Factory bodied DAFs prove very affordable for window makers
The leading trade manufacturer of UPVC windows in the North West has replaced the bulk of its delivery fleet with 16 DAF LF45s with factory-fitted boxvan bodies.
Blackpool based Affordable Window Group, which also trades as 21st Century PVC, chose the DAFs following good experience with two it was already running.
Operations Director John McVey felt that having both chassis and body produced in one place would lead to more consistency of finish as well as simplifying the ordering process and any after-sales support issues. This ‘one stop shop’ process also reduced leadtimes by around three weeks.
“Now we have vehicles with cabs that are in a factory finished white that is exactly the same white as the paint on the body,” he says. “And I know too that the same rigorous quality checking processes that are followed when assembling the chassis are also in place during the manufacture and fitting of the body. It all adds up to the consistency of quality and finish for the entire vehicle that we were seeking.”
For Affordable Windows volume is more an issue than weight. With a wheelbase of 4.65 metres the sleeper-cabbed LF45s can take a 6.1 metre body to give a loadspace of 36 cubic metres. Fully opening barn type rear doors allow easy loading/unloading of even the largest items and an adjustable roof spoiler helps overcome wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
The sleeper cab is required because the company makes deliveries to all parts of the UK and drivers can be away several nights a week. The LF45 cab offers comfortable accommodation with a generously sized bunk, ample storage space, an Air Top 2000 auxiliary heater, and high quality radio/CD player.
Power for the trucks is from the 4.5 litre FR103 engine rated at 160 bhp (118 kW) to give a comfortable 21.3 bhp/tonne of power to weight enabling good journey times to be achieved. It is also Euro 5 compliant, which means drops into the London LEZ are not a problem. The engine is matched to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The DAFs have been acquired on a three year operating lease through PACCAR Financial. This incorporates a Repair & Maintenance contract with the work being carried out at times to suit Affordable Windows operational needs by their local DAF service dealer Simmons Commercials of Poulton le Fylde.
The fact that the complete vehicles were built just a few miles away in Leyland and that the supplying dealer is Lancashire DAF were also factors in the decision. “We are a Lancashire company employing 150 local people and it’s good that we are able to support other local firms by buying products made in the County,” says Mr McVey.
“But we still have to be sure of the quality, the back-up and a competitive price,” he adds. “With these new DAFs – and based on past experience – we are benefiting from all three and we’re getting good service support from Simmons, who are on our doorstep.”
