Four axle DAF offers flexibility to plant hire firm
Considerable flexibility in the use of a new DAF that recently entered service with Fife company Robert Purvis Plant Hire Limited has come from the ability to alter the body from a beavertail to a full flatbed and by fitting a high capacity crane.
The four-axle configuration of the FAD CF85 adds further flexibility because it ensures an inherently stable platform for the transport of plant and equipment and its twin steering axles provide excellent manoeuvrability - especially useful at sites with restricted access. Good off-road capability also comes from the specification of the heavy-duty, dual-drive DAF HR1355T bogie with hub reduction axles that incorporate cross and inter-axle diff locks.
Much of the DAF’s work involves the movement of portable site buildings for the Purvis Group’s Thistle Accommodation subsidiary. For this purpose the four foot long beavertail section can be hydraulically raised to create a continuous flat deck of 26 feet. In this position the rear ‘cheese wedge’ ramps are folded down flat to allow a rear overhang.
Falkirk firm Outreach built the body and fitted the Palfinger crane, which is the latest PK 5000S-EHD 50 metre/tonne model with a maximum outreach of 14.1 metres, at which it can lift 2.9 tonnes. This enables the precise placing of buildings, even where there are intervening obstacles, and also allows their double-stacking where required. The crane can be remotely controlled by means of a wireless infra-red system.
When being used in its plant carrying role with the beavertail down, the angle of approach up the ramps can be further reduced by deflating the air bags. And the crane can also be used to load/unload non-mobile plant such as generators or disabled equipment.
With 460 bhp (340 kW) the DAF has an ample 14.4 bhp/tonne power to weight ratio to ensure good journey times without compromising fuel efficiency. At this rating the MX engine delivers 2300 Nm of torque at between 1000 and 1410 rpm to make moving off easier in all road or load conditions.
Driver Grant Wishert is said to be very impressed with his new DAF in which he expects to cover around 150,000 kilometres a year. It features the AS-tronic 12-speed automated transmission, which will contribute to reduced driving effort and stress, along with increased safety. An MX engine brake is also fitted to assist braking on descents and which will reduce the wear on the service brakes.
Craig Purvis, a director of the family-owned firm, says that he’s very pleased with the new DAF and with the support he received from supplying deal Lothian DAF of Edinburgh. “In the current economic climate it’s particularly important to be as flexible as possible and to optimise the use of every asset. Working with Lothian DAF and Outreach we’ve been able to develop a truck that meets a variety of needs and which I am sure will serve us well for many years”.
During its first year routine servicing will be undertaken by DAF service dealer Drummond Motor Company of Kirkcaldy who will carry out the work at times to suit Robert Purvis Plant Hire’s operational needs. Thereafter it will be maintained in their own well-equipped workshops at their purpose-built site in Lochgelly.
