DAF CF New CF

CF in brief

The CF sits between the lighter LF and the long-haul XF in the DAF model range. In the used market, you'll most often find CF65, CF75 and CF85 models, produced roughly until 2013, and the Euro 6 CF, which has been in production since 2013 and was updated in 2017. In recent years, the CF has been gradually replaced by the newer DAF XD and XDC.

The CF comes as a tractor unit (FT), a rigid truck with a chassis designed for construction and haulage, and a tipper version. Axle configurations range from 4x2 to 8x4, so the CF is often seen as a refrigerated unit, tipper truck, tipping trailer, concrete mixer or crane truck.

How CF65, CF75, CF85 and Euro 6 CF differ

The CF65 and CF75 are most commonly found as distribution trucks for urban and regional use, while the more powerful CF85 is typically used as a tractor unit, tipping trailer or concrete mixer. These vehicles are simpler and more affordable, but most have clocked up plenty of miles, so the condition of the frame, engine and gearbox is crucial.

Euro 6 CF has different cabins, an improved interior, and more modern engines. 2017 model year updates brought more efficient MX-11 and MX-13 engines and a newer gearbox lineup. The CF Construction variant features a stronger steel bumper, larger clearance, and guards, while CF tractors are often seen in regional and lighter international haulage.

Engines and gearboxes

CF65 and CF75 came with smaller six-cylinder PACCAR engines (CF75 — around 9.2 litres), while the CF85 had a 12.9-litre PACCAR MX engine (early CF85s — around 12.6 litres). The most powerful CF85s deliver around 460–510 hp.

Euro 6 CF is most commonly found with a 10.8-litre MX-11 or 12.9-litre MX-13 engine; popular versions offer around 400–480 hp. Exhaust gases are cleaned via EGR, a particulate filter, and SCR with AdBlue.

Gearboxes are manual or automated ZF AS-Tronic, and from 2017, ZF TraXon. Some trucks feature a ZF Intarder retarder. Construction variants often come with differential locks, reduction axles, and a power take-off (PTO) for attachments.

What to check when buying a used CF

First, find out how the truck was used: a tractor for international runs will show different wear than a rigid for site work. Inspect the chassis of construction variants carefully — look for cracks, weld points, and deformations, check the axles, spring mounts, and crane hydraulics.

Compare them with engine hours — city and construction trucks often work with an empty load, so engine hours here are just as important as mileage. Check the clutch and gearbox, retarder (if present), tachograph check documents, and service history.

In Euro 6 vehicles, ensure that the particulate filter and AdBlue system are operational, and there are no warning lights on the dashboard. Trucks with many short trips and empty runs are more likely to have a clogged DPF. Avoid vehicles with the emissions control system turned off or modified with an emulator.

Cabins and trims

The range of cabins and trims varies by year, model, and order; we list the most commonly found in Europe.

Comparison of Euro 6 CF versions

For distribution and regional work, a Day Cab or Sleeper Cab is usually sufficient, but for longer hauls, a Space Cab is worth considering. For construction, the CF Construction with a 6x4 or 8x4 wheel configuration and a clear maintenance history is ideal.

Frequently asked questions