More fuel and space for John Owen Aggregates
A DAF CF85 four-axle tipper with automatic AS-tronic transmission is returning 8.6 miles/gal for John Owen Aggregates, and managing director Leon Gull says that the fuel efficiency is largely down to the vehicle’s special gearbox.
‘AS-tronic is around 70kg lighter than a manual gearbox,’ he said, ‘and this, along with other weight-saving features such as Alcoa alloy wheels and an aluminium body, helps lift the payload to almost 21 tonnes.’
Peterborough-based Rouse Bodies supplied the 30yd3 body, which is raised by Harsh underfloor K1000 twin rams and features a Harsh ‘slide and go’ electrically operated sheeting system.
The truck also has a sleep cab, which is unusual for tippers in service. Mr Gull continued:‘This gives us a lot more flexibility to work anywhere in the UK, when the driver, for example, needs to stay overnight or for short spells to support a major construction project.’
Andy Hague, the driver of the DAF CF85 tipper, sometimes sleeps in the cab for up to three nights a week. At 6ft 3in tall, Mr Hague is a tall man, yet he finds there is still plenty of room to move around, including ample storage for his personal gear.
‘The three underbunk drawers are particularly useful,’ he explained. ‘I can use one for clean clothing, one for dirty and the other for food and personal items. The external locker has plenty of room for my wet-weather clothing and any personal protective gear that is needed on site.’
DAF Trucks UK, Eastern Bypass, Thame, Oxon OX9 3FB; tel: (01844) 261111; fax: (01844) 217111.
‘AS-tronic is around 70kg lighter than a manual gearbox,’ he said, ‘and this, along with other weight-saving features such as Alcoa alloy wheels and an aluminium body, helps lift the payload to almost 21 tonnes.’
Peterborough-based Rouse Bodies supplied the 30yd3 body, which is raised by Harsh underfloor K1000 twin rams and features a Harsh ‘slide and go’ electrically operated sheeting system.
The truck also has a sleep cab, which is unusual for tippers in service. Mr Gull continued:‘This gives us a lot more flexibility to work anywhere in the UK, when the driver, for example, needs to stay overnight or for short spells to support a major construction project.’
Andy Hague, the driver of the DAF CF85 tipper, sometimes sleeps in the cab for up to three nights a week. At 6ft 3in tall, Mr Hague is a tall man, yet he finds there is still plenty of room to move around, including ample storage for his personal gear.
‘The three underbunk drawers are particularly useful,’ he explained. ‘I can use one for clean clothing, one for dirty and the other for food and personal items. The external locker has plenty of room for my wet-weather clothing and any personal protective gear that is needed on site.’
DAF Trucks UK, Eastern Bypass, Thame, Oxon OX9 3FB; tel: (01844) 261111; fax: (01844) 217111.
