28th November 2016 | HTC

SMITHS BLETCHINGTON – ‘OTHER MANUFACTURERS CAN’T TOUCH DAF FOR BACK-UP’

Sand, gravel and aggregates specialist, Smiths Bletchington in Kidlington near Oxford, has added two new DAF LF 250 FA Construction 18-tonne tippers to its all-Euro-6 fleet. Replacing two competitor vehicles, the pair of middleweights were selected primarily for the ‘outstanding’ aftersales support supplied by local DAF Dealer, HTC Oxford.

The new 4x2 tipper chassis join five other DAF trucks, including 8x4 CF Construction tippers which go to make up a 34-strong fleet. The DAF marque has been a constant feature of the Smiths fleet for ten years, although the current burgeoning relationship with HTC has elevated the British-built brand to a preferred supplier status.

“The aftersales support really is spot-on,” said Workshop Manager, Tim Norridge, at Smiths, “At dealer level especially, HTC in Kidlington is excellent. They’re on our doorstep, which helps of course, and Parts deliveries are super-quick. But, moreover, HTC takes ownership of any issues that may arise and we’re kept fully abreast of progress. Peace-of-mind,” he said, “really is important; just as important, in fact, as the quality of the truck. We have a mixed fleet, but other manufacturers can’t touch DAF for back-up.”

 

SMITHS BLETCHINGTON – ‘OTHER MANUFACTURERS CAN’T TOUCH DAF FOR BACK-UP’

DAF’s LF Construction chassis is a dedicated tipper chassis ideally adapted for on- / off-road applications. With the tightest turning circle in its class Smiths Bletchington’s LF Construction 18-tonner features a raised, galvanised steel, front bumper to offer ground clearance of 32cm and an approach angle of almost 25 degrees. Further protection is provided by a steel radiator plate, and class-leading cab comfort means the LF Construction is equally at home on the highway and the construction site.

“The DAF LF has excellent off-road credentials,” added Norridge, “our trucks are really put through their paces – often in quarries – so high ground clearance is a big benefit to us. Out on the road too, our drivers appreciate the roomy, well-appointed LF cab. The LF,” he said, “is a multi-talented middleweight for our operation.”

Smiths Bletchinton, a FORS Bronze Member, recently introduced close proximity camera technology right across its tipper fleet. The ‘Blackeye 360 Sidescan’ system is fitted by Brigade Electronics, and, while manoeuvring at low-speed, provides the driver with an all-round view of the vehicle in a single image on an in-cab monitor.

SMITHS BLETCHINGTON – ‘OTHER MANUFACTURERS CAN’T TOUCH DAF FOR BACK-UP’