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Previous owner
Page 28
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III Granby Road Services 1GRS), based at Langley Moor, Durham, was SR MEF's first owner. It ran on a TNT contract, trunking down to Northampton at night and then working locally during the day, After Granby lost the contract S82 MEF moved on to general haulage with several drivers at the helm. GRS runs 24 trucks 00 rigid, the rest tractors hauling curtain-sided semis). Most of the drivers are away five days a week. The company is also part of the pallet operator Fortec Distribution Network, which is in the Cable Group.
Servoshift would certainly counter the stiffness on gear changes. especially going into fifth from low range when the system is cold. The gear stick occasionally offers a little resistance moving out of top when the driver starts slowing down, or when looking to drop a whole gear to get the best from the engine brake.
Cab quality
The front rubber mountings might have hardened a little over three years and 500,000km but this has not compromised its smooth ride along A-roads and motorways.
Since the launch of the new Daf CF85 last year with its longer cab (by 140miri) and the new seating position, you might assume that the cab of its 85CF predecessor would feel cramped and outdated. In fact the adjustable steering wheel and air seat combine to give a comfortable driving position, and the low roof never felt claustrophobic.
When we got out to take a close look at tlic driver's footwell (always a giveaway) we were pleasantly surprised by the lack of wear and tear round the pedals. This truck has obviously been well cared for.
The dash, with the Tron-like panel on the left, is clear and functional. In the centre on the engine cover is a tray that looks as though it has seen a few sandwiches, flasks and comics in its time, but it is not ideal for more fiddly bits and pieces such as pens, mobile phones and tacho charts.
The bunk looks relatively unused, which is in line with S82 M EF's history, and there was little sign that drivers have had to clamber over the engine cover and tray to bed down for the night. Storage is not a high priority in a fleet motor but the 85CF does well enough in this respect with space under the bunk as well as side pockets and that centre tray. The netting across the top of the headliner has remained intact.
This model was built before external lockers became industry standard, so mucky kit, such as gloves and wet weather gear, lives in the passenger footwell, between the seats or on the bunk.
CM verdict
After running 24-hour shifts in its youth, including trunking and local work, then moving on to general haulage, 582 MEF is living proof of the Daf 85CF 4x2's versatility. If you want a high-profile one-bedroom flat on wheels, perhaps S82 MEF is not for you. But if you are in the market for a practical, well designed truck without thrills and spills you need look no further.
It produced a good fuel result and has been well looked after. A buyer might be concerned that things could start going after 500,000km, but we have no reason to think that this well used and well maintained workhorse will not be good for another half million kilometres.
• by Kevin Swallow