For many years Isuzu trucks, ranging from 3.5 tonne up to 11 tonne, have formed the mainstay of the distribution fleet at southwest company Fountain Timber. The Bristol-based timber merchant has recently ordered a further two new Isuzu rigids to add to its growing fleet.
Initially, an Isuzu F110.240 (E) rigid specified with a bespoke Britt Tip tipper body has gone into service in the Fountain Timber fleet this month, delivering biomass woodchip, processed bark and mulches to customers. With its high sided body, this 11 tonne Isuzu is predominantly delivering these loose timber products, however the Britt Tip body design allows for the high body sides to be removed so that the vehicle can be used as a flatbed truck for the distribution of larger timber products, such as square sawn timber, which are processed within the company’s own saw mill.
Supplied by local Isuzu dealer AK Commercials, this first new 11 tonne Isuzu is replacing an incumbent Isuzu 7.5 tonne rigid that has been in the Fountain fleet for over 11 years.
Next month, a second new Isuzu 11 tonner is being supplied to the business, also through AK Commercials. This time the vehicle will be fitted with a dropside body featuring a rear mounted FASSI crane and will join the fleet predominantly to handle bagged timber deliveries that require offloading at customer’s premises.
Chris Goldstone, Operations Manager at Fountain Timber, said: “Isuzu has become part of our family here at Fountain and is now the predominant manufacturer in our fleet with trucks at 3.5 tonne, 7.5 tonne and 11 tonne. Our reliance on Isuzu trucks for customer deliveries is firmly based on their excellent flexibility and reliable performance over many years, unrivalled payload, whilst not forgetting a proven durable driveline designed for longevity.”
Chris continued: “Isuzu are really multi-purpose vehicles, ideally suited to our distribution fleet requirements and have given us excellent service in the past. Naturally, we would love to get another 10 plus years out of both these new 11 tonne Isuzus.”
Established 50 years ago, Fountain Timber is a specialist timber merchant based in a unique woodland location near Bristol Airport and quite unusually the company operates its own sawmill manufacturing and distributing a range of timber products for both domestic and trade customers.
Pete Murphy, Managing Director of Isuzu Truck UK, added: “The attributes of versatility and flexibility are inbuilt within the Isuzu truck range, which is clearly demonstrated here by the diversity of our vehicles that are currently working for Fountain Timber, handling deliveries of such a wide selection of products to their customers. Adding two new Isuzu 11 tonners to its fleet will continue the long-term relationship between our two companies for many years to come.”
Further information about the full range of Isuzu trucks can be viewed at www.isuzutruck.co.uk
