Hardy annual Dafs
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• Cumbrian operator Sam Ostle and Sons has an unusual approach to sourcing its 22strong fleet of Oaf tractive units: pay cash and replace every year is the policy that managing director Sam Ostle swears by.
The fleets rolling replacement programme now includes the latest CF85 FTs, with the first pair already in service and another eight imminent. The 4x2 tractors come with sleeper cabs and Oaf XE 12.6-litre engines rated at 380hp.
Hauling the Kirkby Stephenbased fleet of bulk powder tankers at 40 tonnes, the Dafs
cover at least 150,000km a year throughout the UK, and apart from routine in-house servicing, they don't cost Ostle a penny.
Even in the workshop, the single model policy pays off Parts stocks are kept to a minimum, and thanks to some home-brewed innovation those routine visits can be turned around in as little as 20 minutes.
Any problems are rapidly sorted under warranty by supplier Solway Oaf.
At the end of the year, the firm's reputation ensures a ready market for the outgoing trucks. They only get to deliver their best fuel consumption in the second six months of the year, but with fuel returns of 8.5-9.0 mpg, despite considerable stationary discharging time, noone's too unhappy.