Airfreight specialist finds DAF XF105 frugal on fuel

Heathrow based airfreight specialist PRS Distribution Limited is finding that its new DAF XF105 is performing well on fuel now that it’s been in service a couple of months.

Managing Director Paul Sawdon says that the 44 tonne FTG XF105 mid-lift axle tractor - voted ‘International Truck of the Year 2007’ - is returning over 9 mpg from its 12.9 litre MX engine. This uses SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology to meet Euro 4 emissions standards.

“We thought that topping up the Adblue tank might be a bit of a nuisance,” says Mr Sawdon. “But the reality is that it only requires doing every three to four weeks even though this truck is covering around 2,000 kilometres each week.”

The new XF105 is also a truck that will be hard to miss, particularly at night! To the powerful Halogen headlamps that are standard, PRS has added the optional ‘Skylights’ mounted in each corner of the cab roof and two pairs of ‘Combi’ lights in the bumper. Stainless steel lighting bars on the roof and above the bumper carry an additional ten spotlamps. And if you can’t see the DAF, you’ll certainly hear it thanks to twin air horns. Polished aluminium wheels complete its very striking appearance.

PRS Distribution runs a fleet of 30 trucks and 15 trailers providing airfreight forwarders at Heathrow with same-day deliveries of urgent cargo throughout the UK, with occasional forays into mainland Europe. Vehicle reliability was therefore a key issue when choosing the 105 and the good performance of 95s in the fleet, along with the back-up provided by the DAFAid service in the UK and Europe, was a further factor in their decision.

The new DAF normally runs with a tri-axle curtainsider and outbound from Heathrow is often below its maximum 44 tonnes gross weight as, by its nature, air cargo tends to be light in weight. Return loads, however, see it at full weight and with the 510 horsepower rated MX engine providing a generous power-to-weight ratio of 11.6 bhp/tonne, this helps to ensure that good average speeds can be maintained even when fully laden, contributing further to good fuel consumption.

In line with its policy of having automatic transmissions in all its artics, PRS Distribution has specified the automated 16-speed ZF AS-Tronic gearbox in the 105. This transmission works well with the MX engine and Kevin Debenham, the man at the wheel of the 105, finds the change is smooth and the transmission selects exactly the right gear for all road and load conditions, resulting in optimum performance and fuel economy.

He is also said to be very impressed with the Super Space cab in which he spends four nights a week and which provides him with ample living space as well as a pleasant working environment during the day. Air conditioning and an auxiliary cab heater are standard, along with an air suspended seat with stylish wrap-around instrument panel, electric door locks and a very comfortable bunk.

PRS Distribution has taken out a three year Repair and Maintenance contract on the 105, which it expects to keep for up to five years. Supplying dealer Heathrow DAF, whose premises are just down the road, are carrying out routine servicing at nights and weekends to ensure that the truck is always available to earn its keep.