Blackburn-based JDS Trucks has delivered a trio of new 3.5-tonne Isuzu N35.125 Grafters into power network operator Electricity North West Services – the second stage in a seven-year project which will eventually see the company move its 30-strong grounds maintenance fleet to the Japanese manufacturer.

Replacing older vehicles from another brand, Isuzu has now supplied seven Grafters into the business, all specified with bespoke utility dropside bodies from Bradkins Commercials. The new 3.5-tonners will be used to ensure the upkeep of the facilities and infrastructure under Electricity North West Services’ control.

David Hodgkins, Ground Works Line Manager for Electricity North West Services, says: “It was a collaborative effort to develop the body to fit exactly what we needed. We polled our drivers, and then worked with JDS Trucks and the bodybuilder to come up with a design that put operator safety and wellbeing at the forefront, while also supporting our ongoing sustainability goals. Together, both suppliers supported us to ensure we got the best solution available.”

The end result is a robust vehicle featuring a dropside body, secure herbicide box and a handy tool pod which is used to safely store power tools including hedge trimmers and strimmers, along with safety equipment and a first aid kit. It also houses a compact Lithium Power Supply from Clayton Power, which is recharged using solar panels on the roof of the tool pod to provide a sustainable charging solution for both the tools and spare batteries – all without the need to run the engine.

“We made the switch to Isuzu in 2023 because we found the chassis offered a much smaller footprint, whereas our previous vehicles had posed more of a challenge to manoeuvre in tight spaces. The Grafters offer us fantastic load capacity and much more freedom, combined with excellent towing capacity,” says Hodgkins.

The new 3.5-tonners will operate across the northwest of England, each attending approximately 1,000 substations twice per year. Spending five days per week on the road, they will average around 12,000 miles annually.

Supplied with the manufacturer’s three-year unlimited mileage warranty, Electricity North West Services will also benefit from Isuzu Assist 24/7 roadside assistance, alongside continued access to Isuzu Truck UK’s dedicated Customer CARE team and growing dealer network.