Elliotts has introduced a new 13.5-tonne Isuzu rear-mount crane lorry at its Fordingbridge branch as part of a strategic trial aimed at improving delivery efficiency in rural and restricted-access locations.
The vehicle entered service earlier this month under a six-month contract hire agreement, with an option to purchase following performance evaluation.
The trial reflects a wider fleet strategy focused on aligning vehicle specification with branch-level operating conditions. For instance, the Fordingbridge area is said to present “consistent logistical challenges, including narrow rural roads, limited site access and constrained unloading zones” – factors that can impact delivery times and operational efficiency when using larger vehicles.
The compact crane lorry enables:
Improved access to restricted sites and rural developments
Accurate crane offloading directly to point of use
Faster turnaround times and reduced on-site disruption
The initiative forms part of the company’s ongoing investment in operational efficiency and customer service, ensuring fleet capability reflects real-world site conditions rather than a one-size-fits-all delivery model. Elliotts will track utilisation, delivery performance and customer outcomes throughout the trial period to assess scalability across similar branches within its network.
The vehicle also introduces a refreshed fleet livery – the first departure from Elliotts’ traditional branding – signalling a broader focus on modernisation while maintaining the company’s long-standing heritage as a family-run merchant serving the South Coast construction sector.
Tiffany Phillips, Branch Manager at Fordingbridge, said: “The capability of this new vehicle is already proving its worth, with one recent customer highlighting the importance of having flexible solutions and praising the team for successfully completing a delivery to their narrow driveway in Romsey. This was only made possible by being able to use the new truck.”
A purchase decision will be made following a full review of trial data later this year.
Main image: The Elliotts’ Fordingbridge team trial the new 13.5-tonne Isuzu specialist crane lorry.
