Five new DAF XF 6x2 tractors for 4R Group

The 4R Group has deployed five new 530hp 6x2 DAF XF tractor units with HARSH hydraulic kits. Two of the new DAFs feature a 3.4m wheelbase FTR tag axle chassis while the other three are conventional mid-axle units. 

4R’s transport manager, Gareth Boucher, said: “HARSH hydraulic kits were the obvious choice for these new tractors particularly as they could design a bespoke system to give us complete operational flexibility with all types of trailers. The two tag axle tractors generally work with liquid – carrying vacuum tank trailers, whilst the other three work with either moving floors or bulk tippers. 

“From a hydraulics point of view, the tankers are much more specialist as the hydraulics are used to both suck liquids into the trailer and also to power the pump to empty it. Both operations require extensive constant running – often over half an hour –  which means a much higher workload for the hydraulics. In contrast, a straight tipper or walking floor can usually tip out in only a few minutes.”

The HARSH piston pump system has a flow rate of 90 litres per minute at 900rpm or 120 litres per minute at 1,200rpm. The tractor units were fitted with an extra oil cooled radiator mounted behind the rear cab wall to manage high temperatures when the hydraulics are in constant operation. 

HARSH Peterborough’s general manager, Matt Bryant, said: “The customer’s timing requirements were particularly tight too, so our stores team was under considerable pressure to source all the required components quickly. They played a crucial role in enabling us to deliver this project on time and fully meet the customer’s requirements.”

Boucher said: “There are a number of benefits with the tag axle layout, not least the ability to lift the rear axle to put more weight on the drive to give extra traction when working on farm tracks or fields. Then there’s the masses of extra space on the chassis for fitting all the ancillary equipment. More room behind the cab also makes life easier and safer for the driver when connecting up the suzies and hydraulic pipes. And by having the weight of the cab and engine as far forward from the kingpin as possible, there’s a much better load distribution over the whole vehicle - which can be important when going up hills.”

Boucher added: “Jack English of DAF main dealer Ford & Slater in Leeds was instrumental in helping us get the spec for these trucks exactly right for our operation. The result are trucks that deliver the maximum possible payload, efficiency and versatility – as well as a first class working environment for our drivers.” 

English said: “It’s always refreshing to be able to supply customers with vehicles that are a bit out of the ordinary, and because of their particular expertise we had no hesitation in choosing HARSH to work with us to achieve what is an outstanding result.”

HARSH business development manager for Northern England, Jason Bramall, said: “These new trucks represent a great piece of teamwork between 4R, Ford & Slater and ourselves. HARSH has a proven performance in all aspects of vehicle hydraulics, and can tailor-make its systems to suit all types of vehicles working in any particular application. We undertake all such work at either our York HQ or our satellite depot in East Anglia, providing truck dealers and end users with both a total quality installation and a speedy vehicle turnaround.”