Feature Article

Ahead of the traffic

John Fillmore Contracting (JFC) has established itself over more than 50 years as a leading infrastructure and civil construction specialist – supported by a fleet of 27 Fuso trucks, its newly minted Alliance traffic management division has recently taken delivery of four new 6x4 Fighter FN2428 units.

Operating out of Mangere, Auckland – with a portfolio of work including Auckland’s waterfront and Britomart redevelopments and Christchurch’s iconic Margaret Mahy playground – JFC has since diversified into the growing traffic management industry.

“We started out just working on our own jobs, but the growth in the industry means we’re now flat-out working for other people as well,” says JFC plant supervisor Allen Munro.

“A major project we’ve got on at the moment is providing protection for the crews installing barriers on the Waikato Expressway between Huntly and Te Kauwhata, where the speed limit is being raised to 110km/h.”

The four Fighter FN2428 trucks will operate as traffic attenuators – one is already on the job, with the rest at the bodybuilders at the time of this interview.

“The first one has been on the road for just over 12 months now,” says Allen. “It has more than proved itself and we didn’t hesitate in going back for more.”

Each unit accommodates for a crew of five, and the double rear axle allows a hefty 23,500kg GVM, accommodating the bodyweight requirements of an attenuator with the capacity to carry cones, signs, sand bags, stands and any other gear the crew might need.

“The Fighters can be driven on a Class 2 licence, which makes the logistics and management of them much easier,” says Allen.

“I’ve also had great feedback from our drivers on the choice of the automatic transmission – everyone loves it because of the Auckland traffic!”

With plans to further expand their fleet, JFC’s trusted relationship with Fuso continues to grow from strength to strength.

Enduring relationship

John Fillmore started the business with a single truck, helping Auckland homeowners to create their dream gardens. Fast forward 50 years and managing director Sam Fillmore, John’s son, now oversees more than 220 staff and 300 pieces of plant and machinery.

Along with the acquisition of a number of other businesses and the opening of its own workshop, one of the biggest changes to the JFC model in recent times has been a dedication to the Fuso brand.

Plant Supervisor Allen Munro says that since Sam purchased his first FUSO HD tipper-trailer five years ago, he hasn’t looked back.

“Initially we were attracted because it was road-ready and was competitively priced,” says Allen. “We continued to buy them because they’re reliable, hardworking trucks and we appreciate the great service we get from Amanda Cotter at KAT.”

JFC now has ten HD FV2547 8x4 units fitted with four-axle trailers working between quarries and work sites all across Auckland, hauling up to 31-tonnes of earth, rock and other construction materials.

The original unit has racked up more than 200,000km. Equipped with a 12-speed automatic manual transmission, Allen says it has helped to reduce maintenance costs.

“We don’t have any clutch problems anymore and the drivers really seem to like it, because it allows them to concentrate on driving and is easier on their bodies at the end of a shift.”

With New Zealand’s construction boom still in full swing and John Fillmore’s legacy in safe hands, JFC and its associated companies can look forward to continued growth, ably supported by a fleet of trusty, hardworking Fusos.

Fighter FN2428 Allison auto (LWB model)

Tare weight: 6,685/6,805/7,104kg

Power/torque: 207kW / 802Nm

Transmission: 6-speed Allison auto

Service intervals: 30,000km