Williams take nine XF105s to support move onto Continent
Nine DAF XF105s have joined the fleet of Huntingdonshire operator Williams Transport to support the recent extension of its activities onto the Continent.
Although a general haulier, Williams has created a niche in the movement of recycled materials using a fleet of walking floor trailers. The recent win of a third paper mill customer in the UK, a requirement to collect material from as far away as West Germany, and a contract to move woodchip to a chipboard plant in Belgium, have led the company to extend its operations into mainland Europe.
The 44 tonne, mid-lift axle FTG XF105s are involved in this work and will each cover around 140,000 kilometres a year collecting the material and delivering it to mills in North Wales, Kent and Norfolk.
The DAFs haul 13.5 metre trailers which can be loaded through the roof or from the back with discharge by means of the walking floor without the need for tipping. The tractors are fitted with a 600 litre alloy tank that splits 400/200 between diesel and the hydraulic oil needed for the trailers. A wide range of loose materials as well as palletised loads can be carried in the trailers and this added flexibility enables Williams to maintain full-load running at well over 80% across the fleet.
Trackers are fitted to the DAFs through which Williams will gather a range of data to help to improve productivity, fuel efficiency and driving standards. Their approach is to take things step-by-step and initially they are only looking at unnecessary idling and the frequency with which cruise control is engaged. Engines have to be run to power the walking floor mechanism but there are times when it is being run for other reasons, such as to heat the cab, even though each has a powerful night heater.
Drivers have commented favourably on the good torque characteristics of the 12.9 litre MX engine in the new DAFs. Williams have opted for the 460 bhp (340 kW) rated version, which delivers a generous 2300 Nm at between 1000 and 1410 rpm to assist easy move-offs in all road and load conditions.
With the engine being Euro 5 compliant and Williams regularly running into the London LEZ, the company is also future-proofed against any further hike in the LEZ emissions level beyond Euro 4, which takes effect from 3rd January 2012.
The 105s are Super Space Cab models offering a large amount of space and a high level of comfort for drivers who live in them for most of the week. There’s a large drawer for bedding and personal gear underneath the well-proportioned bunk, the night heater has a timer, a fridge is fitted, and the internal height of 2.1 metres makes moving around easy for even the tallest driver.
When on the road an air-suspended seat ensures a comfortable ride and in-cab entertainment is provided by a luxury radio/CD player with a six speaker sound system. A hands free ‘phone kit has also been installed and the electric door locks are remotely controlled.
The DAFs were supplied through DAF dealer Marshalls of Cambridge and were painted at the factory in Williams standard cream base colour. Malcolm Shovelton, General Manager at Williams, said that this resulted in a better finish that will remain in good condition for longer.
Maintenance will be carried out in Williams’ well-equipped, purpose-built workshop at their site on the A14 at Easton near Huntingdon. Parts and any specialist technical support will be provided by Marshalls.
