Local service nets DAF deal with Maxim Logistics

Corby company Maxim Logistics have put a further three of DAF’s top-of-the-range XF105 tractor units into service in their 50 vehicle fleet, bringing to five the number that they now run.

The deal is a direct result of the good performance from a pair of 105s that they acquired in May. Their decision to give the XF105 a try was also largely based on the availability of local service support following the opening last year of a new parts and service dealership in Corby by Ford and Slater.

With almost six months of experience of the 105 now under their belt, Maxim has been pleased with the fuel consumption, which is averaging 8.8 mpg. The level of comfort, both when driving and when living in the cab, has made the model popular with their drivers. They’ve also appreciated the reduced driving effort and stress resulting from the specification of an automatic transmission.

Like the first two, the three latest 105s are mid-lift axle FTG 44 tonners. Maxim has opted for the 460 horsepower rated version of the 12.9 litre MX engine and again chosen the AS-tronic automatic gearbox. At this power rating the engine delivers an ample 10.45 bhp per tonne of power to weight whilst still achieving good fuel economy. The trucks are running with tri-axle curtain-sided trailers and are expected to cover around 120,000 kilometres a year.

Maxim Group managing director, Andy Lawrence says: “The availability of Ford and Slater’s new purpose-built service dealership in Corby was a significant factor in our decision to buy the first pair of 105s and their good performance led directly to these latest three.

“All are on a Repair and Maintenance contract and Ford and Slater’s ability to take them in for servicing out of hours means that we lose no downtime and we get the maximum amount of operational time out of the trucks.”

The 105s feature DAF’s well equipped Super Space cab, which well deserves its name from the generous amount of internal space it offers. Head height is good, enabling even the tallest drivers to stand up comfortably; the bunk is large and comfortable; and there’s plenty of storage space for personal gear and food, including a fridge.

Externally the trucks look impressive. Maxim have been able to use the large amount of space above the windscreen to boldly display their company name and logo and a full air management kit and full-width tinted sun visor both add to the stylish appearance of the trucks.

Maxim Logistics specialises in serving the food and pharmaceutical sectors, where it has a number of blue chip customers. Its headquarters at Corby include extensive warehousing and storage facilities included a dedicated licensed warehouse for medical products.