Jewson constructs efficient fleet of 178 IVECO Daily dropsides for tool hire business

Thursday 2nd May 2024

Building merchant Jewson has taken delivery of 178 IVECO Daily 3.5-tonne dropsides (35C14) to support its nationwide network of 250 tool hire branches.

A combination of Daily chassis cabs with 3,450mm and larger 3,750mm wheelbases (35C14) for longer loads join a hardworking nationwide fleet of 1,600 commercial vehicles. The Daily’s strong truck-based chassis enables impressive payload for heavy equipment to be delivered with ease, while an up to 3.5-tonne towing capacity means generators and even earthmovers can be towed and delivered on site.

Jewson Fleet manager Darren O’Donnell said: “These vehicles are an ideal fit for us. 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 Bevan Group bodywork maximises cargo carrying with its lightweight construction and ample load area. It also features a DEL tail lift for ease of loading heavy equipment. Handrails have been incorporated into the dropside bodywork for additional user safety whilst loading and unloading.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) was a high priority for Jewson with the Daily’s impressive talent for carrying and towing heavy loads negating the need for a larger vehicle. It has specified the 136hp 2.3-litre diesel engine coupled to a precise six-speed manual transmission offering an 18% increase in clutch durability and oil change intervals of 350,000km. Additionally, the Daily’s class-leading turning circle is a great asset when delivering tools on busy and restrictive building sites.

Darren O’Donnell continued “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.”

All vehicles are enhanced by the ‘Business’ trim level which includes manual air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, and electrically heated door mirrors. Comfort was also a key consideration for Jewson with these Daily vehicles covering around 22,500 miles each year over five years. Standard Hi-Comfort memory foam seats and ‘City Mode’ steering helps add to the drivability of the 3.5-tonne vehicle.

IVECO UK Light Business-line Director, Mike Cutts said “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.”