High spec DAF XF105s join docks haulier

A pair of high specification DAF XF105 mid-lift axle tractor units have joined the fleet of long-established Boston and the Humber ports haulier E T Morris & Sons Limited.

Neil Morris, Managing Director of the near 60 year old company, which has its headquarters in the Lincolnshire village of New York, says that the 105s were purchased in order to evaluate the model. The company has a fleet of 55 premium tractor units but has not previously run DAFs.

“We recognise the DAF XF105 as one of the main contenders at the premium end of the market,” he says. “And we want to see how the model performs, particularly in relation to fuel. We’ve also chosen a high spec, high horsepower model in line with our buying policy, which is aimed at ensuring an excellent standard of driver comfort, good fuel returns, and good residuals when we move our vehicles on.”

The DAFs will operate out of the company’s depot in Hull covering around 130,000 kms a year across the UK carrying a range of products into and from the Humber ports of Hull, Goole and Immingham. They’ll mainly be pulling tri-axle skeletal trailers that can carry 40 or 45 foot containers, or curtainsiders and flatbeds carrying forest products or steel.

ET Morris is known for operating vehicles at the high end of the horsepower range. In their new 105s they have opted for the 510 bhp (375 kW) rated version of the 12.9 litre MX engine. The DAFs will usually be running at their maximum weight of 44 tonnes and this amount of power will help to achieve good journey times without compromising on fuel economy. The company has also specified the AS-tronic automated transmission in line with its all-automatic policy.

“I think that automatics ensure ease of operation for the driver,” says Neil Morris. “In today’s busy traffic conditions they enable the driver to concentrate on driving safely and take some of the effort and stress out of the job. I also expect an automatic gearbox to contribute to better fuel efficiency because the system is always choosing the right gear for the conditions.”

Driver comfort is provided by the Super Space cab on the FTG XF105s. This has an unequalled amount of space at 210 cms (6 feet 11 inches) from the top of the engine tunnel to the roof. There’s ample storage space, two comfortable bunks and a powerful night heater. Air conditioning ensures a pleasant ambience when on the road.

The smart styling of the Super Space cab is enhanced by the ‘skylight’ halogen spotlamps contoured into the roof line. A full air management kit will also help to improve fuel consumption.

DAF dealer Imperial Commercials of Scunthorpe supplied the trucks.