Staffordshire-based waste disposal, skip hire and bulk haulage operator, Potteries Waste, has taken delivery of a new DAF XDC 450 FAD 8x4 tipper. The all-new DAF is among the first DAF XDC multi-axle chassis to be delivered to UK customers and joins a DAF-exclusive fleet of more than 20 vehicles. Potteries Waste has ordered a further two XDC vehicles, with delivery due next spring.

Benefiting from a low kerb weight, large approach angle and high ground clearance, DAF’s new XDC has been optimised to provide operators with the very best on- and off-road performance for specific ‘operations. Appealing to ‘vocational’ operators in the construction and utility sectors, the XDC is the latest model to emerge from the International Truck of the Year-winning DAF XD range.

Supplied by Motus Commercials in Stoke on Trent, Potteries Waste’s XDC will return to the dealer for all repair and maintenance work as part of the operator’s fleet-wide contract. 

The cab design of the all new XDC was a major selling point for Potteries Waste. The firm currently maintains a fleet of previous-generation DAF CF tippers, as well as DAF LFs for domestic skip hire services.

“The new cab in the XDC is excellent,” said Ron Garlick, Managing Director of Potteries Waste. “It’s not only more spacious and more comfortable than before, but the large windows make for greater visibility. We also opted for the full media system to encourage safe driving and to help us to retain and recruit drivers. Behind the wheel, it’s a far superior place to be than the outgoing model.

“Although we’re not yet able to make a judgement on the long-term efficiency of the XDC, we’re very happy with the low kerb weight and initial fuel returns from the new DAF.”

Potteries Waste driver, Kevin Boulton, was full of praise for the new XDC. He said: “The cab is a vast improvement; the all-round visibility has made a massive difference and it’s a lot quieter in the cab. I’d say that ride is more responsive than my previous CF450 FAD, too. Put simply, it’s an amazing truck with a luxury feel, which appears built to go the distance.”

“We always receive a first-class service from Andy Ridgway and Jimmy Lockett at Motus Commercials in Stoke,” Ron adds. “We’ve built a close working relationship with them and it’s a pleasure doing business.”

In a departure from the usual steel body supplied by Boweld, Potteries Waste has fitted the XDC with an AJ Hayton aluminium body. Its versatile design allows the company to diversify the services it provides. A factory PTO is always specified and automatic tail gate and Edbro tipping gear are fitted to every Potteries Waste tipper truck. Initially, the truck is being used to deliver aggregates from local quarries directly to customers.