Bulk excavation and aggregates operator Earthline in Marlborough has returned to the DAF marque with the delivery of four new Euro-6 CF 400 FAD eight-wheel tippers.
The move back to DAF follows the opening of a new, purpose built facility in Dorcan, Swindon, by DAF dealer group Imperial Commercials – a £2.74 million investment providing a nine-bay workshop, ATF Truck and PSV MOT test-lane accreditation, and a Tachograph centre.
“We’ve always rated the DAF product very highly,” said Earthline general manager Malachi Chambers,
“We did feel, however, that DAF required a stronger presence in the area, and that investment was needed in a local, modern DAF location that offered sales, service and parts.
“Imperial Commercials has certainly delivered in that respect with its new location in Dorcan and we’re delighted to be back with DAF.”
Imperial Commercials has supplied the new vehicles with four-year DAF MultiSupport repair and maintenance contracts.
Earthline’s new ‘muck-away’ DAF eight-wheelers are equipped with straight beam front axles to provide high ground clearance and approach angle.
DAF Trucks’ latest 2015 models feature a revised front suspension design and aluminium air tanks to provide a payload improvement of over 100kg.
Fitted with Predator Ultimate bodies from ABBA Commercials and Hyva tipping gear, Earthline’s new 400bhp CF FAD chassis join a fleet of over 70 8x4 tippers.
A high-level specification to Crossrail requirements also includes a five-camera CCTV system, VPG Onboard Weighing, Shurco UK sheeting system and automatic tail-boards.
“We have, in fact, had DAF eight-wheel tippers and artics on our fleet since ’2005,” continued Chambers, “and it’s been the hard work of DAF aftersales executive, Greg Rayner, who has maintained an extremely high level of service and, by extension, an excellent business relationship.
“He’s repeatedly achieved excellence in his support for us, regularly going the extra mile to sustain our uptime.
“The new service team leader, Aaron King, has also been invaluable. He and Greg constantly try to deliver the level of service that we require.”
Alongside its muck-away chassis, DAF Trucks also offers a ‘haulage’ model with drop beam front axles and front underrun protection.
With a 147mm lower mounted cab, improved vision is provided making it well suited to operations in congested and urban environments. The ‘haulage’ model also benefits from the lighter weight 7.1-tonne front axle suspension arrangement.
“Our drivers absolutely love the DAF eight-wheeler,” added Chambers, “We can’t get them out of the cabs.”
David Lewis, regional director for Imperial Commercials, added: “Earthline is a prestigious operator in this sector and I'm delighted that our investment in Swindon has encouraged the directors and general manager to look again at new DAF trucks.”
Aware of its responsibility to road safety, Earthline has FORS Silver accreditation and is now 75% towards its Gold accreditation.
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