I thought it was long overdue that we had a romnovals van story on Biglorryblog and what better way to remedy that than to blog on the unique pantechnicon body for Matt Purdie's new Daf CF. It seems that no less than half a century of experience in the removals industry has been brought to bear in the design of the bespoke bodied Dutchman which has just entered service with Central Scotland's leading removals firm. Matt Purdie & Sons of Blackburn, West Lothian worked closely with Warrington-based Unique Van Bodies (formerly Vanplan for all you pantechnicon fans) in developing the 2,400 cubic feet capacity, 12-metre long body, which can take up to five standard removals containers. Now click through here to see more about this fabulous machine...
Apparently it also features six entry doors on each side, fully-opening rear doors and a removable internal upper deck onto which light or bulky items, such as large potted plants from homes or offices, can be placed. It's also got an aluminium multi-stage ramp system by Ra'alloy of Telford, with the ramp able to be placed on either side or at the rear, facing forward or rearward parallel to the body, or at 90º.
The galvanised steel framework has grp panels bonded on to it to form a completely smooth exterior with a life span of up to 20 years. As the panels are produced in-house by Unique, each results in a perfect fit. Side skirts and large lockers on both sides for the storage of packing materials and load securing straps, along with chrome wheel trims, complete the sleek styling of the vehicle.
Owner Matt Purdie, whose father started the business in 1960, chose Daf's CF65 chassis as the basis of the new removals van. He specified air suspension on the drive axle and a second passenger seat, which was a factory fitted option, for when a three-man crew is carried. A wood effect dashboard brings an added touch of luxury to the cab interior and the sleeping pod over the cab roof provides comfortable accommodation for two, with climate control, a washbasin with hot and cold water, a clothes locker, a safe for valuables, and a fridge.
The CF65 brings the number of Daf's in the company's 19-vehicle fleet to 11 and Matt tells me that they suit the removal role well. "They're particularly good in terms of their turning circle," he says. "Often we have to get into places with restricted access, such as driveways or cul-de-sacs, and here the exceptional manoeuvrability of the Daf really comes into its own."
Meanwhile, the company has gone straight to the Euro 5 emissions standard with the 250hp 6.7 litre GR165 engine, "We've already got the LEZ to deal with," Matt tells me, "and we can expect other cities to follow suit before too long. This way we're future-proofed until 2020, by which time this vehicle is likely to be only on local work."
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