Based on outstanding performance from existing six-year-old DAF LF urban artics, the new XB units replace outgoing competitor trucks to take the dray fleet to 13 DAF vehicles. The fleet distributes to 250 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West of England and into North Wales.
The new XB 4x2 tractor units – plated at 21.0-tonnes GCW to suit Robinson’s operation – feature DAF’s installation of the Powerline eight-speed automatic gearbox; just one aspect of a high level of specification heavily influenced by Robinsons drivers. The XB cab offers drivers high levels of equipment and a ‘big truck’ feel, yet boasting exceptional manoeuvrability and 3-star direct vision to suit the truck’s urban environment. Vehicles are also equipped with Advanced Driver-Assistance System safety features as standard.
The brewery’s logistics manager, Mathew Heath, is especially pleased with the new XB urban artics and the positive feedback from the company’s drivers. He said: “The DAF XB urban artic appears to be purpose built for us. They are brilliant around town. Nimble, super-easy to manoeuvre and the drivers are really, really impressed with the game-changing PowerLine transmission. Coupled with the 260bhp engine, it’s just so sprightly and responsive. We don’t carry a huge amount of weight, but the XB makes for effortless driving in an urban environment – our drivers are very happy indeed.”