Road Tests: DAF CF75 310

Looking at the positioning of the CF75 310 6x2 in Daf’s great scheme of things and it’s a surprise we didn’t complete the whole test route in the middle of the road. The CF cab is in the middle of the range, between LF and XF; the 9.2-litre engine that makes it a 75 is likewise sandwiched by the 5.9-litre 65 and the 12.6-litre 85. And just for good measure, we had the middle number of axles available (three) and, at 306hp, the middle engine rating. Look down any high street and it won’t be long before a six-wheeler is seen delivering the country’s staple needs. But despite the contribution made to the UK economy by the sector, this CF75 is only the third 26-tonne distribution truck to have appeared on UK press test fleets in recent years, the other two hailing from Sweden.

This example is ideally specified for the distribution role, with ZF’s AS-Tronic providing automated two-pedal transmission, and a steering third axle providing much of the manoeuvrability of an 18-tonner. And this is achieved with nearly eight metres of body length and a net payload of 16 tonnes. The body is a Boalloy curtainsider with a highly effective air-operated curtain tensioning system which kept the sides as flat as a box van. A full complement of cab roof and body side air management kit helped it cleave its way through the West Country breezes.

Daf’s fuel results in CM tests are second to none. Much of this is down to careful preparation, but we hope our figures can be matched in real life, for the CF75 has lifted the bar for 26-tonne distribution trucks into new territory with an overall figure of 10.5mpg, making it the first into double figures. This is approaching the lower realms of 18-tonners, and only a 3.5mpg behind the best – the LF55 220 from guess who? The Daf’s economy is all the more creditable when you consider that we lost count of the number of temporary traffic signals on the route, each one marked by a major “harrumph” from the passenger seat. Although our average speed figures show it as slightly lower than the Volvo on the A-road section, in reality they are much of a muchness. With the middle (of course) wheelbase of the range, the Daf weighs in at 7,494kg with a full tank and 75kg driver in standard trim. Add the 60kg weight of the air management kit and the larger fuel tank (430 litres against the standard 300), then subtract 120kg for the Speedline wheels and the AS-Tronic, and you end up with a highly respectable 18.5-tonne body/payload allowance. With the Boalloy body the net payload is 16,280kg.