Imported trucks adapted to suit South African environment

18th November 2016

  

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Engineering support services company Babcock Africa’s Transport Solutions division is giving cutting-edge European engineering a distinctly African twist, with adaptations to suit the local environment, having stocked up on high- quality DAF Trucks vehicles imported directly from the DAF factory in the Netherlands.

Babcock offers customers in the logistics and transport sectors a choice of DAF trucks which includes the XF105.460 for long distance haulage and the CF85.410 for regional and construction transport.

“The standard for long distance road transport, the DAF XF105, has fast become Babcock’s best-selling truck,” says Babcock Transport Solutions sales director Mark Gavin.

He says the DAF XF105 offers low operating costs, superior comfort to the driver and high revenues every kilometre to the operator, which makes it the preferred choice for many of Babcock’s logistics customers.
Babcock has been the sole importer and distributor of DAF trucks in Southern Africa since 2011.

Innovative Technology

DAF Trucks applies innovative technology to maintain the highest standards in development and manufacturing, with a reputation for offering a truck for every application.

“Special features incorporated in DAF trucks sold into Southern Africa extend from modifications to air filters to cooling systems, axle loads and tyre sizes. “Our climate and the fact that South Africa has some of the harshest dust conditions in the world necessitate modifications to the main air filter assembly – such as the double cyclonic air filters that were developed to specifically deal with the dust experienced in some regions,” Gavin explains.

In Europe, the truck engines run at full load capacity a lot less than they do in Southern African conditions.

He says most of the modifications required are owing to highway design and construction conditions, as the main routes in Europe are generally flatter than is the norm in Southern Africa.

“Steep inclines and descents in South Africa, for instance, call for tougher engines that are demanded to work harder and longer and, while the DAF’s Euro 3 specification engines offer fuel efficiency, cleaner emissions, durability and reliability in Southern Africa, they also include steel pistons and a heavy-duty cooling system,” notes Gavin.

According to him, JSE-listed logistics company OneLogix has realised the benefit of DAF trucks as the company frequently turns to Babcock for truck supply, support and maintenance.

The OneLogix group’s United Bulk division which specialises in providing liquid transport requirements to a broad range of industries, recently added 20 DAF trucks to their fleet of tankers operating throughout Southern Africa.

Key Features

Gavin says that, “key features that draw logistics operators to the DAF XF105 are its extreme economical fuel consumption, use of many low maintenance components, a spacious cab that helps keep drivers fitter and alert for longer and an engine that comprises 25% fewer parts than previous models”.

The engine’s fewer parts increases reliability, while its smart features such as the speed limiter and engine idle shutdown, prevent wastage of fuel and reduce emissions.

Babcock offers additional services for DAF trucks which includes an extensive regional network of sales and support centres, availability of parts, 24-hour emergency assistance throughout the year and overall total transport solutions designed to maximise earnings for every kilometre.

“Tailor-made repair and maintenance contracts are also available as well as full aftermarket support. Strategically located parts distribution centres ensure that parts are always available and strong emphasis is placed on training skills and courses,” says Gavin.

Babcock continues to take DAF Trucks from strength to strength in Southern Africa as they increase their market share and notch up a long list of highly satisfied customers who trust Babcock to deliver.

Edited by Zandile Mavuso
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Features

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