A combination of low chassis weight, lightweight body and direct drive for the fridge unit has resulted in a payload of 2,700kg on a Daf 7.5-tonne refrigerated truck that has entered service with Langdons of Bridgwater, Somerset. The company specialises in temperature-controlled distribution under its Chillnet brand.
Graham Millard, Langdons fleet engineer, says: "We get around 250kg of additional payload as a result of using a direct-drive Thermo King V500 refrigeration unit. We've also
based it on the Daf LF45, which gives us a low-weight platform to start with. The extra payload comes mainly from the fridge compressor not needing its own independent engine with a separate red diesel tank.
"With this truck making two return trips a day we're getting up to half a tonne more in and out each day. That's equivalent to one pallet load and represents a productivity improvement of around 10%."
The 3,150mm-wheelbase LF45 is powered by a 4.5-litre, four-cylinder Paccar FR engine rated at 118kW at between 1,900 and 2,500rpm. This uses SCR technology to achieve Euro-4 emissions compliance. Lamberet Isotherms employed its Frigoline system to build the six-pallet body at its Warrington works Daf dealer Wessex Daf of Taunton supplied the truck and will provide warranty and parts support.
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