Hilltop Transport Acquires Third FUSO Canter In Less Than A Year

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Two FUSO Canter 7C18 rigid dropside trucks are already in service at Hilltop Transport, and a third will arrive later this year. (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.)

Hilltop Transport’s diverse fleet of nearly 30 vehicles has grown by three FUSO Canters in less than a year. The first two Canters to arrive were 7.5-tonne (8.3-U.S.-ton) 7C18 models often utilised for urban deliveries.

“The big advantage of the 7.5-t Canter for our operation is its outstanding body and payload allowance,” says Director Darren Paine. “It will carry a full 4 tonnes, which is close to a tonne more than most vehicles in the same weight class.”

The newest addition is a 130-horsepower (96-kilowatt) 3.5-t (3.86-U.S.-t) 3C13 that arrived straight from Fuso’s ready-to-work programme with a factory-fitted platform dropside body.

A Tough Little Truck

Based in Hilltop’s West Bromwich headquarters, the fleet includes several larger tractors and rigids, yet these vehicles aren’t always ideally suited to work in the city.

“A lot of our work entails driving into London, and the truck’s relatively compact footprint and tight turning circle means it is very nimble on busy streets,” says Paine. “The Canter is clearly built to a high standard and is exceptionally strong, thanks in part to its ladder-style chassis—given that most vehicles in the 3.5-t weight segment are based on vans, this was key to the appeal of our latest truck.”

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“It will carry a full 4 tonnes, which is close to a tonne more than most vehicles in the same weight class,” says Director Darren Paine of the FUSO Canter 7C18. (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.)

Bigger Siblings

Hilltop Transport’s FUSO Canter 7C18s are powered by 175-HP (129-kW) engines that generate 430 newton-metres (317 pounds-foot) of torque and feature dropside bodywork from local bodybuilder Fred Smith & Sons. This configuration has proved so useful that another 7C18 with the same specification is due to arrive later this year.

“Reliability is important too, of course, and our first Canter hasn’t missed a beat, which is why we’ve had no hesitation returning for more,” Paine says. “Overall, we’re delighted with all three Canters. They’re excellent workhorses and absolutely fit for our purpose.”

Find Your Next FUSO Canter

Truck Locator offers a big selection of new and used FUSO Canter trucks for sale. FUSO is a Mercedes-Benz brand.

Source: Mercedes-Benz