Supplied by dealer F&G Commercials, of Manchester, the Heywood-based operator’s new additions are all XF 480FTG models with mid-lift and steer axles.
“We all know demonstrators come out to us highly prepared to deliver their very best performance... but I’m delighted to say the initial fuel economy is being continued across all the new trucks and, as we’d expect, they are even improving on it as they bed in,” says Alan Maher, Archbold’s managing director.
The operator runs its fleet vehicles on a five-year cycle, so conducts a full five-year cost analysis on all the key factors as a central part of its purchasing programme.
“We never look at primary capital cost alone, though of course that’s an important element of any purchase,” says Maher.
“As important to us when looking at the DAFs, as opposed to continuing with incumbent marques, were things like fuel economy, warranty, R&M packages, residual values, driver acceptance and a host of other variables. At the end of the day, we realised DAF was winning the argument, and it was clinched for us by the support levels we were promised – and have subsequently been getting – from F&G.”
Driver training was also “a vital part of the package”, he adds, with induction and on-the-road training for drivers, as well as for the operator’s driver-trainer: “It has been a great plus, and it is showing in both fuel and efficiency across the new trucks.”
The first DAF XF to arrive has been liveried to mark Archbold’s centenary this year; the remaining 15 are sporting the operator’s new ‘2020’ livery.