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Engine enhancements boost efficiency at Jack Richards & Son

20th June 2012 Print
DAF Trucks

National haulage company Jack Richards & Son Ltd has reported delight with the performance of some of its DAF XF105.460 Space cab 6x2 FTG tractors, powered by the new and improved PACCAR MX engine.
 
The Fakenham-headquartered transport operator says that, due to the engine enhancements that have been made to the 12.9-litre unit, big fuel savings are being achieved, in turn cutting operating costs.
 
“We have definitely seen an improvement since the new MX engines have been introduced,” says Tony Richards, Chairman at Jack Richards & Son. “It is dependent on the driver, but the average is an improvement of 0.3mpg.” Mr Richards says his best drivers are now getting close to 10mpg, and adds that the fleet average is up to 8.6mpg.
 
The new MX engine now features an encapsulated exhaust manifold unit, which helps improve air management and subsequently results in a more efficient combustion process. Elsewhere, new pistons with better thermal properties are used on the 360bhp, 410bhp and 460bhp models. These pistons have better thermal properties and require less cooling, meaning a smaller pump is required to attain maximum efficiency. Finally improvements have been made to the injection angles and engine management system, making the combustion process cleaner, which results in lower emissions.
 
Mr Richards says he expects the fuel savings to increase over time, further justifying the company’s decision to move to an all-DAF XF fleet by the middle of 2012. “The XF105 provides us with a reliable, durable, and cost-effective truck, one that our guys like to drive.
 
“DAF looks after me well, the dealer network and everything about it is first class. The service that DAF and North West Trucks provides, coupled with excellent residual values, ensure that it is our tractor unit of choice,” adds Mr Richards.
 
He says that as well as the new engine, DAF has afforded him more opportunities of improving efficiency. “We have made further efficiency gains because for the MX engine we opted for the long drain oil, which means one oil change a year. Also because we’ve got the same model across the fleet, the technicians are familiar with all the trucks and can identify, and solve, any problems quicker.”
 
Headquartered in Fakenham, Jack Richards & Son operates more than 180 trucks, the majority being DAF XF105 tractor units. As well as the base in Norfolk, the company has depots in Northwich and Wisbech and satellite sites in Thrapston and Norwich.

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