Somerset-based CRS Building Supplies has replaced half of its 14-strong fleet of 3.5-tonne Nissan Cabstars, with Euro-6 Isuzu Grafter N35 4x2 tippers.
Part of a £1.2m company investment, the N35s have TGS tipper bodies, two wide-angle cab mirrors, a proximity cab mirror on the nearside and forward-facing Brigade cameras. The N35’s payload of 1.1 tonnes betters the Cabstars’ 900kg payload too.
Transport manager, Paul Gibbard, said: “We needed a more robust truck to cope with the increased demands for bulk deliveries on our 3.5 tonne trucks, but also a vehicle that will future proof us in advance of the forthcoming clean air zones in Bath and Bristol.”
CRS has commended the Isuzu’s regeneration system, which burns off any remaining diesel particulates in the tailpipe without the need for AdBlue, because it hasn’t encountered any mechanical issues that previously hindered the Cabstars.
Gibbard said: “We did find with the Nissans that they’d often get a build-up of AdBlue on the injectors which led to engine faults. This could put them out of action for days. We’ve had no faults with the Isuzus’ systems – they’ve saved us a lot of time and money so far!”
The Grafters, supplied by Harry Moore Commercials dealership, were trialled for two weeks ahead of purchase. Gibbard added: “We were really impressed by the overall by build quality, especially the running gear and the cab, which gave great visibility and could incorporate our preferred mirror set up.”
Two of the Isuzus are based at CRS’s depot in Yeovil, while the others are based at Somerton, Taunton, Watchet, and Weston-Super-Mere, and at its new Keynsham site.
