Readymix Concrete extends its relationship with Fuso

By Colin Windell

Truck downtime because of vehicle failure is one of the biggest fears facing the concrete mix delivery companies because it takes three hours or less for the mix to set inside the barrel of a unit stranded with no power.

On Time Readymix Concrete  has extended its relationship with Fuso, buying three new FJ 16-230 C units to added to its fleet of older 26-310 FX models.

Established in 2005 with one branch, two employees, the enterprise now boasts 200 employees, six branches (Brakpan, Chloorkop, Laezenia, Booysens and two in Durban).

“We have found that our Fusos are reliable, rugged and parts are readily available when we need them. As the mixer on a truck is reliant on the truck, we simply cannot have trucks that break down on a regular basis.

“This is where the Fuso outshine their competitors, and our 10-year olds are the perfect example of this reliability. When it comes to the FJs, our drivers constantly let us know just how easy they are to drive, and they highlight their comfort,” says Krish Ramsamy, Sales and Logistics Manager at On Time Readymix.

The company was introduced to the FJ trucks by running a demo in their fleet, and they were so satisfied with the experience they immediately bought three of the trucks.

The Fuso FJ 26-280 C boasts a direct-injection diesel engine, rated at 205 kW at 2 200 r/min with the torque levelling out at 1 100 Nm between 1 200 r/min and 1 600 r/min.

The unit fuel injection and higher boost pressure on the turbo-charger ensure the complete burning of fuel, reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. In addition, durability is increased while wear is reduced by the oil-lubricated fuel pumps.

The workhorse has a 9-speed transmission with a crawler gear that provides the flexibility required to negotiate complex terrain for off-road applications. The truck also offers a Power Take-Off (PTO) as one of its standard features. This is a regular requirement in the construction industry, as the PTO supplies power to other equipment.

The FJ 26-280C has multi-leaf bogie type rear suspensions that are robust, resulting in longer life and the ability to haul heavier loads.

“Our concrete is used for domestic and industrial purposes, so we simply cannot afford not to deliver to our customers. One of the most serious results of running unreliable trucks is that the vehicle breaks down on the side of the road, and the drum stops turning, as the engine is dead.

“After about three hours, the concrete sets, and it takes two weeks for the dry concrete to be removed from the mixer, using a jackhammer.

“For us, it is not only about the loss of business, but also the driver we have to pay, as well as the embarrassment of not being able to deliver to a client who is in the process of building. So the Fusos have played a huge role in assisting us to be on time,” says Ramsamy.