Fuso Canter makes light work of scaffolding
Amy Purnell sales person at Western Commercials sold City Access Scaffolding a Fuso Canter which works across the Central Belt and undertakes a diverse portfolio of work, ranging from small-scale residential projects to major schemes such as the construction of the new Boroughmuir High School. The firm’s commitment to quality, and determination to exceed client expectations, has led to rapid expansion since it was established in 2014.
City Access Scaffolding’s Canter 3C13 has a Comfort day cab and Scattolini’s dropside body. Its high-torque 3.0-litre engine produces 96 kW (130 hp) and is paired with a dual-clutch DUONIC automated transmission – the 3C13 model is also available with a five-speed manual gearbox. Customers needing a more powerful 3.5-tonner can choose the Canter 3C15, which employs a 150 hp version of the same engine and the DUONIC system only.
Canter customers can choose ready-to-work 3.5-tonne platform dropsiders and tippers, and 7.5-tonne tippers, pre-bodied at FUSO’s main European production facility in Tramagal, Portugal, by the highly regarded Italian manufacturer Scattolini. This programme allows customers to put their new vehicles to work a lot more quickly than would be the case if chassis were sent to third-party bodybuilders. Finished trucks are also covered by single invoices, simplifying administration and reducing associated costs.
City Access Scaffolding is using its Canter to transport poles that can be just under four metres in length, as well as other fixtures and tools. It has lined-up alongside the contractor’s three other 3.5-tonners, and two larger vehicles at 7.5 and 18 tonnes GVW, and is certainly living up to Amy’s billing.
Jonathan Allan, who co-founded the business with Mark Skinner and Kirsty Allan, recalled: “I’d seen a few Canters before and liked the look of the product, but it wasn’t until Amy contacted us that we really started to give it serious consideration.
“Amy did a brilliant job. She was very professional, answered all of our questions and made a compelling case for the Canter. She also provided us with a demonstrator which we tried for three days and were very impressed with. That vehicle had a manual ’box but we’ve specified our own with the DUONIC system, which is proving a wise decision – there’s so much traffic in and around Edinburgh these days that it’s a relief not to be constantly dipping a clutch. The Canter’s excellent turning circle is also a big advantage in tight spots.”