An order for a further identical truck, through local DAF dealer Evans Halshaw in Stockton-on-Tees, is expected shortly.
Alpha Recovery says its latest £340,000 investment represents excellent value-for-money given the DAF XF’s projected ten-year lifespan and the assurance of a high residual value. With relatively low mileage associated with recovery work, the vehicle is expected to deliver a total of 30 years of service on the road.
The truck is based on DAF’s ‘FAD’ 8x4 axle configuration – for 150-tonnes GTW – twinned with the Super Space Cab, to provide high levels of space and comfort for its driver on overnight operations.
Boniface’s Recoverer Trident bodywork boasts extensive capability for a wide range of recovery jobs, including a 45-tonne boom rating and 33-tonne capacity under-lift with Maxireach K Boom. This enables the operator to lift, extend or retract under fully-loaded conditions. Custom-built stainless steel bodywork is designed to integrate with the cab and give a smooth finished appearance front to back.
The new vehicle joins an existing 69-plate DAF XF 530 with an ‘FAT’ 6x4 axle configuration and a Dyson CL500H Commander Recovery Unit conversion by Roger Dyson Group. Alpha Recovery also operates smaller 10- and 16-tonne GVW DAF LF vehicles, and also a 21-year-old ex-military 8x6 Leyland DROPS, converted for recovery operations and described by Michael Burke at Alpha Recovery as the company’s favourite truck despite its cab offering ‘zero comfort’ as a result of its stripped-back military cab specification.
Alpha Recovery’s lighter-weight DAF LFs feature sliding-bed bodywork for 3.5-tonne van and LCV recovery jobs. A further 16-tonne GVW DAF LF is also on order for the Cramlington and Peterlee-based operator.
Michael Burke described the partnership between DAF Trucks, Boniface and Evans Halshaw, and the willingness to deliver a completely bespoke truck, as making the whole acquisition easy and transparent. “The simplicity and clarity of the deal was a real bonus for us,” he said, “ and the technical support from DAF and Boniface ensured we took delivery of exactly the right tool for the job.
He added: “It’s a significant initial outlay, but it’ll certainly earn its keep and the used market for recovery equipment like this is very strong, so we’ll get an excellent return on it.”