DAF INSTILLS TOTAL CONFIDENCE.

“The reliability of our DAF trucks gives us total confidence”. For Managing Director, Neville Bobbin of Bobbin Transport Pambula on the far south coast of New South Wales, being good is not simply good enough. “That’s why we strive to be the best”.

Bobbin Transport’s staff understands the value of high quality customer service. Values instilled in the company since its inception.

According to Neville, this is one of the main reasons behind their recent decision to upgrade their fleet with DAF trucks.

The Pambula, NSW based, family-owned company has been in operation for 45 years and, during that time, has developed an enviable reputation for quality delivery. Like many successful Australian transport companies, Bobbin Transport grew from a humble single truck operation initially hauling timber; they expanded their fleet and their horizons as their reputation for service and reliability in the area spread.

The introduction of organic materials to the ever demanding landscaping suppliers over three decades ago saw the biggest growth in the company, and the acquisition of other local transport companies in subsequent years has seen the company grow to where it is today.

Refrigerated and general freight along the eastern seaboard now form the bulk of Bobbin Transport’s haulage task. Nonetheless they still service the far coast of NSW with exceptional service.

“We have three DAF trucks in our fleet now,” Neville noted. “We have two FTT CF85 sleeper cabin 6×4 prime movers and one FAD CF75 Rigid 8×4 with a refrigerated van.”

“We chose the FTT CF85 vehicles on the recommendation of our local dealer Gippsland Truck Centre for short-haul work,” Neville continued. “We use the FTTs for local tasks in city areas during the day and then line haul at night. They are a very versatile truck.”

“The twin steer FAD CF75 Rigid 8×4 gives us a great load capacity and the reliability is excellent,” Neville commented. “We use this one for work around our local area, as well as longer trips to and from Sydney and Melbourne when required, it’s a real allrounder.”

“Again driver comfort is very good, and the reliability has been excellent, Neville observed. “We fitted this one with a side door which has helped our stop-load pattern.”

Neville cites the low cabin entry of the FAD CF75 as a great benefit for the local drivers who are constantly getting in and out of the cabin during their daily runs. “Anything that helps with driver comfort and safety when entering and exiting the cab is a great feature,” he added.

Visibility in the DAF trucks is a feature that has not gone unnoticed with the deep windscreen and an integrated aerodynamic sun-visor that keeps the glare down. There are four large, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, which provide a wide field of vision essential for safe driving in those tight tricky delivery spots.

The driver’s work environment is first class with the wrap-around dashboard that places all controls at a their fingertips, with cruise control and auxiliary brake controls all accessible without taking their hands from the wheel. Driver acceptance has been very good.

The 12.9 litre PACCAR MX-13 engine is the power plant of the versatile CF85 and highly acclaimed XF105. The MX-13 engine is available in 410 and 460 hp on the CF85; and 510 hp on the XF105, with impressive torque ratings ranging from 1,310 up to 1,845 lb/ft. The MX engine meets the Euro 5 emission standard thanks to the SMART injection system and SCR technology. The Bobbins FTT CF85 are specified with the 460 horsepower variant and is suitable for gross train weights up to 70T.

The twin steer FAD CF75 is powered by a PACCAR 9.2-litre PR 265 engine, generating 360 hp and 1,070 lb/ft of high torque.

Getting the power through to the ground is via the 12 speed ZF AStronic transmission that is an automated constant-mesh gearbox. It features 12 forward speeds and two reverse ratios.

Neville adds that he is pleased with the fuel economy of their DAF trucks and the extended oil drain intervals keeps the DAF trucks out on the road working which means cheaper maintenance with more up time. “They’re a very economical truck to operate,” Neville added.

“We have an excellent relationship with Gippsland Trucks,” Neville said. “They’ve been our supplier for around 25 years. The team there look after us and we value our relationship with them.”

“The reliability of our trucks gives us total confidence that we’ll succeed in every endeavor,” Neville Bobbin concluded. “That is reinforced by the skills and dedication of our operators and the service we get from Gippsland Truck Centre. All of the work we do is aligned with our values of safety, quality and commitment to the environment.”

DAF Trucks Australia, a division of PACCAR Australia, distributes a range of medium and heavy-duty trucks throughout Australia. PACCAR Inc, a Six Sigma company, 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. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.