The new fuel tanker is the result of a joint project between DAF Trucks, Heil Trailer International and fuel delivery specialist Suckling Transport of West Thurrock in Essex, in whose livery the show vehicle is. The project is aimed at improving payload and productivity in an increasingly competitive market.

The DAF-Heil combination makes its UK debut on the Heil stand, number 107-108, at FPS 2005 - the UK showcase for products, equipment and services for the fuel supply industry (Telford International Exhibition Centre, Staffordshire, 20-21 April 2005).

DAF staff will be in attendance on the adjacent stand, number 77, to provide information on the tractor unit as well as its wide range of other products and services for the fuel supply industry. Suckling Transport are on stand 114.

DAF claims that its FTP CF85 model is the only three-axle tractor unit on the UK market that can legally run at 44 tonnes GCW with the new Heil tanker fully loaded with petrol to its 43,000 litre capacity.

The FTP's 17.5 inch second-axle wheels and other weight saving measures, such as alloy fuel tank and wheels, bring it in at just 6,940 kg complete with fifth wheel and wings and to full Safe Loading Pass specification.
In ready-for-the-road condition, with a full fuel tank and driver, the FTP CF85 weights just 7125 kg. This represents a saving of up to 700 kg off the weight of an average three-axle tractor.

"Combine the low weight of the DAF FTP tractor with the Heil tank weighing in at just 5,100 kgs and hoses at 60 kg and you're looking at a payload of around 31,700 kgs," says Peter Larner, managing director of Suckling Transport, whose idea the project is. "This brings the entire unit in at under 44,000 kgs gross weight."

"That payload equates to 43,000 litres of petrol compared to more usual tank capacities of around 41,500 litres. A company making five deliveries a day over a six day period will be able to deliver as much as 45,000 litres more in a week, which is equivalent to at least one 'free' delivery. It's a clear case of light weight meaning more litres!"

DAF marketing director Tony Pain says that the low weight of the FTP tractor has been achieved without compromising driver comfort or vehicle safety in any way. "This is a comprehensively equipped tractor with 430 bhp engine, sleeper cab with air conditioning, AS-tronic automatic transmission, DAF engine brake, ASR anti-slip system, and Vehicle Stability Control. This high level of specification provides a comfortable working environment for the driver leaving him to focus solely on safe delivery of his load."

Already renowned for the lightness of their tankers, Heil have trimmed the weight further with the new Evolution design by employing a clever combination of measures. These include the extensive use of XTRAIL high stress factor aluminium alloy sheets in the construction of the barrel; sunken access covers that eliminate the need for additional overturn protection; specification of a proven light weight suspension system and running gear; and use of low profile tyres.