The DAF CF is the middleweight truck in the DAF range of three trucks with gross veichle weights starting at 18 tonnes and going right up to 32 tonnes for the eight wheel operation and 44 tonnes as a 6×2 tractor unit. Designed for local and regional distribution tasks, the truck is available as a rigid or tractor unit. Whilst the cab is smaller than the DAF XF, there is still the option to specify DAF’s Space Cab for more room in case of nights out.
The CF sits above the Renault-cabbed DAF LF which is used for operation up to about 12 tonnes GVW.
Where the CF comes into its own is a value for money rigid for tipper operations. A reliable workhorse, the DAF technology is well proven and the dealer support in the UK is very good, as you would expect from the market leader.
The CF is available in a myriad of lengths, heights and wheelbase lengths and – best of all – is assembled in the UK in Leyland.
Since 2007, truck operators can buy ready-bodied DAF CF trucks from the factory, so keep an eye out for one of these in the used truck market. You won’t find tippers, but you sill see 4×2 box and curtainsiders.
A solid choice – no transport manager ever got the sack for buying a DAF CF!
When buying a truck in the used market, it is good to know which year there was a facelift or a new engine launched. No point in spending the same money on an earlier model year when you can buy an upgraded version for the same money.
For example, not all 2014 DAF CF’s are the same – some could be Euro 5 and some Euro 6.
The DAF CF range arose from the original 75 and 85 series DAFs launched back in 1992. Looking at the truck from this period, it is still instantly recognisable, using the same cab today.
Three models replaced the outgoing 75 and 85 range. The CF was now available as the 65CF, 75CF and 85CF (note the numbering was different at launch – not an error here). It’s anyones guess about the numbering of the range – you may think that it was swept engine volume, but the 75CF came with a 9.2-litre and the 85CF came with the 12.6-litre that it shared with the larger-cabbed XF series.
Essentially a facelift, September 2000 saw the launch of the revised CF. This time the brand identity was reordered so it became the CF85 instead of the 85CF. The truck was fitted with the new 9.2-litre PE engine with 360hp.
To enable the CF to reach Euro 4 emission standards, DAF launched two new engines, the 9.2-litre PR engine to replace the PE from 2000 – this time with MX injection technology – still with outputs up to 360hp. The 12.6 litre engine nowbecomes the MX with power up to 510hp.
DAF was the first truckmaker to make all of its trucks available as EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicles) – this includes the CF range.
Truck operators can now specify four axle 8×2 CF’s with one at the front and three at the rear – ideal for rear-mounted crane operation and for delivery to hard-to manoeuvre locations.
Launched with much fanfare at the UK’s CV Show, the new CF range was not actually sold in Euro 6 form in the UK well into 2014. The new PACCAR MX11 engine features for the first time.
DAF dropped the use of the 65, 75 and 85 in the model designation. The CF range are now simply called CF… followed by the horsepower. So instead of the CF85.360 we now have the CF360. Simple.
Announced at the same time was the CF Construction range of trucks – DAF has not chosen a new brand for their on/off road offering like other manufacturers, (Volvo FMX, Mercedes Arocs, Renault Rand C and Range K) but extended the CF Range instead. The CF Construction has extra ground clearance plus a new tough look.
Not a huge seller but the CF silent operates at 72dBA – excellent if that’s your thing!
Focusing on efficiency, the new CF had new driveline and improved aerodynamics – albeit on the original cab. DAF claim fuel improvements of up to 7% for the range.
DAF have both full battery and diesel hybrid versions of the CF with customers on trial around the Netherlands.
So, the truck building industry is still alive in the UK. At least in Lancashire it is. DAF assemble almost all the trucks for the UK market in Leyland – and even send some overseas! This is evidenced in the fantastic achievement of building the 100,000th CF and XF truck, with the example destined for…
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