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Nationwide Platforms goes all-DAF on fleet renewal programme

Delivery of the last of 32 new trucks for 2013 completes a £6 million, all-DAF renewal programme at Nationwide Platforms' 116-strong vehicle fleet.
The operator's delivery fleet operates, which provides a delivery and collection service for powered access equipment out of 28 depots across the UK, uses three vehicle types: 44-tonne DAF XF105 mid-lift axle tractors; four-axle, rear-steer FAXCF85 32-tonne rigids; and the workhorse of the fleet, three-axle, rear-lift FAS CF75 26-tonne rigids. Safety is a key issue for Nationwide, both during loading and unloading, so all of its new vehicles and trailers have been fitted with fall protection, in-deck lighting, newly designed load control systems, and driver walkway systems. UK transport manager Karl Wilshaw says that none of the above has compromised payload potential, and adds that blind spot side cameras and sensors for cyclist risk control are also now fitted as standard across the entire fleet. The XF105s have the DAF Space Cab, while power is provided by the 12.9-litre MX engine, rated at 460bhp to provide in excess of 10bhp/tonne of power to weight ratio and 2,300Nm of torque. A 12-speed automated AS-tronic transmission contributes to fuel efficiency and further enhances driver safety. Meanwhile, tailor-made beaver tail bodies, by Sterling Plant Bodies of Stokesley have been fitted to the 6.4m wheelbase FAXCF85 rigids. These have been equipped with lifting self-steer rear axles for increased manoeuvrability. These trucks are also powered by the 12.9-litre MX engine, in this case rated at 360bhp, and also have the AS-tronic gearbox. Day cabs were specified to allow for maximum deck length and extra lockers were fitted to the body for driver PPE and wet gear storage. "One of the key reasons we chose DAF is because of the availability of good local support from their dealers," comments Wilshaw. "As our fleet is specialised, we cannot entertain downtime of any nature and the DAF aftermarket team have proven to be able to support our company in maintaining our targets on vehicle uptime," he continues. "We've also found their products to be reliable, durable ... and fuel efficient. The latter is of increasing importance these days and the vehicle anti-idle, speed restriction and driver training that was provided have proved to be successful in our company meeting our targets on fuel spend and CO² reductions. "I'm very pleased too with the professional service we have had from Lancashire DAF in helping us to specify the vehicles to exactly meet our requirements and in overseeing the entire supply process."

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