ASH Waste Services adds DAF eight-wheeled rear steering refuse trucks to fleet

By Tim Campbell

24 January 2017

ASH Waste Services has taken delivery of four DAF CF 440 FAX 32-tonne GVW eight-wheelers with Heil Farid rear-end-loader bodies and MOBA weighing systems for the company’s trade waste operation.

Bodywork incorporates new waste management software from Dataset Solutions enabling real-time data transfer on bin identification, weight and cost.

DAF Trucks’ ‘FAX’ 8x2 rear-steer axle configuration was selected to provide improved manoeuvrability on site and in urban environments. The four latest CF 32-tonners will be joined by two further units to be delivery in March.

With a fleet of over 80 vehicles, including skip- and hook-loaders, tractor / trailer combinations and multi-axle rigids, DAF Trucks remains the preferred supplier of chassis for ASH Waste with over 75% fleet representation. The company says its loyalty to the DAF brand is due in no small part to the exemplary service support it receives from its local DAF Dealer in Wrexham, Imperial Commercials.

“I’ve dealt with a good number of truck dealers over many years,” said Phil Mottershead, Transport / Compliance Manager at ASH Group, “and I know some very good organisations. But, I have to say that Imperial Commercials really stand out. The aftersales support is second to none. Communications are excellent, day-to-day servicing is hitch-free and they’ll bend over backwards if an issue crops-up out on the road.”

In conjunction with MOBA, the new DAF eight-wheelers are fitted with waste management software from Dataset Solutions, allowing the new DAF vehicles to identify specific ‘chipped’ bins and then, in real time, relay their weight and cost directly to trade waste customers. The system was showcased by ASH Waste earlier this year at the CV Show.

“Today’s trucks are bristling with state-of-the-art equipment,” added Mottershead, “so it’s important our drivers are fully trained to utilise the technology to full effect. We’ve invested a lot into our drivers,” he said, “and we feel it’s only right they have the best tools for the job. DAF’s 32-tonner CF is an excellent truck and the cab certainly has that roomy, big-cab feel – our lads appreciate that.”