When you’re running truck fleets in the hundreds, optimal fuel consumption, low maintenance costs and minimum breakdowns are the all-important criteria that logistics operators look for in a truck. Ticking all these boxes and then some, the brand-new DAF XF trucks fit this bill for a leading logistic group in South Africa, who collectively placed an order for 100 new DAF XF 480 trucks.

Operating in the tipper, tautliner and tanker transport sectors, the new DAF XF trucks will be used by various companies within the group for bulk transportation of manganese, coal, chrome, maize and fertiliser (Comotrans); transporting of palletised goods (Kritzinger Transport); and in the tanker industry (Mystic Blue).

Mark Gavin, Sales Director Transport Solutions at Babcock, says that this logistics group of companies is not a stranger to the DAF brand, having previously purchased 100 hundred DAF trucks from Babcock some years back. Both orders hold the accolade of being among Babcock’s biggest bulk orders of DAF trucks.

The logistics group took delivery of 13 trucks in April, with the rest to follow at monthly intervals during the course of the year. Bertus Kritzinger, Director of the group, says that new DAF XF trucks have already shown an improvement in fuel consumptions compared to the previous model, which was fuel efficient in its own right. “We have been running DAF trucks for four years, comprising about 70% of our overall fleet. We are pleased with the performance of the trucks and are very satisfied with the service we are getting from Babcock,” says Kritzinger.

Central to the new DAF trucks’ transport efficiency is a multi-torque PACCAR MX-13 engine offering more torque at lower revolutions per minute (rpm) for higher fuel efficiency. The trucks also feature the latest generation TraXon automated gearbox that offers less friction losses, faster upshifts, and the extended use of EcoRoll contributing to lower fuel consumption. Other engine innovations enhancing fuel economy and performance include fully variable oil, steering and coolant pumps; a new piston ring package and skirt profile; and a new turbo charger and combustion system.

Commenting on the order, Kritzinger says that while 2020 was a tough year, the logistics group has managed to stand firm thanks to its loyal customers supporting their business, and most importantly, their staff who have been committed to work throughout the pandemic.