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THE STORY BEHIND OUR CONVERTED LEYLAND DAF ARMY TRUCK

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Take a walk around any large outdoor trade show and they’ll be the usual array of stands and new industry vehicles vying for your attention. To draw people’s attention you really have to stand out from the crowd - be different, be unique. This is exactly what Atlantic Pumps decided to do for this year’s Hillhead. In text and video, this is the story of our converted Leyland DAF army truck.

Built in May 1994, the 4-tonne truck is fitted with a Leyland DAF 310 diesel engine. Originally clad in NATO green, it has a top speed of 89 km/h and measures 6630mm long by 2450mm wide.  

Our three-seater vehicle never actually saw conflict however it was used by the army on manoeuvres here in the UK and in Germany and could be used to carry military equipment, containers, seats and fuel pods. 

Converting the truck took just two weeks. During this time the canopy was removed, a fold-down stair case introduced at the side and the truck repainted in Atlantic Pumps blue. Decals were then applied at the front, side and rear before the canopy was reintroduced.  

The vehicle was driven to Hillhead by Atlantic Engineer Mark Selwood who commented upon how easy it was to drive. A video of the vehicle making its way to the event can be viewed below. It certainly grabbed people’s attention on the Derbyshire roads and was a huge success at Hillhead where it really was the star of our stand and a talking point amongst visitors to the three day event. 

‘The truck fitted very neatly with both our focus on tough pumps that can cope with abrasive applications and also our vibrant, ‘can do’ culture’ said Managing Director Andy Smith. ‘Think of an army of enthusiastic, energetic and well trained soldiers, riding to the rescue of all the frustrated pump users out there. And it was awesome to hear so many customers coming on to the stand and saying just that’. 

But what of the future for our vehicle? Well, the end of Hillhead certainly doesn’t mark the end of the road for the army truck - you may just see it coming to your site very soon! 

In addition to future trade shows, our unique vehicle will be at the forefront of our brand and will be used to host pump training and for hospitality purposes across a range of pump-related industries. 

To enquire about the availability of the truck for your corporate event or for pump training either on-site or here at our Sheffield offices, please call 0808 196 4938.