It's no secret that Biglorryblog is mysteriously drawn to trucks with big cranes on the back. Call me silly but there it is....so my attention was naturally grabbed by the news that by fitting an extendable body and a high-capacity crane to its new Daf eight-legger has enabled R D Anderson Haulage of Edinburgh to use it on a wide variety of work.
The 360hp FAD CF85 is being operated throughout the UK on machinery and plant removals and in the construction industry to deliver portable buildings and equipment. It has a 28 foot flatbed body by Kingswells Bodybuilders of Aberdeen. This can be extended by a further five feet when longer loads are being carried and the entire rear lighting system moves with the extension.
For crane anoraks the good news is that behind the Daf's cab sits a 60-tonne/metre Palfinger PK 60000 with a maximum outreach of 13.7 metres and a maximum load capacity of 12 tonnes. The crane is fitted with front and rear hydraulic stabilisers and power is from a gearbox mounted PTO. An infra-red remote control allows the driver/operator, Graham Bruce, to safely position his load.
Anderson Haulage has opted for a sleeper cab on the DAF to provide Graham with a comfortable working and living environment. Headroom is good and there’s ample storage space for his personal gear, wet weather clothing and any PPE that he needs to carry for when on site.
Four radiator-mounted spotlamps provide additional illumination that is particularly useful on poorly-lit construction sites. A full-width sun visor and a hazard beacon bar complete the very business-like appearance of the Daf. Impressed Ashley?
Oh yes BLB, I AM impressed!
But....can it lift the Wembley arch? That is the burning question and ( I think ) it should be written into the scriptures for all "crane tests" from now on. Amen.