Power network operator Electricity North West Services has bolstered its fleet with a trio of new 3.5-tonne Isuzu N35.125 Grafters.
Delivered by Blackburn-based JDS Trucks, the new trucks mark the second stage in a seven-year project which will eventually see the company move its 30-strong grounds maintenance fleet to Isuzu.
Replacing older vehicles from another brand, the business has now deployed seven Grafters, all specified with bespoke utility dropside bodies from Bradkins Commercials. The 3.5-tonners will be used to ensure the upkeep of the facilities and infrastructure under Electricity North West Services’ control.
The firm’s ground works line manager David Hodgkins said: “It was a collaborative effort to develop the body to fit exactly what we needed. We polled our drivers, and then worked with JDS Trucks and the bodybuilder to come up with a design that put operator safety and wellbeing at the forefront, while also supporting our ongoing sustainability goals. Together, both suppliers supported us to ensure we got the best solution available.”
The comprehensive project has delivered a robust vehicle featuring a dropside body, secure herbicide box and a handy tool pod used to store power tools along with safety equipment and a first aid kit.
The tool pod also houses a compact Lithium Power Supply from Clayton Power, which is recharged using solar panels on the roof of the pod to provide a sustainable charging solution for both the tools and spare batteries – all without the need to run the engine.
Electricity North West Services made the switch to Isuzu in 2023 because the business found the chassis offered a much smaller footprint.
“Our previous vehicles had posed more of a challenge to manoeuvre in tight spaces. The Grafters offer us fantastic load capacity and much more freedom, combined with excellent towing capacity,” explained Hodgkins.
The new 3.5-tonners will operate across the north west of England, each attending approximately 1,000 substations twice per year. Spending five days per week on the road, they will average around 12,000 miles annually.
Alongside Isuzu’s three-year unlimited mileage warranty, Electricity North West Services will also benefit from Assist 24/7 roadside assistance, alongside continued access to Isuzu Truck UK’s dedicated Customer Care team and growing dealer network.
