Cemex UK opts for low-chassis, safety-first DAF tippers

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Transport Engineer / February 11, 2016

Readymix concrete, cement and aggregates supplier Cemex UK has added 15 new DAF CF 400 FAD 8x4 tippers to its aggregates and coated road-stone operation – six fitted with additional low-height nearside door windows to improve drivers’ visibility of vulnerable road users.

The so-called Vision Doors were designed by Cheshire-based Astra Vehicle Technologies, and allow for a retractable main window, allowing drivers direct access to the nearside rear view mirrors.

FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Gold accredited Cemex also specified DAF’s ‘Haulage’ chassis for these tippers in order to achieve the dropped cab height – six inches lower than DAF’s off-road ‘Construction’ vehicle – and hence again improved all-round driver visibility.

While not mandated by legislation, further active safety features specified include DAFs AEBS (advanced emergency braking system), Lane Departure Warning and Vehicle Stability Control.

The new DAF trucks have also been fitted with side under-run bars, near-side caution boards, side scan technology from Brigade Electronics and a six-camera VUE system for all-round monitoring and digital recording of incidents. It also has Continental tyres with the ContiPressureCheck TPMS tyre pressure monitoring sytem).

Bodywork for all of the new tipper tucks comprises Weightlifter PPG bodies with Hyva front-end tipping-gear and Dawbarn Hydroclear sheeting systems.

The new 8x4s will be joined by 40 CF 460 FTP 6x2 tractor units for the company’s cement fleet, which operatrs out of Rugby and which are now on programmed delivery.

“We enjoy an excellent relationship with DAF and its dealer in Leicester, Ford & Slater,” comments Paul Clarke, logistics fleet engineering manager at Cemex.

“But that doesn’t mean DAF is an automatic choice when we look at new vehicle acquisitions,” he continues.

“For new fleet purchases, we go to the market with a formal tender process after which we scrutinise whole life costs to seven years.

“Invariably, DAF Trucks comes up with the goods, and the DAF UK-network provides an excellent fit for our own country-wide locations.”

Clarke says Cemex is “passionate” about passive and active safety for its own drivers and for other road-users.

“We link-up frequently with the Met Police and the recent Exchanging Places event provides everybody concerned with road safety with an opportunity to engage,” he says.

The latest of London’s Metropolitan Police’s ‘Exchanging Places’ events at Canary Wharf (29 January 2016) showcased one of Cemex’s first DAF tipper deliveries, allowing cyclists in London to see first-hand the difficulties commercial vehicle drivers face in an urban environment.

These trucks were supplied and will be maintained on a seven-year DAF MultiSupport R&M package, through DAF trucks’ dealership in Leicester, Ford & Slater.

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