Following
the successful performance of their first four Isuzu Grafters, Midlands sister
companies Smart Cut Ltd and TFN Landscapes have now purchased a further 10 of
the latest Isuzu Grafter Green 3.5 tonne rigids.
These are
joining the 40-strong combined vehicle fleet on a progressive basis from
May to October this year.
Now
representing over 35% of the Smart Cut and TFN fleets, the Isuzu N35.125
Grafter Green rigids have become the ‘go to’ marque for commercial vehicles at
these Midlands companies, progressively replacing the incumbent Nissan
Cabstars. According to Smart Cut and TFN, their aim is to become an exclusively
Isuzu fleet by the end of 2019.
“Our
initial attraction to Isuzu was prompted by the payload achievable from the
impressive 7 tonne GTW Grafter as a result of its 3.5tonne gross towing
capacity. This combination makes them ideal fleet vehicles as we transport a
range of heavy plant equipment from job to job. Following on from the original
four Grafters ordered in 2017, we are now taking another 10 new Isuzus for our
2018 fleet replacement programme, whilst shortly we will be placing a follow-up
order for a further 10 new Grafters for delivery in 2019,” said Tom Rimell,
director, Smart Cut Ltd.
All 10
Isuzu N35.125 Grafter Greens being supplied to Smart Cut and TFN Landscapes
during 2018 feature the popular Isuzu Driveaway TGS dropside body
configuration.
Tom
Rimell explains why they chose this option from Isuzu, “We only keep our
vehicles for a two year period, so we go for their Driveaway models bearing in
mind that the vehicle can then be easily resold in two years’ time, since it is
a popular, in demand specification. In addition, by choosing the Isuzu
Driveaway models, the trucks arrive at our premises ready to go to work. This
specification includes items such as seat covers, towbar fitment and lighting
kits that previously we used to fit ourselves. Driveaway takes these time
consuming jobs off our hands, both from fitting initially as well as at removal
at the end of the two year period. Most importantly, we have the trucks out
there working, and earning, without any delay.”
The new
Isuzu Grafter Green rigids are expected to cover a maximum of 40,000 miles in
their two year working life within the fleet at Smart Cut and TFN Landscapes
and have been supplied by local Isuzu dealer Aquila Truck Centre in Worcester,
who have worked closely with them to provide the ideal specification for their
various business operations.
“Aquila
fully understands our business model for vehicle acquisition and we now have a
really good working relationship with them. Their support during the truck
replacement programme has been first class,” commented Tom Rimell.
Smart Cut
Ltd has been in business for over 30 years primarily as a ground maintenance
company servicing businesses, housing associations and local authorities across
the West Midlands, from Birmingham in the north to Gloucester in the south.
Alongside this long established business is sister company TFN Landscapes,
which provides soft landscaping, turfing and tree planting services for all the
main national housebuilding organisations in the area.
“We
are really pleased with our decision to switch to Isuzu. The latest Isuzu Euro
VI Grafter Green is indeed an excellent working truck. Its new 6-speed gearbox
is significantly better than its predecessor, whilst most importantly it does
not require Ad Blue, which is a major plus factor giving us reduced maintenance
costs. The heavy duty chassis ensures that the towing capacity and payload is
excellent for such a versatile 3.5 tonne truck,” commented Tom.
