One of the first customers in the UK to take delivery of the newly launched 2021 spec Isuzu Grafter 3.5 tonne rigid, with the 6-speed automatic gearbox specification, are Cornwall based hot tub and spa supplier OC Spas from Hayle.
Replacing an existing 15 plate Isuzu Grafter that has been with the company from new, this latest spec long wheelbase, twin rear wheel Grafter is fitted with a dropside body and a rear mounted Fassi F30 CY crane.
OC Spas utilise their Isuzu Grafter for the delivery and collection of hot bubs and spas from domestic, commercial and holiday let customers throughout Cornwall, as well as undertaking hot tubs moves for customers who are relocating.
“We are literally hooked on the Grafter as the perfect vehicle for our operation. We deliver and collect hot tubs and spas mainly from properties where vehicle access is limited. The compact footprint of the Grafter is perfect not only for driving down the narrow Cornish lanes but also for parking as close to the property as possible on customer’s narrow driveways,” said Jonny Bottrell, director, OC Spas Ltd.
Jonny continues, “Not only would a bigger footprint vehicle have difficulty with the local road network, but they are hardly ideal for accessing restricted private driveways. With the Isuzu, we can park close to the house, steady the vehicle, and begin loading or unloading in minutes, without causing any damage to the property.”
When looking to replace their incumbent Isuzu, OC Spas were impressed by the payload capacity of the new 2021 Grafter range as well as its high lift capacity and low tare weight when fitted with the Fassi crane. In addition, the 3.5 tonne towing capacity made the Isuzu a perfect match for their requirements.
“Modern housing estates tend to be built with the properties really close together so access between the houses to the rear garden is normally very limited. We find that rather than trying to struggle with access between the houses, the delivery and collection process usually involves lifting the hot tubs or the spas over high solid brick walls or fencing,” said Jonny.
“With the Isuzu, we simply turn up, drop the landing legs for complete stability and quickly load or unload. The new Isuzu is totally self-contained and by using the crane’s remote-control system, it is now only a two-man job whereas with the previous vehicle we definitely needed three men on site to ensure safe working practices. It makes the whole customer service much more cost effective as well as a much easier and safer proposition.”
OC Spas felt that a significant major benefit of the new style Isuzu Grafter, over its predecessor, was the standard specification of the latest 6-speed automatic gearbox.
“This newly introduced feature really does make a significant difference from the previous specification as our Grafter is now an absolute dream to drive and so easy to manoeuvre into position. It’s certainly a definite all-round improvement,” added Jonny.
OC Spas new 2021 spec long wheelbase, twin rear wheel Isuzu Grafter N35.125(T) 6D was supplied to the Hayle based company by local south west Isuzu truck dealer SW Commercials Ltd, who also worked with OC Spas to commission the bodywork and crane installation. The new Isuzu is estimated to have a working life of approximately six years.
“Throughout the whole process of replacing our existing Isuzu, SW Commercials Ltd were excellent and worked really closely with us on ensuring that the final specification met our demanding requirements. Their attention to detail was superb at all times and we now have a truck that is ideally fit for purpose,” said Jonny.
Established in 2015, OC Spas have quickly established themselves as the premier hot tub and spa company in Cornwall, also having won numerous national industry awards for the quality of their service.
“Cornwall has, for many years now, been a hotbed of activity for the Isuzu marque. The compact nature and proven payload of the Isuzu truck range is ideally suited to the road infrastructure of the county, whilst the flexible nature of the chassis enables us to provide vehicles for a whole range of differing applications, including the delivery and collection of hot tubs and spas,” said Richard Waterworth, head of sales, Isuzu Truck UK.
