Low weight, rear-steer DAF works well in a tight spot

The exceptional manoeuvrability of DAF’s rear-steer CF75 FAN model is making it easier for building materials supplier Simmons of Stafford to deliver to premises with restricted access.

With the DAF making up to 30 drops a day it’s important to achieve a fast turnaround at each drop site. Where access is tight, time can be wasted manoeuvring the vehicle into position to unload and here the rear-steer really comes into its own.

Driver Mark Lockhart is impressed by the DAF’s capabilities. “Reversing into tight spaces is much easier,” he says, “and I can usually position the truck much more quickly and precisely, which allows me to use the rear-mounted crane to place materials exactly where the customer wants them.”

A further benefit is that by lifting the rear-steer axle additional traction can be applied to the drive axle, which can be helpful when surface conditions are slippery. This facility also cuts down on tyre wear as the axle can be lifted when the truck is returning light to its depot.

The low weight of the 6x2 DAF, enhanced by Alcoa alloy wheels and an all-alloy body, was also a strong factor in Simmons choice of the CF75, says Transport Manager Anthony Rowley.

“Even with its big Hiab crane the truck weighs in at just 11,300 kg,” he says. “This gives us a payload of 14.7 tonnes and this low weight must also contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption on the return leg of a delivery.”

Simmons have also specified the AS-tronic automatic transmission as a further measure towards achieving good fuel efficiency. “As well as contributing to more consistent fuel returns, the automatic also helps to reduce driver fatigue in a very demanding job, which must improve driving safety.”

Further driver comfort is provided by cruise control and air-conditioning. Mark Lockhart also had a say in the finer detail of the specification of his new truck, resulting in air horns, a full-width tinted sun visor, and a walnut-effect dashboard being included.

The all-alloy, triple-dropside body was manufactured by Stoke-on-Trent bodybuilders Stag. At the back of the truck is a Hiab 111BS-2 crane of 9.3 tonne/metres capacity with a maximum reach of 7.4 metres and powered by a gearbox-mounted PTO. The crane has in-built intelligence to recognise whether it is in hook mode or if an attachment, such as a brick grab, is being used.

The truck was supplied by DAF dealer Imperial Commercials through their Stoke-on-Trent dealership. Anthony Rowley says that as a long-established family run firm, Simmons is keen to support local businesses, such as Imperial and Stag, and that he is particularly pleased to be putting a high quality British built truck into the firm’s five-strong fleet.