Proven Power for the Long Haul: Mark Gavin on the DAF XF 530 FTT Power+
The DAF XF 530 FTT Power+ has long been a staple in Southern Africa’s long-haul fleet line-up - and for good reason. Built to handle heavy loads, steep climbs, and unpredictable terrain, it delivers the pulling power, fuel efficiency, and uptime that operators rely on every day.
Mark Gavin, Sales Director at Babcock, has seen the XF 530 Power+ prove itself again and again under pressure. With years of solid performance behind it, he unpacks what continues to make this model one of the most trusted trucks in the DAF range.
“This isn’t a newcomer trying to prove itself,” says Gavin. “The XF 530 Power+ has been working hard in our customers’ fleets for years. It’s known for doing the job - day in, day out.”
Power When It Matters Most
At the heart of the XF 530 Power+ is a Euro III engine that produces 2,600 Nm of torque - available low in the rev range. That makes it ideal for tough, real-world conditions: steep gradients, heavy payloads, and extended highway hauls.
“It gives you that muscle when you need it,” Gavin explains. “But it doesn’t come at the cost of economy. You get both power and control.”
That torque is paired with a 12-speed direct drive gearbox, delivering seamless gear transitions with intelligent shifting.
“The gearbox does the thinking for the driver,” he adds. “It selects the right gear with minimal fuss, which reduces wear, improves efficiency, and makes for a much more comfortable drive.”
More Than Just Muscle
But the appeal of the XF 530 Power+ goes beyond what’s under the hood. Gavin says it’s the total package — power, durability, and low operating costs — that makes it such a strong performer for Babcock customers.
Whether it’s interprovincial haulage, regional distribution, or tipping work, the truck adapts across applications without missing a beat.
“This truck isn’t flashy. It’s a strong all-rounder. Whether you’re running long-haul routes or short-haul loads, it just gets on with it.”
Built for African Conditions
Tailored to regional realities, the XF 530 Power+ is configured to Euro III specification, making it better suited to local operating conditions, where dust, heat, and variable road quality are constant factors. Its design avoids over-complicated systems that can cause downtime in harsh environments.
“Our customers don’t need complexity — they need resilience,” says Gavin. “This truck is practical, durable and easy to support in the field.”
Confidence That Goes the Distance
Backing up its performance is a 3-year driveline warranty with unlimited kilometres, offering fleet managers added peace of mind on the road.
“Support matters just as much as spec,” Gavin says. “And when you’ve got that kind of warranty, it shows the truck isn’t just built for paper specs - it’s built to last.”
Bottom line? The DAF XF 530 FTT Power+ continues to prove that it’s not just another heavy-duty truck. It’s a trusted, tested workhorse that delivers where it counts: on the road, under load, and over time.
