Two DAFs CF rigid trucks head to Thornton & Ross 01 February 2013

Pharmaceutical company Thornton & Ross has purchased a pair of DAF CF rigids, citing dealer support, as much as the vehicles, as a key factor in its choice.

An-18 tonne, two-axle CF65 with a box-van body is being used mainly for multi-drop work to high street pharmacies and smaller wholesalers. The body, by Micra of Wakefield, has sliding side doors to make manual offloading safer from either side when making drops in congested town centres.

The second truck is a 26-tonne FAR CF75 6x2 three-axle model, which is on bulk deliveries into larger wholesalers and distribution centres of the company's national chain store and supermarket customers.

This vehicle has been fitted with a lifting tag axle that can be used to improve traction in slippery conditions, as well as reducing tyre wear when running empty. The bigger truck has a curtainsider body also by Micra.

A 6.7-litre PACCAR GR engine, rated at 250bhp and with a torque output of 950Nm, powers the 18-tonner, while the larger FR engine, producing 310bhp and 1,275Nm of torque, has been fitted in the 26-tonner.

Each of the trucks is covered by a six year repair and maintenance contract with work being undertaken at weekends by supplying dealer F&G Commercials, to ensure full availability throughout the working week.

"This is a very convenient and flexible arrangement for us," says distribution manager Rob Henderson.

"It means that we can plan our runs with confidence knowing that we can get the routine safety inspections and servicing carried out at times to suit us. I'm very pleased with the after-sales back up ... and it's helpful that they too are located in Huddersfield."

Author
Joihn Challen

Related Companies
DAF Trucks Ltd

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