DAF XF105 tag axle delivers manoeuvrability for Mallinson 14 December 2012

A 44 tonne DAF XF105 tag axle tractor was the choice of sports surface specialist J Mallinson (Ormskirk), which is now moving plant and equipment to race tracks and sports stadia around the country.

The DAF runs at up to 44 tonnes with a King tri-axle step-frame plant trailer. With 510bhp available from its 12.9 litre MX engine, the truck has a comfortable power to weight ratio of 11.6bhp per tonne, driving through a 16-speed manual gearbox.

Combined with a hefty torque output of 2,500Nm between 1,000 and 1,400 rpm, the DAF can move off easily whatever the load or surface conditions.

Managing director John Mallinson says he took advice from driver Michelle Cubbin when it came to choosing the truck. Site access is sometimes an issue and the manoeuvrability provided by the lifting rear axle would make a difference.

And with Cubbin spending nights away on more distant jobs, the comfort of the Space cab on the big DAF was also a consideration, he says.

"On top of that it looks smart and does the job extremely well," says past Truck Driver of the Year winner Cubbin.

"I like the fact that I have 510 horsepower at my fingertips, as this helps me overcome wind resistance when carrying large plant, which is not very aerodynamic, and to maintain good average speeds on longer trips."

Mallinson adds that, because the DAF is Euro 5 compliant, the truck can go anywhere within the M25 as it complies with the requirements of London's Low Emissions Zone.

"We work at several sites inside the LEZ, including QPR and Watford football grounds, and with this truck we don't have to worry about meeting the emission standards," he comments. "On top of that it was built here in Lancashire and it represented good value for money."

The truck was built just north of Mallinson's Ormskirk base at Leyland, where it was fitted with a full-width sun visor, bumper mounted combi lights, two roof-mounted amber hazard beacons, a pair of rear working lights, and a Jost sliding fifth wheel.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
DAF Trucks Ltd

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