As well as the two skiploaders, the Scunthorpe-based operator has ordered a DAF CF 400 FAD hookloader, all of which feature the PX-67 engine.
Steve Kent, Bell’s operations director says the business moved away from DAF when the vehicles became more complex to maintain: “We liked to be able to get our hands on them and fix any minor problems ourselves, but the new technology made that more difficult.
“But times move on: we have great confidence in our local DAF dealer, Imperial Commercials, to support us, and these two LFs and the CF hookloader, due shortly, have firmly re-established our interest.”
The small cab size, he adds, was a clincher: “Every other truck we were offered had huge cabs, which is all very well, but this is a very dedicated operation and drivers don’t want a big ‘battle wagon’ for this type of work.”
Equally important was the option of a manual gearbox. “Every other manufacturer wanted to sell us their automated box, but in our work, drivers are far better able to manoeuvre in the tight town centre and housing areas we work in with a manual box,” says Kent.
Bell has specified Boughton’s ‘Intacova’ automated sheeting, which Kent says saves both time in loading and unloading, as well as possible money if waste should escape on the move.
The trucks are also specified with cycle-safety cameras to automatically give a view of the near left-hand side of the vehicle on a screen in the cab, whenever the left indicator is activated.