There’s nothing better than a practical assessment of a new truck, and Lochmaben Transport’s Stevie Walker got just that with the new DAF 7.5 tonne LF Powerline.
I HAVEN’T had a lot to do with 7.5 tonners for many years now since, back in 1990 my dad, co-owner of a busy coal merchant business, acquired a couple of new Leyland Roadrunners for door-to-door deliveries.
I was at the tender age of 15, and they were impressive compared to the ageing Dodge and Leyland Terrier they were about to replace. Three years on from there I was able to get behind the wheel and they were fantastic little trucks with light steering, smooth gearchange and a punchy engine with bags of power and a great soundtrack.
I remember how open the walk-through cab felt with the small window at the passenger footwell and the big windscreen giving great light and visibility to the driver. It was with these vehicles that I cut my teeth in truck driving, with coal deliveries giving plenty of opportunity to practice reversing and manoeuvring in tight streets and farm lanes. The Roadrunners were the ideal vehicle for the job.
