[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dunstable-based vehicle recovery operator, Stathams Motor Engineers, has taken delivery of a DAF New CF 530 FA chassis with NRC recovery bodywork including detachable tag-axle functionality. Featuring two-axle and three-axle options, the 80-tonne GTW New CF operates primarily as a 4×2 rigid albeit capable of greatly enhanced operational flexibility with an interchangeable and quick-fitting tag-axle conversion.

With fitment completed in around 30-minutes, the additional tag-axle allows Statham’s to lift and tow heavier casualty vehicles – typically eight-wheelers – and is complete with braking system and pneumatic suspension. In its basic 4×2 layout, Stathams New CF provides greater manoeuvrability throughout Statham’s London, M25 and Home Counties area of operation.

With its range-topping 13-litre, 530bhp engine, and despite a good deal of necessary idling time, the New CF is delivering an impressive average fuel economy of 9.5mpg.

“The New CF is a £210,000 investment for us,” said company owner and third generation family member in the business, John Statham, “we wanted greater operational flexibility. The NRC crane and winches mean we can recover almost any car and light commercial vehicle, but,” he said, “it is the versatility of the interchangeable axle which allows us to lift heavier vehicles above 14-tonnes and up to 44-tonnes. We now have one vehicle fulfilling the role of two.

“Fuel economy from such a big engine is an extremely welcome bonus, and is a significant improvement on our previous, lower-powered DAF CF,” added Statham.

The NRC plastic-composite recovery body includes a 25-tonne sliding crane, under-lift equipment and dual winches. VDZ equipment adds versatility by providing a towing option where dual tow-jaws are fitted on the casualty vehicle, thus delivering an alternative to front-end lifting. Lockers and other detail body specification was designed and installed by Statham’s own Recovery Supervisor, Rob Dephley.

DAF Dealer North West Trucks supplied the New CF, although aftersales support is provided through DAF Trucks’ local service point HTC Hemel in Hemel Hempstead.

Statham’s, which is recognising its 70th anniversary in 2018, performs its own vehicle maintenance and enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with HTC. “We’ve never had a warranty issue in the 10-years we’ve been dealing with HTC,” continued John Statham, “and any call-out issues are dealt with immediately. It’s a partnership which works both ways as we receive reciprocal call-out work in the area on behalf of HTC.”

Statham’s provides a vehicle recovery service on behalf of DAFaid, DAF Trucks’ own breakdown service. The company shares work with recovery operators throughout the UK and enjoys long-standing contracts with the Police, Highways England and local authorities in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”149960″ img_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][features_list features_title=”For more DAF-related features, see below:” feature_display_type=”features_list” features_amount_list=”4″][/vc_column][/vc_row]