DAF drawbars support new removals system

A container-based system for domestic removals that is widely used on the Continent has been introduced into the UK by Britannia Lanes using a trio of DAF CF85 drawbar outfits.

The CT box system uses a type of stretched ISO container that is 25 feet long compared to the standard 20 feet container. At 9.5 feet high a CT box is also another 18 inches higher, with the result that the volume of 1,625 cubic feet is 42% more than a standard 20 foot container and also considerably bigger than conventional removal containers.

Britannia Lanes, which is the leading independent removals company in the South West, has bought a dozen CT boxes and is using them out of its head office in Truro and depots in Exeter and Bristol.

One of the DAF CF85s drawbars is based at each location, providing the ability to swap boxes between the trucks. This will add considerable flexibility to the Lanes operation, particularly on longer distance moves, because each vehicle can carry a CT box for each of two different customers and part-loads can be offered.

The 5.7 metre wheelbase DAF CF85s have had special demount handling equipment for the CT boxes fitted by Transport Enterprises of Leicester, who also fitted a tail-lift. Unique Van Bodies of Warrington completed the customising of the DAFs by adding fully enclosed sideskirts and a 150 square feet box behind the cab in which to store packing materials and load restraint equipment.

The DAFs have been luxuriously specified by Lanes to provide a high level of driver comfort. Each features the DAF Space Cab with air conditioning, high-back leather-trimmed air-suspended seats with headrests for both driver and mate, a wooden dash, leather covered steering wheel, a refrigerator, and a six-speaker CD system.

The mechanical specification includes the 12-speed ZF AS-tronic automatic transmission. Managing Director, Mark Lane, says that the use of an automatic gearbox will not only help to reduce driver fatigue but will also cut down on the wear and tear on clutches. He adds that this, together with better fuel consumption, should result in the additional cost being recouped quite quickly.

In line with their strong stance on the environment, Lanes have gone straight to the Euro 5 emissions level on the 12.9 litre DAF MX engine, which is rated at 410 bhp (300 kW). Mark Lane says that further environmental benefits will come from the increased efficiency of these vehicles and the CT box system.

Wessex DAF of Newton Abbot supplied the trucks.