Nine of the vehicles are 7C14 7.5-tonners, of which five have enclosed tipper bodies, three are fitted with Bantam compactor refuse collection bodies and one is a hook loader.
The other Canters are 3.5-tonners bodied as enclosed tippers. Four of them are 3C13s and the line-up is completed by a crew cab 3C13D.
The newcomers are in action in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate as well as in other locations. Their crews are on general refuse and waste collection work and they're kept busy tidying the beaches too.
“The Canters have been well received by staff and are already proving to be highly productive,” says Thanet waste collection manager, Graham Gosden.
“The Bantam-bodied vehicles, for example, are being used to help empty the 1,100-litre bins we use during events and at other busy times,” he continues. “They're a lot easier to get in and out of tight spots than a big truck, but they still offer a payload of just over two tonne.
“Indeed carrying capacity was a key factor in our decision to place this order,” he says. “We considered another manufacturer with a Japanese badge but its products were slightly heavier. I also like Canter's proven drivetrain and sturdy chassis because these trucks are going onto some pretty rough sites.”
The vehicles have been sourced through Euro Commercials.