The first production 12 tonne Isuzu ‘Forward’ trucks in the UK have now joined the 100 strong all-refrigerated distribution fleet at the Head Office of frozen food supplier Hopwells, as the company continues on its programme of working towards having an all-Isuzu based distribution fleet, where possible.
Hopwells already operate Isuzu trucks at 7.5t GVW, but these dozen new vehicles are the first Isuzus to join the Hopwells fleet at 12 tonnes GVW.
The 12 Isuzu Euro 4 “Forward” F120.240 12 tonne rigids, fitted with RVL refrigerated bodies and Hubbard 720L refrigeration systems, are now delivering the company’s full range of frozen foods based out of their seven depots across the UK.
Although the bulk of the loads being carried are deep frozen at -25° C within the bodies, Hopwells have also incorporated a small chiller section on the nearside for chilled products. On average, the trucks will have between 25 and 30 drops per day on a normal delivery cycle and the vehicles are expected to cover in excess of 60,000kms per annum.
With the Isuzu 12t chassis cab, RVL body and Hubbard fridge combination, Hopwells can achieve an increased payload of 6.5 tonne, which equates to more than 1/2tonne additional payload in comparison to their incumbent 12 tonne trucks. With this in mind, Hopwells anticipate running these vehicles with a planned refrigerated body refurbishment usually after five years.
According to David Williams, Fleet Manager at Hopwells, “We have had Isuzu 7.5 tonne rigids in our fleet for many years now and their performance during this time has led us to dedicate our fleet to one brand, Isuzu, whenever we can. The new 12 tonne Isuzu trucks continue the Isuzu philosophy of maximising payload, combined with all round superb performance.”
Hopwells took delivery of its first Isuzu rigid back in 2004 and, with the recent arrival of the dozen new 12 tonners; there are now 42 Isuzu’s in the fleet of 100 vehicles.
“Our distribution schedules are based on time-sensitive deliveries and with Isuzu, reliability is the key. We can rely on them day-in and day-out, as we get minimum downtime with the Isuzu fleet. Quite simply, we find them virtually indestructible,” added David Williams.
The new 12 tonne 4×2 Isuzu rigids feature Isuzu’s own turbocharged and intercooled 6-cylinder diesel engine, providing 176Kw (240bhp) power output at 2400rpm. With EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and 6-speed manual transmission as standard, the Isuzu 12 tonner also features the new Isuzu ‘Hexapod’ design cab that is packed with ‘standard’ equipment and is one of the roomiest day cabs currently available on any vehicle in the UK at this weight range.
All Isuzu ‘Forward’ vehicles come with a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty that includes 3-years free roadside assistance and recovery.
“Hopwells have been a loyal customer of Isuzu now for many years, and their favourable experience of running Isuzu trucks in that time was an obvious key factor in them choosing the Isuzu marque for its future 12 tonne vehicle requirements,” said Keith Child, Marketing Director at Isuzu Truck UK.
Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd
Keith Child
Tel: 01707 282930
E: keith.child@isuzutruck.co.uk
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