With its new DAF CF85 eight-wheeler tipping the scales at just under 12 tonnes, East Midlands operator Sanders & Woods Transport Limited is achieving a payload of over 20 tonnes.
In a sector where the key to profit lies in optimising productivity, this kind of payload is essential. But the Stamford based company’s new DAF has a number of other features aimed at improving loading and tipping times and ensuring that a maximum payload is always carried whilst staying within the truck’s legal weight limit.
It’s the combination of DAF’s FAD four-axle chassis with an aluminium fuel tank, Wilcox Wilcolite body and Durabrite alloy wheels that forms the basis of the truck’s good payload. Optimising that payload is achieved by the use of a PM1300 on-board weighing system linked to a camera inside the body and to a reversing camera, with both images and weight information being provided through a single in-cab screen.
At the start of loading the driver switches on the camera that looks into the body and without leaving his cab he can watch that the load is being correctly spread. At the same time he can keep an eye on the gross weight figure in the top corner of the screen and inform the shovel operator when a full load position has been reached, with an audible signal also alerting the operator.
He can then sheet the load using the air-operated Wilcover sheeting system and on arrival at the delivery point he can automatically un-sheet. Also from the cab he can open the air-operated tailgate either fully or to a level for controlled discharge into a tarmac laying machine. The result is much reduced loading and unloading times and more loads in a day.
With the ravages of a severe winter leading to increased road surfacing work, Sanders & Wood were keen to get their new tipper on the road quickly. This was helped by the ‘Earn Now, Pay Later’ scheme introduced by DAF, which provides a three month holiday before payments begin.
Steve Tilley, a director of the family run firm, said that this was a very helpful scheme. “It’s been tough in the tipping industry recently and this has impacted on cashflow for all tipper firms. This scheme means that we can start earning revenue immediately and it assists us to manage our cashflow better, which for a small 12-vehicle business like ours is very helpful.”
The 5.7 metre FAD CF85 is powered by the DAF MX265 engine delivering 360 bhp (265 kW) at 1900 rpm and which is Euro 5 compliant. At this power rating it has an ample 11.25 bhp per tonne power to weight ratio, which along with a torque output of 1775 Nm between 1000 and 1410 rpm and a mechanical diff lock, enables the DAF to move off easily in any load or surface conditions. The engine is matched to a 12-speed AS-tronic automated gearbox.
On hot days the specification of air conditioning helps to keep driver Craig Wood cool. But to keep him warm when queuing to discharge on night work, and to conserve fuel by avoiding running the engine, the day cab has an Eberspacher night heater fitted.
Externally the truck is a real head turner. The predominantly white colour scheme is unusual for a tipper and Sanders & Wood have had their logo re-designed to create a fresh new look. The appearance is further enhanced by side collars to the cab, a full-width sun visor, a lighting bar and air horns. The truck has a total of 16 front lights, but as Steve Tilley says: “If you’ve ever done site work at night, you’ll know that you can never have enough lights!”
