Mercedes-Benz,” he continues. “That’s one of the main reasons that we were happy to invest in this product. We know the Mercedes dealer network well and have always been very well looked after; our customers too will be pleased to know that top-quality back-up is there.”

All 7C18 models, with 5.0-litre 180hp engines, the Canters were supplied by Intercounty Truck & Van, Milton Keynes. Nine are fitted with Boalloy box bodies and tail lifts, eight with Boalloy curtainsiders and tail lifts. A further five are temperature-controlled vehicles, with Solomon bodies and Carrier Supra fridge units. All these vehicles will be joining the company’s contract hire and short-term rental fleets. A further six Boalloy box-bodied trucks and two with Wessex ‘slide-aside’ bodies are being allocated to specific contracts.

Milton Keynes-based Dawsonrentals is a division of Dawsongroup and boasts a fleet of more than 8,500 trucks and trailers, based at 30 branches around the UK.


For further information about Dawsongroup products and services, please call 01908 218111.