DAF XF105s head for Lancashire in fleet upgrades22 January 2013

A renewal programme by Lancashire firm McMurray Haulage has seen eight XF105 tractors become the first DAF trucks to join the company's 29-strong fleet.

Power for the 6x2 mid-lift axle DAF tractors comes from the 12.9-litre MX engines, rated at 460bhp and compliant with both Euro 5 and EEV emission standards.

These offer ample power to overcome wind resistance when pulling some of McMurrays higher cube trailers. And at 2,300Nm, the trucks have plenty of torque to get them going.

McMurray also opted for the 12-speed AS-tronic automated gearbox for its 44 tonne DAFs. "We find that automatics give us more consistency on fuel and general performance," explains David McMurray, managing director of the family business.

"And there are other benefits. such as no clutch wear issues and safer driving," he adds.

The trucks were supplied with factory-fitted Jost sliding fifth wheels to allow the tractors to run with a range of trailers. Other factory fitments include extra long catwalks with steps and adjustable roof spoilers with side collars to support fuel economy.

McMurray says that cost was a key factor in choosing the DAFs – both the value for money finance package that supported the introduction of the trucks into the fleet and their whole life costs.

The DAFs – supplied by Preston dealer Lancashire DAF – mark a change in the company's replacement policy, which will now be based on a three-year cycle. Good residual values are anticipated, which McMurray says played a key part in the decision.

"The reputation that DAFs have for good fuel efficiency was also an important consideration," he continues.

"With these trucks covering around 160,000 km a year on general haulage around the UK and with fuel at its present high price, we need to contain our fuel bill.

"It's early days yet, but already the signs are encouraging that the DAFs will give us good figures as they are already nudging above the 8.5mpg mark."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
DAF Trucks Ltd

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