At a glance
-
Make & model: Daf XF 530 FTR 6x2 tag-axle
-
Engine: Paccar MX-13 13-litre six-cylinder, Euro 6c
-
Power: 530hp @ 1675rpm
-
Torque: 2600Nm @ 1000-1460rpm
-
Gearbox: ZF 16-speed manual
-
Operator: Ross Garrett Transport, Holcombe, Somerset
A few eyebrows were raised online when Ross Garrett Transport first showed this new pair of Daf XFs to the world. Why? Because they’re both manual transmission.
The Somerset-based, family-run company already operates Mercedes-Benz Actros and Renault Range T models, which of course are auto only.
Why manuals?
So what was the reason for speccing these new range-topping Dafs with 16-speed manuals? Well, if you didn’t know already, boss Luke Garrett is a truck racer; he has in fact just been crowned Division 2 champion of the MV Commercial BTRA Championship for the second year running. Luke likes to drive trucks.
Being hands-on with the business and often out driving himself, Luke had five years of service from a pair of 95XFs, one of which is still used to pull his race truck transporter around the UK, so having a bang-up-to-date version of that truck was appealing. In addition, the two prospective drivers of the new XFs both asked if they could have manual transmissions. Daf offers manual ’boxes across the range, so no problem!
Ross Garrett, Luke’s late father, founded his business as an owner-driver in the mid1980s, starting off with a Volvo F10 bought from the operator with whom he began subcontracting, D J Light. Ross became a big fan of Fodens and raced one for many years.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years
