Introducing the DAF CF 430 FTT
The CF 430 FTT is one of DAF’s truck tractor offerings in the lauded CF range which, along with its cousins the XFs, picked up the International Truck of the Year award in 2018 soon after its global debut.
This reliable allrounder is designed to tackle intensive applications ranging from bulk or tanker transport to heavy-duty construction, garbage collection, and general distribution.
DAF – a leading European manufacturer of commercial vehicles and a division of global technology leader, Paccar – has been headquartered in Eindhoven in the Netherlands since the company’s founding in 1928.
DAF products are sold and serviced by a network of 1,100 independent dealers worldwide. Last year, the Dutch manufacturer produced a record 69,800 trucks, it was the market leader in five different European countries and sold more than 7,500 trucks outside the European Union. This included a new unit delivery record in South Africa, and its importer and distributor, Babcock, was recognised as the DAF International Sales Dealer of the Year for the second time.
The truck in a nutshell
DAF’s CF 430 FTT is a very refined vehicle and is super quiet on the road. Its surprisingly spacious and comfortable interior makes it a popular companion for long-haul drivers.
The CF has great manoeuvrability and handles really well on all sorts of roads. DAF has paid a lot of attention to getting the balance right between the CF’s chassis design, steering, brake system and suspension – and you can certainly feel this. We really enjoyed ourselves behind the wheel – it’s hard to believe that this is an entry-level offering. Then, of course, there is the fact that the CF also offers great fuel efficiency…
Exterior
Despite the CF models in South Africa not being the latest on offer in Europe, the 430 FTT is a good-looking and charismatic truck. Design features like the silver grille strips and aluminium-look finish on the lower bumper insert give a bold first impression accentuated by the chrome-edged finish of the manufacturer logo. The aluminium-look on the lower bumper is mirrored in the sun visor, which is designed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The design is functional, too, with air flow guidance features in the grille and cab split closures and the wheel arches enhancing aerodynamics further for optimal fuel efficiency. The rims are painted steel.
Interior
Stepping up into the cab, we were met by a spacious and functional interior. The Sleeper Cab available here in South Africa is ergonomically designed, with the driver clearly at the forefront of the mind. The cab offers excellent visibility, with the large windscreen and side mirrors adding to the feeling of space.
There’s a comfortable bed for the driver, which my colleague kindly demonstrated.
The fully adjustable air-sprung driver’s seat is as comfortable as DAF claims it to be. The controls, meanwhile, are logically grouped on the instrument panel. They are not only easy to reach, but incorporate prominent, well-defined buttons with easy-to-read markings. Furthermore, the Driver Performance Assistant (DPA) is a nice touch, offering helpful tips for economical driving.
Overall, the layout is pleasing, and the central panel also houses a spacious storage compartment equipped with both 12V and 24V charging points.
Drivetrain
The Paccar MX-13 315 Euro 3 engine generates maximum power of 315kW (428hp) at 1,600r/min and maximum torque of 2,300Nm at 1,000 to 1,250r/min. The engine has been designed for even more torque at lower r/min, again helping with fuel efficiency. The truck can also cruise at lower engine speeds, making for a tranquil driving experience.
Transmission
The latest generation TraXon automated gearbox, the ZF 12TX2620, provided a super smooth ride. As most truckers know, this is a great auto! One of the system’s standout features are the dedicated software settings available for long haul and other applications, with dedicated transmission settings helping to improve vehicle efficiency and driver comfort.
Safety
The 430 FTT comes with a raft of safety features, including Downhill Speed Control and improved Vehicle Stability Control, which reduces the risk of jack-knifing or overturning. The truck also comes with partial ADR Class Compliance. The rear brakes are discs. DAF’s CF trucks also incorporate a protective energy-absorbing cab suspension and a reinforced cab structure, with pre-programmed front and rear crumple zones that provide world-class vehicle safety and passenger protection.
Verdict
The 430 FTT gives fantastic bang for your buck as an entry-level option. It doesn’t look or feel like a basic model, and is a robust option for a variety of applications. It provides a comfortable and refined experience thanks to its low-noise operation and excellent build quality, and it offers great fuel-efficiency too.
The truck comes with a one-year, unlimited km warranty and a three-year/600,000km driveline warranty that match market competitor offerings. All in all, it was an absolute delight driving this truck. Operators looking for a reliable and flexible vehicle can’t go wrong here. An added bonus is the excellent support and aftermarket care provided by the Babcock team.
