No operator that heads into London should be buying a new truck with less than a three star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating, otherwise they will have to retrofit a host of equipment come the October 2024 deadline for the three start minimum to apply, (the ratings peak at five stars).
The three DVS-starred DAF XDC 8×4 tipper sold to Day Aggregates; part of Day Group Ltd. Was one of the first in the country sold by DAF. The first of two XDC 450 8x4s has been delivered, the second imminent, with a further two trucks currently being bodied to make up the quartet.
A Construction Specialist
The XDC 8×4 tipper chassis is part of DAF’s recently launched range of multi-axle vehicles for specific ‘vocational’ applications, with appeal to operators in the construction and utility sectors. The XDC line-up forms part of the wider DAF XD range, recently voted ‘International Truck of the Year’ 2023.
The new DAF XDC comes with robust steel bumper, radiator protection and a 25 degree approach angle
The trucks, supplied through DAF Dealer, Channel Commercials, join a 200-strong fleet which includes existing DAF CF eight-wheelers. Instrumental to the company’s buying decision was the DAF XDC’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) three-star rating, allowing the XDC 8x4s to operate in London’s DVS zone after October ’24 without additional ancillary equipment to comply with the DVS Safe System.
Day Aggregates’ latest DAF XDC chassis now offers arguably the tipper sector’s best proposition for on- / off-road work, including a robust steel bumper and radiator protection plate, and an impressive 25-degree approach angle. A new, high level of equipment and added comfort for the driver is taken from the New Generation DAF cab family; receiving plaudits from across the operating industry.
The vehicles will all be supplied on six-year manufacturer-backed repair and maintenance contracts. Channel Commercials is also delivering professional driver training through the DAF Driver Training Voucher scheme, whereby individual drivers receive a 90-minute handover session, plus a 60-minute on-road familiarisation session.
While the XDC product’s three-star DVS rating was ‘the major attraction’ for Day Aggregates, the company was keen to showcase a new truck in its fleet, while continuing its excellent relationship with Channel Commercials and DAF’s wider dealer network.
The Truck Buyer’s View
“The XDC’s three-star rating was the major attraction for us,” said Chris Cooling, Group Transport Manager, at Day Aggregates, “and there was also a great deal of new product appeal with the new DAF – it looks like a superb piece of kit. We’ve run DAFs historically since 2005, and have a good number of 18-tonne and 32-tonne examples on the fleet. We rely on OEM support,” he said, “and Channel Commercials, and DAF, are very strong in this respect. They have a large number of ‘pins in the map’ and that’s good for us.”
The new DAF XDC eight-wheelers will join the Day Aggregate fleet operating out of the company’s Greenwich wharf. Day Aggregates delivers five million tonnes of aggregate every year to construction projects and builders’ merchants across the south of England.