Babcock, the sole importer and distributor of DAF Trucks in southern Africa, has recently concluded a deal with Wozani Berg Gasoline (trading as Sizanani Bulk) that saw the leading fuel transportation company purchase 10 DAF XF 105.460 truck tractors from Babcock to include in their fleet of trucks and trailer tankers.
Two more of these trucks, which are specifically built for the long haul, are currently on order with a further requisition for 15 units pending. Sizanani Bulk operates a fleet of highly specialised gas and fuel tankers that service a targeted client base, transporting liquid petroleum products throughout South Africa and SADC countries.
Last year Babcock entered the DAF XF105.460 FTT interlink into Truck Test 2015 to demonstrate the brand’s performance in the 30 to 35 tonne payload segment. The results revealed that DAF is the most cost-effective vehicle in the country in the 6×4 truck tractor category after it was put through its paces in a gruelling 860 kilometre round trip route against eight other leading truck brands.
Dave Black, MD of Babcock’s Transport Solutions business comments, “The outcome of the performance test proves that DAF is an industry leading vehicle that effectively delivers a productive operation across all the key factors transporters take into account when buying new vehicles. Transporters no longer have to take our word for it – the Truck Test 2015 results prove that the DAF XF is the most profitable truck in its category on South African roads,” says Black.
Alec Jackson, DAF Sales Executive for Babcock’s Westmead branch in Durban, says that there were a number of contributing factors that clinched the sale of the DAF XF 105 trucks to Sizanani Bulk, along with the top cost-effective rating. “The DAF fuel consumption has already proved to be the best in the Sizanani Bulk fleet, with a saving of up to 4 litres/100km per vehicle,” says Jackson. “With that comes a complete package from Babcock comprising correct pricing, a finance package to suit the client’s needs, a comprehensive service and maintenance package with a 24-hour breakdown service, the Executrax onboard monitoring system, as well as extensive after sales support,” he adds.
The key development criteria behind the DAF XF105 long haul trucks are:
Low operating costs
There are several technical advances on this vehicle that reduce fuel consumption and allow for higher revenue per kilometre to the operator such as the PACCAR MX engine, developed and manufactured by DAF, which combines excellent high performance with economical fuel consumption and the driveline which is carefully balanced to optimise performance under all operating conditions and to make the most of the engine’s low fuel consumption. The XF105 also uses many low-maintenance components, which extends service intervals to further reduce operating costs. Maintenance is therefore simpler, faster and less expensive and there are fewer parts that wear and need periodic replacement. Smart features such as the speed limiter and engine idle shutdown prevent wastage of fuel and reduce emissions.
Best driver satisfaction
The XF105 has the most spacious cab in its class allowing the driver to stay fit and alert for longer. Aerodynamic refinements such as the four large electronically adjustable and heated mirrors allow for a wider field of vision while the spacious cab has a roof with an integrated aerodynamic sun visor. Additional features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and a DAF Camera System make driving safe and comfortable. Babcock recently held a mini-workshop for Sizanani Bulk’s driver trainers to familiarise themselves with operating the vehicle and making the most of the aerodynamic design.
High reliability
The DAF XF105 includes extensive function integration to achieve excellent reliability and durability while the engine compromises 25% fewer parts than previous models which dramatically increases reliability and prolongs lifetime. Long maintenance intervals and professional service from DAF dealers such as Babcock minimise downtime to further reduce operating costs. In addition DAF MultiSupport offers a fixed rate per kilometre for repair and maintenance and gives customers the benefit of increased vehicle availability and reduced administration, while the DAF International Truck Service (ITS) is on stand-by day and night, 365 days a year to ensure a stranded truck is back on the road with minimum delay.
