Knights of Old enlists Fuso Canters for environmental crusade

Knights of Old has recruited two new champions in the shape of a pair of 7.5-tonne Fuso Canters to tackle the cut and thrust of multi-drop deliveries in urban areas.

The Canter was chosen for its outstanding payload capacity and relatively compact external dimensions: “We like the fact that it has a smaller footprint than a conventional 7.5-tonner and is not an aggressive looking vehicle,” explained Compliance Director Peter Hancox.

Equally important to a business which is committed to minimising the impact of its operations on the environment, was the model’s low-emission engine. Knights of Old’s new Canter 7C18s are powered by range-topping 175hp units that meet not only Euro 5 emissions limits but also the even more stringent – and voluntary – Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle (EEV) standard.

The Canters operate from Knights of Old’s headquarters in Kettering, Northamptonshire, and arrived via Wellingborough Mercedes-Benz dealer Intercounty Truck & Van – the German manuacturer’s franchised UK network is also responsible for sales and support of the popular Japanese light truck range in mainland Britain.

The subject of a contract hire deal with Northampton vehicle management specialist W Wright & Sons, a long-term supplier to Knights of Old, they are fitted with curtainside bodies by Richardson Burdett, of Wellingborough, and 1.5-tonne Dhollandia tuckaway tail-lifts.

Mr Hancox continued: “We’re delighted with our new Canters and particularly their payloads. Each vehicle can carry 3.2 tonnes; that’s an impressive figure given that they have tail-lifts, and compares very favourably to the 2.5-tonne maximums offered by the vehicles we’d previously allocated to this relatively local multi-drop role.”

He added: “Our drivers seem to like the Canters too, while they are also proving to be very economical in terms of fuel consumption.”

The new engines for the Fuso Canter are based on a state-of-the-art design featuring a long stroke, overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, a variable-geometry turbocharger and high-pressure common-rail fuel injection. All versions continue to make use of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) to achieve their low emissions levels, while the top-rated 175hp unit employs EGR in tandem with BlueTec® Selective Catalytic Reduction technology, using the additive AdBlue®, to produce the most advanced emission control system currently available.

Knights of Old operates a fleet of 130 trucks and 200 trailers, and provides a comprehensive portfolio of nationwide transport and distribution services. The firm is also a major shareholder in Partnerlink, a national distribution consortium that seeks to consolidate loads between partners, thus maximising freight movement while minimising pollution.

Founded nearly 150 years ago, and still family-owned, Knights of Old has a firm commitment and sense of responsibility towards the environment, so much so that it even employs its own ‘Low Carbon Champion’.

The company has just opened a new facility in collaboration with a major client. The Hitchin site and cross dock facility will allow Knights of Old to develop its services in the Hertfordshire and London areas.

www.knightsofold.ltd.uk