High spec DAF third in a row for Hunter Haulage

A top of the range XF105 tractor unit is the third DAF in succession for owner-driver Bert Hunter, who mainly hauls stone around central Scotland. He’s so proud of the new truck he’s given it the same affectionate nickname ‘Minnie’ that he uses for his wife.

The truck has also got the personal plate Y500 DAF that has adorned Bert’s previous two XF95s. They were rated at 480 and 530 bhp respectively, but now he’s opted for a more modest 460, which still packs a powerful punch with a torque level of 2300 Nm and which he expects to deliver the same good fuel efficiency.

Bert hasn’t skimped on luxury either, choosing the very roomy Space cab, even though he makes it home every night. In there he’s got a stylish wood-effect dashboard, a fridge, and a top-of-the-range radio/cd player with a six speaker sound system. There’s also plenty of storage space for his personal gear, including any personal protective clothing he may need when in quarries or on sites.

Externally the truck looks stunning in the company’s red, black and white livery, designed and applied by local firm H M Graphics of Bo’ness. A full-width sun visor, four roof-mounted spotlamps and a stainless-steel lighting bar in front of the radiator in which another four spots are housed, all add to the impressive appearance. On the roof there’s a pair of hazard beacons which confirm that this is definitely a working truck!

As well as the luxury items, the new DAF has a couple of features to help make it more productive. Although it normally operates with a Wilcox bulk tipping trailer, Bert needs the flexibility to occasionally hitch something else behind and running with different trailers is made easier by the Fontaine sliding fifth wheel.

The fuel tank is interesting too. It combines both a diesel tank and a compartment for hydraulic oil for the trailer tipping gear, which is driven off a gearbox mounted PTO. There’s room for 330 litres of diesel and around 200 litres of oil.

The new DAF is an FTG mid-lift axle 6x2 model powered by the 12.9 litre MX engine. As well as delivering a plentiful 460 bhp (340 kW), there’s an ample 2300 Nm of torque between 1000 and 1410 rpm to help Bert get the trucking moving in even the most slippery of conditions. ASR Traction control is a standard feature of the 105 and if further help is needed, there’s a mechanical diff lock to engage.

The engine meets the Euro 5 emissions standard through the use of SCR technology. It is matched to a 16-speed 16S2020 manual gearbox.

Bert Hunter expects to keep his new DAF for four years during which time it will clock up almost half a million kilometres. He’ll then be looking for a good residual value for a ‘one owner’ truck that will have been lovingly cared for, just as he did with his previous two DAFs.

Lothian DAF of Loanhead, Edinburgh, prepared and supplied the truck.