Canute returns to DAF tractor units after a 16-year hiatus
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By Kevin Swallow CANUTE GROUP is trialling 12 DAF XF105s from depots across the north of England to evaluate the whole-life running costs of the vehicles.
Regional operations director Iain Brown says it has been 16 years since the last DAF tractor unit saw action in its leet. The decision to introduce the 12 trucks into the ‘heavy’ leet was based on the positive experience with ive 7.5-tonne LF45s during the past four years, he says. Canute, which operates a 600-strong leet, will run the 6x2 mid-lift axle FTG trucks from Lancashire DAF out of its Carlisle, Kendal and Newcastle depots. “We need to take a long-term view of the cost of operating our vehicles,” says Brown. “This evaluation is about determining the wholelife costs of the 105 against other competitor tractor units. Fuel and AdBlue usage will be key factors. At 460hp, we have an ample power-to-weight ratio of almost 10.5hp/ tonne, which should contribute to good fuel eficiency.
“We also expect the high speciication we have gone for will lead to decent residual prices when we move them on in ive years’ time,” he adds. The trucks are expected to cover up to 300,000km a year. “We also think it’s important to look after our drivers and as they’ll be spending up to ive nights a week living in the cab, we’ve chosen the Super Space cab for the generous amount of room it offers.
“The automated AS-tronic transmission will also help reduce driver fatigue and add to safety as it means the driver can be totally focused on the road and trafic conditions without thinking about gear changes.”