English Oak invest in bespoke vehicles

By Stephen Emerson

26 October 2022

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A Surrey Arboricultural firm have taken possession of a fleet of bespoke 3.5-tonne Canters, marking significant investment in the family business.

Proprietors of English Oak Tree Services, husband and wife team Paul and Karen Taylor, purchased their adapted 3.5-tonne Canters from Mertrux Truck and Van.

Both vehicles are fitted with bespoke, high-sided tipping bodies by PD Stevens & Sons, of Market Drayton, Shropshire. They have lockable toolboxes with roller shutter doors on both sides behind the cabs, second toolboxes beneath the chassis, and split, side-hinged back doors.

The truck bodies also have fixed roofs fabricated from chequer plate – an unusual feature requested by Paul Taylor, means they can also be used to carry ladders. The roofs, which are angled at both sides to prevent corners catching on vegetation, are slightly shorter than the bodies, leaving an open section at the rear into which wood chippings can be projected.

A redesigned cab and striking new ‘face’ distinguishes the trucks from previous models. While the reinforced rear underrun protection also minimises the effects of an impact in the event of an accident.

Both trucks are 3C13 variants and powered by the same fuel-efficient 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which produces 96 kW (130 hp) and 350 Nm of torque. However, a newly developed, compact exhaust system means the 2022 model also meets the EURO VI – STEP E emission standard.

The team at English Oak pictured with their bespoke Cantor vehicle.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for the Canter,” said Paul Taylor.

“For heavy work such as tree surgery the Canter is definitely built for the job,” continued Mr Taylor. “Not only does it feel very sturdy, but the load capacity is better than most trucks out there.

“It also has a fantastic turning circle, which is another big advantage, in that we’re now able to get through gates and into tight spots when working off-road that we’d never have managed with our previous vehicle. In fact, I’d say the Canter is pretty well perfect for what we do.”

Main image English Oak Tree Services’ Paul Taylor is pictured with the first vehicle from the latest FUSO Canter range supplied by Mertrux Truck & Van

By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.