Big DAF helps with the heavy lifts

A DAF XF105 plated to operate at up to 100 tonnes under STGO Cat 3 regulations is providing support to a 220 tonne mobile crane that’s the flagship of the fleet at Longton Crane Hire of Stoke-on-Trent.

The 6 x 4 FTT model runs with a purpose-built King trailer carrying ballast for the Grove crane on heavy lifting jobs throughout the Midlands and North West of England. The rear four axles of the six-axle 16-metre trailer are self-steering to aid manoeuvring in confined spaces and it is coupled to the DAF by a Jost heavy-duty sliding fifth wheel.

The 105 is well specified for this demanding work. The front axle, which is on super singles, is rated at 9 tonnes and the rear axles each at 13 tonnes. Power is from the 12.9 litre DAF MX engine rated at 510 bhp (375 kW) and which meets the Euro 5 emissions standard through the use of SCR technology.

This six-cylinder unit delivers a massive 2,500 Nm of torque between 1,000 and 1,410 Nm to help get the truck moving in all road and load conditions. Cross axle and differential locks on the hub reduction axles of the double-drive bogie also assist when the going gets slippery. Matched to the engine is a 16-speed ZF 16S2500 transmission.

Richard Dale, managing director, says: “The DAF is well up to the job and looks very impressive. We’re a long time user of DAF products and know them to be reliable, fuel efficient, and cost-effective to run. We also get good support from the local dealer, Imperial Commercials, who supplied the truck.”

Andrew Kettrick is the man at the wheel of the DAF 100 tonner. He’s also a qualified crane operator and he and the crane driver work as a team to rig and de-rig the Grove crane when on site. As work can often take place at night Andrew and his colleague are able to take advantage of the spacious and comfortable sleeper cab in which to rest and take their breaks.

With an internal height of almost two metres there’s plenty of room for them to move around comfortably and get into their wet weather clothing. There’s also ample storage for any PPE and other personal gear they may need. Further comfort is provided by a radio/CD player and a refrigerator. Other factory-fitted features of the DAF include a full-width external tinted sun visor, twin roof-mounted hazard beacons, a reverse warning alarm, and a 545 litre aluminium fuel tank.

Longton Crane Hire will maintain the 105 in their well-equipped workshops in Stoke-on-Trent with technical and parts support from Imperial Commercials.

The company is a long-established independent crane hire specialist. It has the capability to lift loads of up to 220 tonnes, although much of the work now undertaken is reach work involving the placing of plant and equipment onto the roofs of buildings.