BT Fleet has taken delivery of 22 new Euro 6 DAF LF 150 FA 7.5 tonne trucks as lightweight pole erection units, for use by Openreach.

Designed in conjunction with SB Components, the short wheelbase trucks are for nationwide installation of telegraph poles. Equipment includes auger, crane, road-guarding kit and storage.

“Openreach has 3.5 million poles across the UK, and fleet utilisation is critical to providing an effective service,” said BT Fleet’s commercial director, Duncan Webb.

"These latest DAF 7.5 tonners are already delivering significant operational advantages beyond our previous vehicles. With everything ‘on-board’, our trucks can now maximise their time in operation.”

“DAF’s willingness to find a solution really impressed. DAF were very responsive and, along with SB Components, we designed a new vehicle from the ground up. The result is a vehicle that ideally suits the end-user’s needs.” 

“The finished vehicle is an improvement over our initial concept. We now have 22 DAF LFs in service with another 15 on order.”

Previously BT Fleet has operated DAF LF55 chassis at 12 tonnes GVW.