If you are looking at the 7.5 tonne truck market for the first time, there is a reasonable choice of makes and models available – both new and used. We take a look at the best options for you, depending on the duty cycle the truck will be put to.
First of all, regardless of the make and model of 7.5 tonner, remember that a 7.5 tonne truck will require not only the correct driver’s licence (or age of driver for grandad’s rights) but also an Operator’s Licence (O-Licence) so give yourself plenty of time to apply for this and make sure that you have somewhere to keep the truck, as the O-Licence is for the truck, company and the premises where it will be kept.
All 7.5 tonne truck models in the UK
Scania, Volvo and Renault Trucks do not have a 7.5 tonne truck in their ranges (although Renault used to and even make the cab for the DAF LF still)
- DAF LF “BEST ALLROUND 7.5 TONNE TRUCK”
- Isuzu N75 “BEST FOR PAYLOAD”
- Iveco Eurocargo
- Man TGL “BEST 7.5 TONNE CAB INTERIOR”
- Mercedes Atego “BEST LOOKING 7.5 Tonner”
- Mitsubishi Fuso Canter
The Best 7.5 Tonners for High Payload Operation
That’s the problem with 7.5 tonne trucks, once you have fitted a body – especially a heavy one like a tipper or vehicle recovery body plus any ancillaries such as a crane, tail lift, tool boxes etc. you will find that you have very little available payload before you hit the legal 7.5 tonne ceiling. This explains the relative decline of 7.5 tonne segment in recent years.
Once upon a time, these trucks could be driven on a normal car licence (hence Grandad’s rights above) which meant that there were fewer hurdles for an operator to jump over to operate one. Since this is no longer the case, as similar level of driving licence is now required for a 10 or 12-tonner which look more or less the same but can carry three or four times as much payload as a 7.5 tonner.
So, if you want a 7.5 tonne tipper, recovery truck or fit some heavy ancillaries to your truck and still expect to get over two tonnes on the truck there are only really two trucks in the running:
- Isuzu N75
- Mitsubishi Fuso Canter
The origins of both of these trucks are in Japan. This is where the trucks are built smaller and lighter than their European counterparts and this is reflected in the payloads. However, there are downsides to these trucks; the ride is typically less comfortable than the other trucks and there is a lot less room in the cabs – especially for three occupants.
Winner – Best High Payload 7.5 tonne truck is the Isuzu N75
However, we would buy a larger truck. Or the 7.2 tonne Iveco Daily which has the payload, a modern cab but isn’t a 7.5 tonner despite having a higher payload than most!
The Best Looking 7.5 Tonne Truck
This is clearly subjective, but the market leading DAF LF is looking a little old fashioned – DAF has replaced the rest of their range but the smallest truck is still waiting on a new cab. The Iveco Eurocargo with its ‘smile’ is an acquired taste and we have to discount it for this reason. The Isuzu and Fuso look too much like vans for us to vote for them in this category. This leaves the MAN TGL and the Mercedes Atego. The TGL is too box-like for our tase, whereas the Atego looks and feels like the larger trucks in the Mercedes stable with a modern appearance and crisp, sharp lines.
Winner – Best Looking 7.5 tonne truck is the Mercedes Atego
Best 7.5 Tonne Truck Interior
If you are to spend all day behind the wheel – or even sleeping overnight in the cab then the interior of the 7.5 tonner is important. Taking into account driver assistance aids as standard, comfort, look and feel, we believe the MAN TGL tops the pack.
Winner – Best 7.5 tonne interior is the MAN TGL
The Best Overall 7.5 Tonne Truck
This is a hard award to give, as it depends what you want the truck for. However, if you need an everyday reliable performer that doesn’t cost the earth with top after sales support then we have to stick with the tried and tested DAF LF. If buying new then there is a choice of ready-bodied options, whilst on the used market, they are the most common and therefore you will end up with a wider choice of configurations.
Winner – Best 7.5 overall is the DAF LF
If you are looking to buy a used 7.5 tonne truck, view all 7.5 tonners for sale at Truckpages