In my book, this livestock combination from the sixties was the most outstanding big rig at the classic truck show I recently visited (more on that later, of course). A 1968 Volvo N88 tractor teamed up with a 1961 DAF semi-trailer, showcasing how livestock was transported some 50 to 60 years ago.
Back in 1951, Volvo introduced their so called Titan-series of heavy trucks and tractors, the 1965-1973 N88 was the final version of these rounded conventionals. At the end of the production run, they were really showing their age.
Dijkstra’s stunning tractor is powered by Volvo’s TD100 engine, a turbocharged, 9.6 liter inline-six diesel engine. With 260 hp, it was the truck maker’s powerhouse in those days. As an aside, Volvo’s mass production of turbodiesels had already started in 1954.
The business end, a 1961 DAF tandem axle semi-trailer with a Rondaan livestock body. No Di-Noc was used during the entire production process.
How things evolve! Fast forward to one of the current semis of the Dijkstra company. Their livestock transport business covers the whole continent and beyond, like northern Africa. (photo courtesy of Dijkstra Livestock B.V.)
Cattle Cruisers, that’s how these state-of-the-art semi-trailers, with independent wheel suspension, are referred to. No Di-Noc was used during the entire production process. (photo courtesy of Cuppers Carrosserieën B.V.)
Both awesome-looking rigs. Especially like the ’68 Volvo N88, and its retro design. Perfect public relations truck for Dijkstra Livestock. Amazing, woodwork on the trailer.
A longtime local produce distributor here in Eastern Ontario, uses the same light teal blue and white colour scheme, for years. Like Dijkstra, you spot their trucks from far away, because of their distinctive company colours.
Regarding their current rigs, I don’t know any other company that uses a similar color scheme or livery, not even remotely similar. That dark shade of grey on a livestock semi-trailer is also quite special. Everything combined, distinctive indeed, and recognizable from a country mile.
The days when wood was allowed for cattle/sheep crates has well and truly gone the way of the Dodo, nice looking rig though, These type of vehicles come as truck and trailer here on some properties only the truck will fit so the trailer gets left on the road the truck loaded then the load transferred to the trailer the the truck reloaded then back to the trailer hook on and go.
Single screw tractor units would never be used in rural areas here loading ramps for animals are generally in paddocks and a single drive truck will get stuck or sink trying to pull 50 or more tons on grass.
Those rigs mainly do international transport, driving through many Euro-countries, in which case their gross weight is legally limited to 40,000 kg.
The last photo of the Cattle Cruiser that shows the row of fans in the trailer indicates that cattle get a much better ride over there than they typically do over here.
The Volvo tractor and DAF trailer is a very attractive setup. That trailer is a piece of art.
There are strict regulations regarding transporting livestock (animal welfare).
Ventilation, temperature control, a drinking water system, straw on the decks, hay. All aboard modern livestock trucks/trailers/semi-trailers.
Very impressive truck. That trailer looks much too nice to haul livestock in. Doesn’t look like anything Wilson ever built!
In the last picture the top of the trailer has popped up a meter or so. I assume it must be for ventilation but I’ve never seen such a unique design. It looks like the ultimate open air patio a movie star would use when filming on location. Any additional information on that would be appreciated.
Yes, the roof can be popped up at a stop for maximum fresh air. And it’s more convenient when loading, unloading, getting the straw in, cleaning up,desinfection, etc. The average, grown-up guy/girl is taller than a cow, so there’s that too!
Like a truck cab or panel van with a raised roof: after all, it’s easier standing up straight and walk/work around than crawling around in some sort of cave-construction.
Thanks Johannes for the explanation. Based on the current cattle haulers I see on US roadways many are decades old. Our animal welfare transportation standards appear to lag far behind euro standards and that sickens me. I just read that if livestock are transported for longer than 28 hours they must be unloaded for at least five hours for feed, water and rest. Nuts!
That first one is a beauty. I don’t know if I’m more impressed by the tractor or the trailer!