Hogan Concrete has taken delivery of the UK’s first concrete-mixer based on a DAF 8×2 rear-steer chassis.
The new Euro-6 DAF CF 400 FAX eight-wheeler is fitted with an 8m3 capacity Cifa SL8 body.
Hogan, which also has DAF LF 7.5 tonne and XF tractor units in its fleet, said that it selected the 32-tonne GVW 8×2 rear-steer chassis to provide additional payload benefits while retaining the handling and manoeuvrability characteristics generally associated with a 6×4 chassis.
“DAF’s FAX rear-steer eight-wheeler is well-proven in the agricultural sector,” said managing director Kevin Hogan, “and I was confident that the chassis’ attributes would translate well into our line of work.
“DAF’s standard CF 8×4 Construction model is a tough, durable truck, but it would not have been a suitable replacement for the 6×4 CF. The FAX 8×2 provides us with significantly more carrying capacity while retaining the manoeuvrability of a 6×4,” he said.
“It’s critical for us to have a vehicle that can handle on-and-off-road operations, make light work of tight site access and one which enables our dispatch team to provide the service our customers require.”
The CF 400 FAX is powered by a 10.8-litre, 400bhp Paccar MX-11 engine.
Cifa’s 8m3 drum capacity SL8 Truckmixer body has an EKOS drum closing gate and pneumatically operated SL45 telescopic chutes – rather than a folding mechanism – resulting in less handling for the operator and so faster dispensing. The Italian-made body was supplied and fitted by Cifa’s UK agent, Spanners Mixer Hire in Market Deeping.
“We’re a mixed fleet,” added Kevin Hogan, “but, over the years, the DAF marque has out-performed its competitors in all areas – product quality, reliability and aftersales, and that’s no mean feat considering the tough work our vehicles endure.
“We use Holyhead Trucks in Mona, Anglesey for regular servicing and maintenance while the main DAF dealer, North West Trucks in Liverpool, supplies our vehicles – both are superb. The collaboration between DAF and Spanners, the Cifa agent, has been first-class, and has ensured the acquisition of a truck to our exacting specification.”
