With the almost evergreen DAF CF tipper chassis now being superseded by the all-new DAF XD, some of the last examples of the outgoing model are now being out-shopped by Thompsons for delivery to their still eager customers. Three such examples, all 8x4s with Loadmaster bodies, have recently joined the Woking-based fleet of Atlas Bulk Carriers (ABC).
“The Loadmaster / CF combination has been an absolutely terrific tipper” says Atlas’ Operations Director Aaron Privett adding “It’s proven to be practical, durable, reliable and totally productive. We standardised on this tipper spec a long time ago and must have bought up to 100 Thompsons – bodied DAFs over the last 20-plus years. We’ll be sorry to see the CF go, but obviously time and technology both move on, so we’ll just have to see what extra benefits the new XD will bring.”
The latest trucks for Atlas include a pair of standard front-end tippers and a tipper grab, all exhibiting the company’s latest livery with high-visibility yellow cabs.
The front-end tippers feature Thompsons’ latest single-skinned Loadmaster Lite model, a design and specification that removes the need for a double-skinned body – even for work in heavy-duty applications. Finishing details include cab – operated tailgates, side – mounted warning panels as well as bodyside and rear lighting.
Scott Burton, Thompsons’ Joint Managing Director says “Big advances in the strength, durability and material quality of our steel means that most users of the previous double skinned Loadmaster on heavy duty work like muckshifting can now use the single skin design without risk or compromise. We’ve also done away with the front cornerposts as well. Taken altogether, the 2023 Loadmaster Lite is around 470kgs lighter than the previous double skinned model, which is a real plus for added payload potential.”
Atlas’ Technical Director Paul McGarry agrees. “The fact is that the Thompsons product just gets better and better” he says, adding that “for our type of general purpose tipper operation, the Loadmaster is simply the most economically productive tipper body out there. It’s really a very simple, fuss-free design, but built extraordinarily well. Typically, we’re looking at a 19.5 tonnes payload. Add in long term reliability, durability and a genuinely effective Thompsons back-up service and you really have no other choice.”
Founded by Andy Wislocki with a single six wheel tipper just over 50 years ago, today’s Atlas Bulk Carriers 21 – strong tipper fleet offers a full range of services including the supply of primary and recycled aggregates, muckshifting, landscaping, and removal of hardcore, concrete and tarmac.
As well as being accredited to both FORS Silver and CLOCS, all ABC’s trucks comply with the latest Direct Vision Standards to help maximise operating safety in urban areas. Day and night work is also available, as well as contract work with major businesses such as quarry operators, construction companies and housebuilders.
In all these areas, the Atlas Loadmaster DAFs are hard at work, each day, every day, and will be for some time to come.
“We really rate these trucks” says Aaron Privett. “They are as easy as ABC !”
