Euro 5 Fuso Canter takes the Highfield road
Devon-based Highfield Garage runs six Canter-based recovery trucks but the latest is its first cleaner ‘greener’ Euro 5 model.
Like all new Fuso Canters, its engine and exhaust system meets not only the latest mandatory emissions standard, but also the voluntary, and even more stringent, EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle) limit.
The 7.5-tonner is powered by a range-topping 175hp (130kW) version of the new, 3.0-litre engine that powers all Euro 5 Canters. This drives through a six-speed transmission which is also new – it retains the space-saving, dashboard-mounted gearstick, but the previous ‘dog-leg’ first gear arrangement has now been dropped and replaced with a conventional layout.
As a Canter 7C18D model, Highfield Garage’s latest truck also came with a factory-built Double cab, capable of carrying a driver and five passengers.
The vehicle was supplied by Tewkesbury-based Mercedes-Benz dealer Mudie-Bond – the German manufacturer’s dealer network is also responsible for sales and servicing of the popular Canter light truck range in the UK.
It underwent conversion by recovery systems specialist Roger Dyson Group, of Droitwich, Worcestershire, which fitted the chassis with its Enforcer 2 roadside rescue lifting equipment. The hydraulic tilting ‘spectacle’ system has a lifting capacity of 2,500kg and is fully radio controlled for simple and safe single-operator use.
Highfield Garage’s five other Canters are all fitted with Roger Dyson bodies – some have ‘spectacle’ lifts, others are transporters with Hydraloader slideback platforms.
The Highfield fleet comprises 14 recovery trucks with payloads of up to seven tonnes, as well as three roadside repair vans.
Highfield Garage proprietor Jon Cox said: “The Canter is ideal for this job. Its relatively compact dimensions are a key attribute, because they allow the vehicle to get into and out of areas that others in the same weight category might struggle to access.
“Payload and towing ability are also very good, while we’ve also found our Canters to be superbly reliable. The new engine is particularly impressive too – the power rating is unchanged but our new Canter seems to have a lot more ‘get up and go’ than the truck it has replaced.”
He continues: “The fact that the Canter is backed by the Mercedes-Benz dealer network only adds to our peace of mind.”
Driver Dave Cann added: “The engine in my new truck pulls really well while the gearbox is a big improvement too; my previous Canter was nice to drive but this new model is even better.”
