Simon Gibson Transport enjoys payload advantage with DAF XF105 22 October 2012

Almost half a tonne of extra payload is being carried by a DAF XF105 that has just entered service with Yorkshire bulk powder company Simon Gibson Transport.

The 44-tonne, 6x2 FTP vehicle features a lifting middle axle fitted with 17.5in wheels, which, combined with lower weight alloy wheels, gives a weight saving approaching 500kg.

As a result, a payload of 30 tonnes can be carried in the 60 cubic yard Feldbinder tipping tanker with which the DAF will normally run.

Simon Gibson's new truck is powered by the 12.9-litre MX engine rated at 460bhp, and producing 2,300Nm of torque from 1,000 to 1,410rpm. A 12-speed automated AS-tronic transmission completes the powertrain.

Simon Gibson, who started his Goole-based business in 2000 and now runs a fleet of 46 trucks, says his customers value the extra carrying capacity.

"We operate throughout the UK and on the Continent, carrying powder and granular products for a number of blue chip customers," he explains. "Being able to carry an extra half a tonne makes a difference to them, as well as helping to improve our own margins."

He also rates the new truck's looks. The company went for the big Super Space cab with plenty of additional lighting – with Skylights fared into the roofline and a stainless steel lighting bar with six spotlamps.

A further four are contained in a grille-mounted bar, with yet more illumination from a lighting strip on the underedge of the bumper.

Gibson says that good support from the supplying dealer Imperial Commercials of Doncaster was another important consideration in acquiring the DAF.

"It's come with a four-year repair and maintenance contract under which routine safety inspections and maintenance will be carried out at Imperial Doncaster," he explains.

"Their willingness to do this work at times to suit us, including at weekends or overnight, means that we can keep the truck doing its work for the optimum amount of time."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
DAF Trucks Ltd

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