DAF 105 gives Gordons a big lift in Yorkshire

Gordons Transport of Goole have chosen a 6x4 DAF XF105 tractor on which to mount a high-capacity PM crane to lift and move portable and modular buildings, plant and machinery.

Although the FTT model is designed to be operated at in excess of 100 tonnes, Gordons have their new truck plated at 44 tonnes. At this weight they could have used a mid-lift axle tractor but the double-drive FTT model is more suited to accommodate the big PM 65/tonne metre crane mounted behind the cab. The FTT has a 9000kg rated front axle compared to the standard 7100kg on a mid-lift and the bogie also adds an additional 400kg of capacity.

At 375 kW (510 bhp) the 12.9 litre DAF MX engine in the FTT delivers plenty of power to help maintain good journey times without compromising fuel efficiency. Torque of 2500 Nm across an engine speed range between 1000 and 1410 rpm also helps ensure easy move-offs even in slippery site conditions and whatever the load.

Driver Stewart Nicholson is said to be very pleased with his new truck both from a performance and a comfort point of view. It has the DAF Super Space cab, which offers excellent headroom and a comfortable bunk for the nights that he’s away, along with plenty of storage space for his personal gear, wet weather clothing and site PPE. A fridge and radio/CD player add further to his comfort.

This latest addition to Gordons’ 17-vehicle fleet is running with a tri-axle flatbed trombone trailer specially built for them by Weightmaster of Garthorpe in Lincolnshire. In its normal condition the trailer is just 10.67 metres (35 feet) long, which helps manoeuvrability at sites where access is restricted, but it can extend to 16.76 metres (55 feet). Lifting the rear axle also significantly reduces the overall turning circle.

Features include rear marker boards that are designed to be pulled out a further 1.5 metres (5 feet), avoiding the need to attach marker triangles to the load itself. Side lockers carry the pads for the crane stabiliser legs along with load restraint equipment. And with a locker to store the heavy lifting attachments fixed to the headboard, the driver can place them straight in without having to lift them himself.

The trailer neck is just 100mm deep to reduce the angle of the deck and lessen the load on the air bags on the rearmost axle. Three different pressure settings on the air bags enable the overall load height to be reduced and also allow the trailer to be used with tractors that have different coupling pin heights.

Jonathan Atkinson, managing director of the family firm which this year marks 30 years in business, says he’s delighted with the new DAF. “It’s a great looking truck that presents a good image for our business,” he says.

“Our experience with other 105s and 95s in the fleet shows that DAFs are good on fuel, require minimal maintenance and are liked by drivers. They’re also keenly priced and represent good value for money,” he adds. “We’ll keep this truck for around five years and when we move it on I know that we can expect a decent residual value.

“The good relationship we have with the supplying dealer, Imperial Commercials, is also a key factor in our decision to buy DAF. We’ll be servicing and maintaining the truck in our own workshop at Beal with parts and warranty back-up from the dealer.”