Jewson has added 178 Iveco Daily 3.5-tonne dropsides to its fleet to support its network of 250 tool hire branches nationwide.
The building merchant’s fleet expansion includes Daily chassis cabs with a 3,450mm wheelbase and larger 3,750mm models designed to accommodate longer loads. Joining Jewson’s existing fleet of 1,600 commercial vehicles, the Daily’s robust truck-based chassis supports a significant payload capacity, enhancing the vehicle’s ability to transport heavy equipment efficiently. The model also offers a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, suitable for hauling generators and other large machinery.
“These vehicles are an ideal fit for us,” explained Jewson
fleet manager Darren O’Donnell. “They can tow large items of plant like a JCB while also transporting cement mixers and hydraulic equipment. This towing ability and payload capability means deploying one vehicle on site for deliveries instead of potentially two.”
The vehicles feature lightweight bodywork by Bevan Group, designed to maximise cargo space and facilitate loading with a DEL tail lift. Safety features include handrails on the dropside bodywork to aid loading and unloading.
Cost efficiency was a crucial consideration for Jewson. The model with a 136hp 2.3-litre diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission offers an 18% increase in clutch durability and extended oil change intervals of more than 200,000 miles. The Daily’s turning circle is particularly advantageous for manoeuvring in the constrained spaces of building sites.
Darren O’Donnell added: “Something that was important for our new vehicle fleet was a dependable maintenance and repair network. Iveco’s truck-based attitude to getting a vehicle back on the road as soon as possible is exactly what we were looking for. The Guest Truck & Van dealership is providing a great service that we value.”
The ‘Business’ trim level of these vehicles includes manual air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, and electrically heated door mirrors. With an average annual mileage of 22,500, comfort features such as Hi-Comfort memory foam seats and ‘City Mode’ steering enhance the overall driving experience.
Iveco light business-line director, Mike Cutts, commented: “The busy Jewson fleet needs to be full of dependable vehicles capable of transporting substantial loads. Daily is an ideal candidate thanks to an impressive towing and payload capacity afforded by its robust truck-based chassis.”
