Joining a six-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet, the new bespoke-built plant body is mounted to a DAF CF 6x2 rear steer chassis and replaces an older 16-tonner. The new design was selected to increase load capacity in line with the company’s growth.
The specification of the new DAF closely matches the company’s first order, though scaled down to suit a three-axle rigid. Engineered for the CF chassis, the new body features Andover’s trademark low-profile deck, which includes cross members that transect the body runners, instead of simply sitting on top.
Andover Trailers’ design also maximises deck capacity, and when coupled with the truck’s rear steer capability is still able to access the narrow country lanes and trickier urban sites previously frequented by the older, smaller DAF it replaces.
The plant body incorporates a beavertail design that is connected to a pair of 2.5m-long, hydraulic power toe, knife-edged ramps. This combination creates a shallower load angle, helping to increase the variety of plant that can be carried, which includes diggers, dumpers and track trenchers.
The new design features an electric winch to aid loading and unloading, with eight pairs of lashing points on the deck to ensure maximum load security. A full working at height system and comprehensive LED lighting are also included to maximise safety.
On the road five days a week, the new truck will primarily be used to deliver plant to customers in and around Essex from the company’s Wickford base. It is expected to clock up 25,000 miles per annum and will likely stay part of the company’s fleet for seven or eight years.