It's a 150 tonne DAF 6 x 4 tractor for the specialist heavy haulage division of the company's 100-vehicle operation.

The DAF FTT XF95 will normally run at weights up to around 80 tonnes on special types of work delivering plant and machinery made by companies in and around Sheffield, the steel capital of the UK.

But occasionally it will have to show its full potential moving much larger loads on what can often be journeys of just a few hundred yards within an industrial complex.

Specialist engineering equipment for the oil, gas and petrochemical industries along with process plant for water treatment plants are typical loads.

And the new DAF will frequently find itself trundling across to Hull and Immingham or down to Felixstowe or Southampton with abnormal indivisible loads destined for far distant parts of the world.

"Sheffield remains at the heart of the heavy engineering industry in Britain," says joint managing director Ian Truswell.

"As a result we have invested in this big DAF so that we can continue to offer the service that specialist industry demands.

"We've specced the DAF to give us plenty of flexibility in the way we use it whilst also giving us the economy of operation that's so important in today's highly competitive transport market.

"Fuel is always a key issue these days and the DAF comes with a reputation for good economy.

"Reliability is crucial too and the robust engineering that's gone into this model gives us confidence that it will perform well."

Power comes from DAF's 12.6 litre XE315C engine producing 480 horsepower (355 kW) at 1900 rpm.

When getting large loads on the move the amount of torque available can be critical and the DAF is not short of that, delivering 1950 Nm in a range between 1000 and 1500 rpm.

To operate at these high weights the vehicle is built with a nine tonne front axle fitted with 385/65x22.5 tyres and a hub reduction 26 tonne rear bogie utilising trapezium springs.

One of Truswell's longest serving drivers, Eric Moran, is behind the wheel of the XF95.

His views, garnered from years of super-heavy haulage experience, were sought when it came to kitting out the new truck, along with those of his fellow drivers.

As a result Ian Truswell opted for DAF's Super Space cab, which has got the largest amount of internal space of any premium tractor on the market and is therefore well suited for those times when the job calls for a two-man crew.

Along with two generously proportioned bunks there's ample storage space for personal clothing and wet weather and protective equipment.

Food can be kept fresh in the fridge, entertainment provided by a high-quality sound system, and a good night's sleep guaranteed whatever the outside temperature thanks to full air conditioning and an Airtronic auxiliary night heater.

On the move Eric can relax with the help of cruise control and an air-suspended seat with arm rests.

A stylish walnut effect displays all critical vehicle conditions at a glance and, along with a leather covered steering wheel, adds a touch of luxury that you'd be more likely to find in expensive cars.

Like all of Truswell's heavy haulage drivers, Eric has been specially trained for the job. He's undertaken the CITB 'loader/securer' course, which leads to a City and Guilds qualification.

DAF dealer Chatfields of Sheffield supplied the truck and will take care of any warranty work.

Truswell Haulage will carry out routine maintenance in their own well-equipped workshop throughout the five years they expect to keep the DAF.