Bimson Haulage, the UK’s premier brick-and-block transport specialist, is taking delivery of 20 new DAF XG 530 ‘FAN’ 6x2 rear-steer drawbar trucks as part of a major fleet investment programme. With eight of the new vehicles already deployed across the company’s 26 operating centres, early performance data reveals impressive fuel economy gains. Strong driver approval is also reported on demanding long-distance work.
The Carlisle-based operator, which manages almost 100 vehicles, has recorded notable efficiency improvements with the new XG models. Its drawbar fleet, which routinely operates with payloads up to 26.5-tonnes, and 28.0-tonnes on its flat-bed artics, is now achieving fuel returns approaching 8.0mpg, a 6% improvement over previous models, and obtained while running consistently at 44-tonnes GCW.
Stuart Arkle, operations director, said: “The majority of our drawbar vehicles are consistently averaging 7.5mpg, and that's while running with full payloads almost all the time. On the drawbars, we’re routinely hitting 26.5-tonnes. It's a brick-and-block operation, so the trucks are always fully laden and it’s tough work. With our newest models, we’re seeing an economy improvement of around 6% – getting close to 8.0mpg."
Drivers have praised the XG cab’s superior layout, increased storage, enhanced living space and practical features such as the passenger side swivelling ‘captain’s chair’, especially on regular nights out. “Feedback from drivers who've received the new XGs has been excellent, describing the cab as outstanding,” said Arkle, “They’ve also said the 12-speed TraXon auto-gearbox is superb. The combination of low-speed manoeuvrability and responsive power delivery really suits our construction site delivery operations.
