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Arclid solves tanker weight and cost problems with high spec DAFs

Reduced weight, lower costs and improved driver comfort have all been achieved by Cheshire operator Arclid Transport on its bulk powder tankers, following an interesting specification.
Transport manager Peter Conway explains that, faced with rising fuel costs, Arclid wanted to move from a gearbox-mounted PTO to a donkey engine in order to power blowers and tipping gear on its Feldbinder tankers. It would run on red diesel, so cutting costs, while its noise reduction pack would also ensure almost silent discharge. However, the weight would reduce payload, so Arclid needed to find a way to compensate for that. WG Tanker Services modified the tanker trailers, but Conway turned to DAF for its XF105 tractor units with FTP mid-lift 6x2 axle, which uses smaller 17.5 inch wheels on the lift axle. That saved half a tonne, which, along with an alloy tank, and alloy wheels on the tractor and 42 cubic metre tri-axle trailers, did the trick. Power for the 105s is from DAF's 12.9 litre Euro 5 compliant MX, rated at 460bhp and delivering 2300 Nm of torque at 1,000—1,410 rpm, matched to a 16-speed ZF16S2520 gearbox. Finally, with drivers spending up to four nights in their trucks, Arclid went for DAF's Super Space cab, as well as factory-fitted full-width sun visor, four spotlights inset into the bumper, skylights in the roof corners and a Kelsa anodised aluminium lighting bar carrying Hella Rallye 3000 spotlights and hazard beacons. Arclid has also ordered a DAF CF85 eight-wheeler, with rear steer axle, for delivery early in 2010. The 4.6 metre wheelbase model is the shortest available and, together with its rear-steer capability, will enable deliveries where access is restricted.

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