Elliotts has introduced a new 13.5 tonne Isuzu rear-mount crane lorry at its Fordingbridge branch as part of a strategic trial aimed at improving delivery efficiency in rural and restricted-access locations.
The vehicle entered service earlier this month under a six-month hire agreement, with an option to purchase following performance evaluation.
The trial reflects a wider fleet strategy focused on aligning vehicle specification with branch-level operating conditions. The Fordingbridge area presents consistent logistical challenges, including narrow rural roads, limited site access and constrained unloading zones; factors that can impact delivery times and operational efficiency when using larger vehicles.
The compact crane lorry enables:
Elliotts will track utilisation, delivery performance and customer outcomes throughout the trial period to assess scalability across similar branches within its network.
The initiative forms part of the company’s ongoing investment in operational efficiency and customer service, ensuring fleet capability reflects real-world site conditions rather than a one-size-fits-all delivery model.
The vehicle also introduces a refreshed fleet livery – the first departure from Elliotts’ traditional branding – signalling a broader focus on modernisation while maintaining the company’s long-standing heritage as a family-run merchant serving the South Coast construction sector.
Tiffany Phillips, Branch Manager at Elliotts Fordingbridge, said: “The capability of this new vehicle is already proving its worth, with one recent customer highlighting the importance of having flexible solutions and praising the team for successfully completing a delivery to their narrow driveway in Romsey. This was only made possible by being able to use the new truck.”
A purchase decision will be made following a full review of trial data later this year.
