Grahams Family Dairy milks 6.5 tonne Daily chassis cabs25 February 2010

Grahams Family Dairy says it is trialling a move from 7.5 to 6.5 tonners, and has bought two Iveco Daily 65C18 light commercials for the purpose.

The Stirling-based firm, which distributes milk and dairy products to a mix of retail outlets, from corner shops to supermarkets, says the Dailys are already in operation seven days a week, clocking up a projected 40,000 km a year.

Stephen Elliot, transport manager at Grahams, explains that, with 6.5 tonne gvw, the new smaller trucks still offer a generous body and payload allowance of 4,255kg, while still retaining the drivability of an LCV.

"The decision to buy these Dailys, rather than simply replacing like-for-like, has brought multiple benefits to the business," states Elliot.

"Not only has it reduced capital expenditure, but the Dailys offer improved payload capacity and allow us to carry 14 trolley-cages, whereas our existing Ategos can only carry 12," he adds.

Elliot points to the "significant improvement in productivity", which will, he says, cut delivery miles and fuel costs – so also reducing emissions and fossil fuel consumption.

"The Daily also offers better manoeuvrability, which is particularly important, as these vehicles will spend the majority of their time making deliveries in busy urban environments," he adds.

The Daily chassis cabs were supplied by Iveco dealer Kerr & Smith, and both were mounted with bespoke refrigerated bodywork, manufactured by Tekbo. Power comes from 3.0 litre HPT (high performance turbo) engines, capable of 176 hp, between 3,200 and 3,500 rev/min, and up to 400 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 3,000 rev/min – to match the urban delivery requirement, while also permitting motorway cruising at low engine speeds.

Elliot also advises that every component in the engine has been specified for heavy duty, prolonged work. He cites the timing chain service intervals, which is extended to every 350,000 km.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Iveco

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