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Flexible rear-steer DAF helps raise productivity at Speedy

25th February 2011 Print
DAF CF

The ability of a new DAF drawbar outfit to carry several pieces of plant or large site cabins, to self load/unload, and to get in and out of tight spots more easily is bringing increased productivity to plant hire specialists Speedy.

Working closely with dealer Lancashire DAF and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, the company developed a comprehensive specification for the truck to optimise its capabilities. This began by choosing the longest wheelbase available for the CF85 prime mover in its FAX rear-steer four-axle 8x2 configuration.

At 7.1 metres this allowed Manchester bodybuilder PPS Commercials to fit a 6.55 metre metre flatbed body, even with the Super Space cab and the crane that sits behind it. PPS also fitted a flatbed body onto the close-coupled two axle trailer by Wheelbase Engineering to give a combined deck length sufficient for several pieces of plant to be carried.

Both front axles were specified to the 9 tonne optional higher weight to take account of the crane.  This is a Hiab XS377EP-3 HiDuo model with a capacity of 10 tonnes at a 3.2 metre reach and 3.2 tonnes at its maximum 10.2 metre reach. It has a six function radio remote control backed up by a set of levers for emergency use and employs Hiab’s Variable Stability Limit for added safety. The crane was fitted by Cargotec of Telford.

The choice of the FAX rear-steer model of the CF85 makes it easier to use the truck at sites where space is restricted. The axle self steers at low speeds but is locked in the straight position once above crawling speed.

The new DAF is based at the Speedy depot at Foston near Derby. From here it makes up to four drops and collections a day throughout the north of England up to the Scottish border and across the Midlands. It’s expected to cover around 100,000 kilometres a year.

Driver Steve Moody is said to be delighted with his new truck. He particularly appreciates the spaciousness of the Super Space cab, which offers ample storage for his personal gear, including wet weather clothing and PPE required on sites.

At 410 horsepower (300 kW) he’s got plenty of power at his fingertips. And the choice of the AS-tronic automated transmission allows him to focus on the road without the need to think about gear selection and clutch operation.

The outfit is on a seven year full contract hire deal with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions. This includes a comprehensive maintenance and vehicle management package that includes RFL, six-weekly inspections and annual tests, tachograph calibration, and tyres. All that Speedy need to cover is insurance, fuel in the tank, a driver at the wheel and the cost of repairs.

Speedy Director, Ian Leonard, says that they are very pleased with the new DAF. “It’s already proving to be a very efficient truck to operate and will help us to improve the service we offer to our customers.

“We always need to find ways to improve every aspect or our operation in order to optimise the use of our many thousands of high value items of plant and machinery. This DAF will help us to do that.”

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DAF CF