Supply by dealer North West Trucks, of Merseyside, the New LFs are 4x2 day cab models with full air management kits, air conditioning, radios, seat belts, Truckphone connections, six-speed AS Tronic semi-automated gearboxes, rear air suspension, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and AEBS.
Bodies are by Tekbo, of Glasgow, which worked with HB Clark on a new safety loading system, said to be influenced by the traditional ‘roping and sheeting’ style.
Darren Williams, HB Clark’s operations manager, explains: “Basically, we are using a bungee system, hooked on to rollers at the front and back of the body, that meet to hold the loads firmly in place even as they diminish during the course of the dray’s round of deliveries – simple, effective and easy for our drivers to operate.”
The operator’s 90-strong mixed fleet ranges from 7.2 to 32 tonnes. Williams says discussions with other operators helped to sway his decision to go with DAF, as did the manufacturer’s range and build quality as he looks to move away from 7.5-tonners to more flexible 15- or 16-tonners.
“What has been important is finding a truck which genuinely suits this type of work. The New LF is a light chassis cab, very simple for bodying, and with the right body we can maximise the load they carry more effectively,” adds Williams.
“The turning circle is very good for the dray work they do, which makes our drivers’ jobs just that little bit easier.”
The trucks are supplied with six-year DAF MultiSupport R&M contracts.