Supplied by dealer Chassis Cab, in Cambridge, the new additions as feature the DAF Space Cab and are going into service at the operator’s Spalding branch, where they will undertake a range of tramping and day delivery schedules.
As well as handling and performance, Turners is anticipating good fuel returns, as group fleet engineer Tim King explains: “We are expecting good things from the New XF models, not least in relation to the promised fuel economy... [DAF is] suggesting a 7% improvement in economy and we will be monitoring the New XFs with their 450bhp updated MX-11 engines against the 15 current XFs that we have taken on to the fleet alongside them.”
The latest order brings the total of Turners’ DAFs to around 800 – almost half of the total fleet.
“In 2003 we started to focus on the FTP model with its light mid-lift axle. It suited our varied work and maximised payload for us. For the refrigerated work however, we prefer the FTG tractor set up,” says King.
As well as good relations with the local dealer, King deals with the wider DAF network for all Turners depots and, in particular, rates DAFaid: “It’s excellent,” he says. “All trucks break – that happens with anything mechanical – it’s how you fix them that matters. DAFaid is a very efficient, reliable service.”
Turners buys its DAF trucks outright, with six- or eight-year R&M packages depending on vehicle type.