Made in England Following a fire on our Ginaff 8x4
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Daf 150tonne tractor unit, the vehicle was a total loss just two weeks before Christmas 1997: it could not have happened at a worse time.
We approached Scania, Volvo, Daf & MAN trucks, none of whom was interested in building a replacement 8x4; they would only supply a 6x4 unit.
This would have necessitated messing around fitting a lift axle, which is very expensive and creates steering problems. Also, the work which has to be done to a 6x4 chassis in order to meet the specification (sub-frames, mud-wings, fuel tank, fifth wheel and tow bars) is timeconsuming and costly.
We operate two ERFs at present—a 6x4 flat with a crane and an 8x4 tipper. We approached ERF with our problem and it responded immediately with a full specification and a confirmed delivery date for an 8x4 250tonne tractive unit.
With the 6x4 tractors on the market, most have a weak link in the chain— either engine, gearbox or axle problems. As we have specified Fuller or ZF boxes in previous vehicles, the aforementioned manufacturers have refused to supply any vehicle other than standard production.
We have always wanted all the best components available assembled into our chassis, and this is what ERF has done with the following specification: Cummins 520 engine, ZF torque converter and Sisu axles, positive-steer second axle with axle weight on the front at 10 tonnes, second axle at 14 tonnes, and third and fourth axles at 16.5 tonnes each. In addition, ' there are many extras fitted to the ERF, and the company promised delivery by the end of March 1998.
When the vehicle left the factory it was fully painted and ready for immediate use.
Owing to this response we have provisionally placed an order for another two tractive units—an 8x4 and a 6x4—to be supplied later this year. ERF's response has led us to decide to buy further ERFs when other vehicles are due for replacement.
There are a lot of heavy haulage companies around with heavy trucks, and many are getting long in the tooth. Suitable replacements are difficult to find, but it looks like ERF may have the answer to all our problems.
It's also nice to be able to buy British-built again. James Macauley, Managing director, C,adzow Heavy Haulage, Hamilton.