Published: Commercial Motor, 02 Feb 2006
The Little Big Truckby: Colin Barnett
Although it sits alongside its cousin, the LF55, in the 18-tonne sector, the DAF CF65 claims a niche all of its own. Colin Barnett puts it to the test.
Verdict
Unusually for a DAF, the fuel economy around our Welsh route was merely good rather than outstanding. It produced 13.3mpg overall, comprising 13.8mpg on the motorway and 13.2mpg on A-roads.
Compared with the LF55 220 18-tonner we tested two years ago overall economy was down 0.7mph, thanks mainly to the smaller truck’s unbeaten 15.8mpg on the A-road section. There were no problems with the CF’s journey times, however; its 64.0km/h average for this round trip is perfectly respectable.
With an off-the-shelf chassis-cab weighing in at 5,580kg, including a full 200-litre tank, 75kg driver and a 105kg contribution from the sleeper cab, the Daf’s 12,420kg body/payload allowance marks it squarely as the average for its type; its 350kg heavier than the LF55 220. With the Don-Bur body and a set of Alcoa rims, our test truck tipped the scales at 7,470kg ready for work.
Vehicle Specifications
DAF CF65
| Fuel Consumption: | 13.3mpg(21.2lit/100km) |
| Average speed: | 64.0km/h |
| Gross weight as tested: | 18,000kg |
| Net payload: | 12,420kg |
| Price as tested: | £55,290(ex-VAT) |
