The choice by Cheshire bulk tanker operator Arclid Transport of DAF’s CF mid-lift axle FTP model along with fitting alloy wheels has resulted in a weight of just 7,780 kgs with a driver and half a tank of fuel. The combination of the low-weight DAF CF tractor with an alloy Feldbinder tanker results in an outfit that can achieve a payload of 28,300 kg at 44.00 tonnes gross weight.
Around half a tonne is shaved off the weight of the CF by the use of 17.5 inch wheels on the lift axle rather than the 22.5 inch wheels normally found on this type of 6×2. Further weight is saved by fitting Alcoa alloy wheels and the extensive use of alloy in the 42 cubic metre tank also contributes to the low overall weight.
Peter Conway, Transport Manager at the Cheshire company, says: “This is the first Euro 6 vehicle in our 25 strong fleet and I’m very pleased that DAF have been able to provide us with a tractor unit that meets the new emissions standard yet comes in at a very good weight. As a result and based on good experience since we first introduced this model in 2009, we’ve now made the FTP our standard when it comes to choosing tractor units.
“We’ve also now adopted the practice of fitting the blowing and tipping equipment to the tank rather than the tractor and this brings several benefits. It reduces the weight of the tractor, allows us to use the trailer with other tractors that are not fitted with a PTO, such as sub contractor vehicles, and cuts our fuel costs because we can use red diesel in the JCB donkey engine and there’s no idle running of the truck engine. Add to that the excellent payload we get from this configuration and we have a very productive and hopefully more profitable vehicle.
“Appearance is also important to us and the new DAF CF model is very stylish. We’ve enhanced that with Skylights fared into the roofline, a roof mounted Kelsa lighting bar with four spots and hazard beacons, extra lights above the full-width sun visor, and fog lights in the bumper.
“With the tractor coming from the factory painted in our distinctive purple livery, we had only to add a white stripe and lettering to achieve a real head-turner of the truck that presents a great image for our business.”
Based out of their headquarters at Arclid in Cheshire, the DAF and Feldbinder tank will be covering around 100,000 kms a year delivering a range of products from sand to salt. Most work will be in the UK but the company holds an international licence, so it can operate on the Continent. And Arclid’s TASCC registration brings added operational flexibility as it allows the Feldbinder tank to be used to carry food products as well as industrial materials.
To achieve optimum journey times without compromising on fuel efficiency Arclid has specified the top power rating available in the new PACCAR MX-13 engine. At 510 bhp (375 kW), this delivers a comfortable 11.6 bhp/tonne of power to weight to ensure that the truck can cope easily with all road and load conditions and quickly reach and maintain the best cruising speed for fuel economy. This is also supported by the specification of a 12-speed AS-tronic automated transmission.
Driver Andy Griffin is said to be very pleased with his new DAF. The Space Cab provides a good working environment with the new layout of the instrument panel making it easier to read and the fingertip use of most frequently used controls, which are integrated into the steering column. The bright colour information display also incorporates DAF’s Driver Performance Assistant, which helps Andy to get the best out of the truck.
There’s ample room in the cab for him to move around and a very comfortable bunk for use during rest periods. The cab bristles with storage space and a Tom Tom telematics system provides safe and easy communication with base as well as allowing Arclid to track the truck.
Imperial Commercials of Stoke-on-Trent supplied the DAF and will carry out six-weekly inspections and servicing out of hours to ensure no disruption to Arclid’s operations. The vehicle is also covered by a two year Repair & Maintenance contract.
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