Arclid improves payload with innovative DAF Feldbinder combination 27 March 2014

Cheshire bulk tanker operator Arclid Transport is reporting that its new Euro 6 DAF CF mid-lift axle FTP tractor, fitted with alloy wheels has resulted in a weight of just 7,780 kgs, including driver and half a tank of fuel.

The combination of the low-weight DAF CF tractor with an alloy Feldbinder tanker also results in an outfit that can now achieve a payload of 28,300 kg at 44.00 tonnes gvw.

Transport manager Peter Conway explains that about half a tonne has been shaved off the CF's weight by using 17.5 inch wheels on the mid-lift, rather than the 22.5 inch standards for this type of 6x2.

Further weight was saved by fitting Alcoa alloy wheels and making extensive use of alloy on the 42 m3 tank, he says.

"This is the first Euro 6 vehicle in our 25-strong fleet and I'm very pleased that DAF have been able to provide us with a tractor unit that meets the new emissions standard yet comes in at a very good weight," comments Conway.

"As a result and based on good experience since we first introduced this model in 2009, we've now made the FTP our standard when it comes to choosing tractor units."

Conway says Arclid has also now adopted the practice of fitting the blowing and tipping equipment to the tank, rather than to the tractor – because it brings several benefits.

"It reduces the weight of the tractor, allows us to use the trailer with other tractors that are not fitted with a PTO – such as sub contractor vehicles – and cuts our fuel costs, because we can use red diesel in the JCB donkey engine and there's no idle running of the truck engine," he explains.

"Add to that the excellent payload we get from this configuration and we have a very productive and hopefully more profitable vehicle," he continues.

"Appearance is also important to us and the new DAF CF is very stylish. We've enhanced that with skylights fared into the roofline, a roof mounted Kelsa lighting bar, with four spots and hazard beacons, extra lights above the full-width sun visor, and fog lights in the bumper."

The DAF and Feldbinder tank will be covering around 100,000km a year, delivering anything from sand to salt. Most will work in the UK but the company holds an international licence, so it can operate on the continent.

Arclid's TASCC registration brings added operational flexibility as it allows the Feldbinder tank to be used to carry food products as well as industrial materials.

Arclid has specified the top power rating available in the new Paccar MX-13 engine. At 510bhp, this delivers a comfortable 11.6bhp/tonne of power to weight to cope with all road and load conditions and quickly reach and maintain the best cruising speed for fuel economy. The power plant was mated to a 12-speed AS-tronic automated transmission.

Imperial Commercials of Stoke-on-Trent supplied the truck and will carry out six-weekly inspections and servicing out of hours to ensure no disruption to Arclid's operations. The vehicle is also covered by a two year R&M contract.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
DAF Trucks Ltd
Feldbinder (UK) Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.