JMC has moved up a weight division with the addition of a 4-tonne version of the Carrying – called the Plus – to the range.
With a price of under R300 000 in dropside configuration including the security of a 3-year/90 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, the newcomer is poised to add a much-needed element of affordability to the class.
Longer, larger and safer than the Carrying, the Carrying Plus sits on a 2 800 mm or 3 360mm wheelbase and has a dual-tyre rear axle, enabling it to comfortably manage a four-tonne payload. Two cabin widths are available: the standard 1 880mm version or 2 050mm.
The needs of the driver and up to two passengers has been high on the priority list: features such as power steering with height adjustment, and – on Lux versions – air conditioning and electric windows, all help to minimise human downtime.
Well-padded, ergonomically-designed seats (from Lear Corporation) ensure that driver fatigue will not be an issue while hard-wearing materials and quality plastics are designed with long life in mind.
Standard features include a radio, reverse warning alarm, front foglamps, dual sunvisors and generous cabin oddment space.
All this in a cabin now with additional high-strength steel in key places to increase rigidity and enhance not only safety but improve refinement.
Powered by a proven Isuzu-derived 2,8-litre turbodiesel mustering 84kW and 210Nm, the all-new JMC Carrying Plus is primarily designed with long days and short nights in mind: an 83-litre fuel tank maximises operating range.
A heavy-duty braking system includes ABS and an exhaust brake and drive is to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and 16-inch wheels are fitted, with heavy duty tyres. It is obvious the Plus is a real workaholic.
The Carrying Plus has a tare weight of 2 480 kilograms and has a gross vehicle mass of 6 500 for a payload of 4 020 kilograms thanks to the dual tyre rear axle. It can be ordered in three configurations: dropside, box van or tipper and all are built in Nanchang, China
When fitted with a dropside body the extended wheelbase (3 360mm) Carrying Plus boasts a cargo area of 4 155mm by 1 940mm, with a depth of 380mm. The latter number increases to or 2 050mm in wide-cabin guise. With a box body, dimensions are 4 080mm by 1 910mm/2 050mm (normal and wide-body respectively) and a height of 1 930 or 2 050mm.
