When you’re running a diverse and demanding transport business, you need vehicles that are not only built to a high standard but engineered to handle a variety of tasks. And that’s what you get with PACCAR’s range of DAF and Kenworth trucks, according to a leading transporter for the booming WA mining industry.

Established in 1994, Perth-based Bonnie Rock Transport provides various specialist transport services, ranging from hauling of land-based oil drilling rigs throughout Australia to deliveries of retail supplies in Perth.

Transport Manager, Ron Currie, says the two PACCAR brands perfectly complement each other, providing a complete solution for any operator’s transport needs.

“Our business requires hard-working trucks that have to handle extreme conditions in remote parts of Australia. We use Kenworths to haul heavy oil exploration equipment. And we use a DAF CF75 to handle metropolitan deliveries as well as regular trips throughout the state. They’re the perfect trucks for our needs and, best of all, they are made by and backed by PACCAR, a company we know and trust,” he said.

Bonnie Rock has been a loyal Kenworth supporter for many years and has more than a dozen prime movers in its fleet. When it needed a truck for metropolitan and regional distribution, it considered a number of brands but chose DAF because of its reputation and PACCAR support.

Bonnie Rock’s DAF is a FA CF75 4x2 rigid tray truck rated to 38,000 kg GCM. It is powered by a DAF 9.2-litre turbo-intercooled engine, producing 310 hp and 940 lb/ft of torque (at 1200-1700 rpm). It also includes an eight-speed synchromesh transmission with splitter (16 ratios), DAF SR 1339 single reduction rear axle (rated to 13,000 kg), riding on DAF four-bag rear air suspension. The cab also incorporates a full sleeper.

DAF’s CF75 provides efficiency in virtually every regional transport role, including tanker, car transporter, hook-lift and refuse collection. Whatever the application, the DAF CF75 has the right chassis and an efficient driveline for economy and efficiency.

“We needed an eight-tonne capacity truck that had the performance, economy and versatility to handle all kinds of conditions – rough, dirty tracks in the bush and busy, narrow streets in the city,” Ron said.

“Everything we’d heard about DAF was true. It’s not only highly maneuverable, it’s also extremely comfortable – on and off road. And, with a comfortable sleeper cab, it’s perfect for long, overnight hauls. That’s something you don’t get with most other trucks in its class.

“Our CF75 is the most luxurious ride we’ve ever had in a truck – it’s just like driving a car. That’s an amazing experience, not just on city roads but especially on country tracks when you’ve been behind the wheel for hours. That’s when you really appreciate DAF’s superior ride,” he explained.

Ron says that the CF75’s versatility is one of its strongest points. His vehicle handles a number of tasks. These include hauling oil field parts from the wharf to exploration sites, express supply trips to Dongara and overnight to Dampier, as well as deliveries of pine fencing poles to retail outlets around Perth.

“The CF75 is a brilliant truck. It’s quiet and effortless to drive, ergonomically designed for easy access, and extremely economical to operate and maintain. It’s also reliable – we’ve never had a break down or even a hiccup in over two years. Our DAF does everything we need it to do. So much so, we are planning on using our existing one for regional deliveries and getting a second one to work full-time out of our Perth depot.”

Another major advantage of buying DAF is the dealer network behind the brand. Bonnie Rock purchases its DAFs and Kenworths from award-winning Perth dealership, Kenworth DAF WA.

“They’re like a ‘one stop shop’ for all our transport needs,” Ron said. “They have looked after us for years, giving us great advice and support before and after every sale. And, if we’ve ever got a problem, they’re quick to respond. Also, because PACCAR has a nationwide dealer network, it doesn’t matter where our trucks are, there’s always a dealer nearby,” he added.

From heavy-duty haulage and intrastate distribution to specialist applications in various industries, DAF’s CF series has been developed for the most versatile and demanding transport requirements. The models are available with a choice of engines – from 250 hp to 360 hp for the CF75, and from 360 hp to 460 hp for the CF85. The range can also be configured in a variety of manual and automated transmissions, wheelbases, chassis and axles, making these vehicles the perfect all-rounders.

And DAF has recently refreshed its entire range of trucks. In addition to new interior and exterior features, all models now incorporate the latest Euro 4-compliant engines which boast enhanced performance, improved fuel economy and even lower emission levels.

DAF Trucks Australia, a division of PACCAR Australia Pty Ltd, distributes a complete range of medium and heavy-duty trucks throughout Australia. PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. It also provides financial services and information technology and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.