N ow that Daf has announced a new version of its
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CF range it seems the right time to look back at part of the range that debuted back in 1992. The CF (in case you were wondering, it stands for Compact Forte) has always been marketed in three distinct ranges; the 65 Series rigid chassis; the 75 Series family of rigids and tractors; and the 85 Series multiwheelers and tractive units.
Middleweight 75CF Series tractive units were aimed at the own-account and local distribution fleets, usually as part of a four-axle rig running at 28-35 tonnes. Its 8.65-litre RS Euro-I engine, rated at 245, 272 and 302hp. made it ideal for medium-distance motorway work; 1,13 oNna of peak torque over a wide rev band gave the flexibility needed to cope with stop/start urban running. A nine-speed synchromesh gearbox came in the base spec with a r6-speed splitter option for operation at the heavier weight. The FT 75.240 was plated at 35 tonnes; tl 270 and 300 models had a GCW of 4o tonn.
The front axle was rated at 7.5 tonnes b was limited to 7.1 tonnes on the standa: 295/80 tyres. Parabolic steel suspension w standard with Daf's ECAS air suspension . an option at the rear. A 68olit-capacity cor pressor supplied the air suspension wi brakes working at a pressure of TO bar. Exhau brake, automatic slack adjusters, air dryer at ABS came as standard on all tractors, whic were available with three wheelbase optior
Also standard on the 75CF Series tracto were sleeper cabs complete with nig heaters—not least for the beneficial effect th had on residual values. The 75 and 85 cal both came with a hinged grille for access service points, steel front bumpers incorpon ing headlights, deformable plastic steps at fully adjustable steering column.
The wedge-shaped cab was mounted low ( the chassis for easy entry (though this did lea a relatively high engine hump which restrict!