DAF CF65 evolves with increased payload

DAF has made major enhancements to its popular CF65 model of which around 800 were sold in the UK market last year. The changes - which are unveiled at the CV Show which opens at Birmingham's NEC today - include up to 150kg more payload (depending upon wheelbase) achieved through a reduced chassis height.

The CF65 18 tonne GVW range was introduced in 2001 and DAF has now made the first significant revisions to its specifications to further enhance operator and driver appeal.
The most important change is a revised frame, now 260mm deep compared with the previous 310mm. This lower frame height enables all models of 4.9m wheelbase and above to achieve a 50mm reduction in chassis height and additionally up to 150kg weight saving and thus improved payload. The lightest CF65 in the range now offers a body/payload of up to 13 tonnes.

Other design enhancements include the repositioning of such components as the silencer and batteries allowing simpler installation of bodywork or special features such as truck-mounted cranes.

The DAF CF65 is powered by the 5.9 litre, six-cylinder PACCAR engine with electronically-controlled common rail fuel injection. This power unit is available in two output variants: 162 KW (220hp) and 184 KW (250hp). Maximum torque is 820 and 950 Nm respectively; fully in line with the DAF tradition this torque is available over a wide engine speed range from 1,200 to 1,700 rpm. Depending on the version, a manual 6 or 9 speed gearbox is fitted; at additional cost, a fully-automatic Allison transmission is available for special applications, for example as a road sweeper or for fire brigade use.

The DAF CF 65 has a choice of day cab, sleeper cab and an extra large Space Cab with optional twin bunks. The drivers air suspended seat is fully adjustable - the result is an optimum driving position for drivers both large and small. The cab floor is only 1.05 metres above the ground, and the doors are noticeably wide; these facts make entry and exit even easier, a not unimportant factor for a distribution driver who will sometimes have to get in and out of the cab dozens of times in a day. The cab itself also offers numerous storage facilities; in the Space Cab, total storage space amounts to a massive 900 litres.

The DAF CF65 comes in twelve wheelbases, allowing body lengths of between 4.6 to 10 metres. With its high payload and the wide range of possibilities in cabs, transmissions and engine outputs, the DAF CF65 is the ultimate choice for numerous distribution applications, both national and regional.

The CF65 already occupies an important place in the British fleet market and the changes we showing at the NEC today enhance its appeal still further, says Tony Pain, DAF Trucks marketing director. We have deliberately taken an evolutionary approach, building on the trucks strength but making it even more efficient to operate and even easier to work with.