The Leeds-based operator previously used 3.5-tonne, van-derived chassis fitted with crew cabs and short tipper bodies, but the typical one-tonne payload meant many additional journeys were needed.
“Our staff were spending a huge amount of time driving to and from sites rather than actually working at those sites. It was obvious that we had to switch that ratio around, and in doing that we also took the opportunity to devise a truck that would be exactly right for our needs,” says Lee Grayshon, owner and managing director.
“Harsh and DAF have together given us a truly bespoke vehicle specification that’s a perfect operating solution... Combining high strength with a low weight of just over 1.5 tonnes, we’re finding these Harsh units to be highly practical and easy to use,” he says, adding that the hookloader is preferred to straight tippers for the added versatility.
Ready to run with their demount bodies, fuel and driver, the new trucks tare off at 8,700kg, allowing an easy 9 tonnes-plus payload. Built in steel to handle all types of soil, rubble and infill materials, the bodies have a custom 4.1m internal length to handle the 4m-wide rolls of artificial grass for delivery to customer sites.
The new trucks are popular with the drivers, adds Grayshon, as the super-short wheelbase DAFs are no longer than the van chassis cabs they replace, making them equally manoeuvrable in restricted urban environments.
The new trucks also come with auto gearboxes, and have better visibility for the drivers, along with a quieter, more spacious cab.
He concludes: “These trucks have been built 100% bespoke for our job, and will massively improve our productivity.
“In their first week on the road they’ve already started to transform the way we do things.”