DAF’s CF and XF Offers More Payloads and Better Fuel Efficiency

DAF’s new CF and XF range is now complete. The manufacturer has added 11 tractor and rigid axle configurations to its new line up; eight 2, 3 and 4 axle rigids and three 3 and 4 axle tractors, as Plant & Civil Engineer’s Garfield Harrison has been learning on a recent trip to sunny Barcelona in Spain.

The new trucks are up to 7% more fuel-efficient, are at least 100 kg lighter which enhances payloads, have integrated body builder modules to shorten body building time and provide best in class jobsite performance.

The new rigid chassis benefits from the ultra-compact EAS of the new CF and XF. The EAS can now be fitted in its entirety (i.e. as one single unit) between the first and second front axles (in the 8×4 FAD). This makes it possible to use the free space for the addition of crane legs, toolboxes or extra (fuel) tanks and results in increased frame layout options and extra payload, thanks to its 50 kg lower weight

One of the most important innovations within the new CF and XF program is the new trailing axle for both tractors and rigids that facilitates maximum manoeuvrability.

The new trailing axle incorporates a newly developed EHS (Electric Hydraulic Steering) system which is 30 kg lighter, resulting in extra payload. The steering is very precise because the EHS continuously calculates the optimal steering angle for the rear axle wheels on the basis of speed and wheelbase.

The resulting benefits are most noticeable when driving through urban areas and manoeuvring the truck. The minimising of friction losses, and the fact that the steering pump is only activated while steering, results in an additional 1% reduction in fuel consumption.

At speeds of over 40 km/h, the axle locks itself in the straight forward position and guarantees maximum vehicle stability and supports excellent fuel efficiency. In addition, the trailing axle steering system contains significantly fewer components, which supports first class robustness and reliability.

Off Road

For vehicles that regularly drive off-road, DAF is presenting a new double-driven tandem with hub reduction (HR1670T). This axle set boasts a completely new cast-iron axle housing that provides an extra weight reduction of 60 kg.

In order to achieve the highest possible fuel efficiency, even faster final drive ratios (3.46, 3.61, 3.76:1) are available. These ratios allow the engine to operate at even lower revs. To ensure the lowest possible operational costs, oil-change intervals for the new tandem set have been raised to 3 years or 450,000 kilometres.

The new dual driven tandem with hub reduction is available on 6×4 and 8×4 tractors and rigids for heavy duty applications. This range includes the FAD 8×4 rigid with two steered front axles commonly used in the transportation of sand and gravel. In this model the SCR unit is no longer integrated in the vertical exhaust. Instead it is in the new EAS unit, which thanks to its compact dimensions can fit entirely between both front axles. This redesign results in a 115 kg reduction in weight and more chassis space.

LF Series

Meanwhile, DAF Trucks is also introducing a large number of innovations to its new LF series aimed at reinforcing the truck’s industry leading position in the 7.5 to 19-tonne class.

One of the major innovations introduced into the LF is the new 3.8-litre PACCAR PX-4 engine which is available for the 7.5-tonne version in two power ratings: 115 kW/156 hp and 127 kW/172 hp with maximum torque of 500 and 600 Nm respectively between 1,200 and 2,000 rpm. The new engine is specifically for its LF City for light, urban distribution applications.

For higher outputs, the 4.5-litre PACCAR PX-5 (135 kW/184 hp to 157 kW/213 hp) and the 6.7-litre PACCAR PX-7 (172 kW/234 hp to 239 kW/325 hp) engines are available. These engines were enhanced at the end of 2016 with new software and optimised heat and air management.

DAF offers a selection of manual and automated 5, 6, 9 and 12-speed transmissions in the new LF series. In addition, fully automatic gearboxes are available and now the Allison automatic transmission can also be selected on the most powerful versions of the PX-7.

The fact that DAF’s new LF can be configured for any individual use is also attested by the wide range of wheelbases with lengths of up to 6.90 metres. This allows body lengths of more than 9 metres for maximum load capacity. Moreover, the long wheelbase enables fuel tank volumes of up to 1,240 litres. This is a unique LF capability. It gives the LF an even longer operating range, optimises vehicle availability and enables the driver to refuel where fuel prices are at their lowest.

DAF is also introducing innovations to enhance the new LF’s bodybuilder-friendliness. These include the new ‘Body Attachment Modules’, which facilitate the easy attachment of bodywork or equipment. In addition, there are now available specific preparations for the attachment of a box body with tail-lift, a tanker with sub-frame or a tipper.

Safety Features

The new LF (from 8 tonnes GVW and with rear air suspension) comes standard with Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).

AEBS and FCW prevent collisions in an emergency situation by automatically applying the brakes if necessary.

ACC automatically adjusts the speed of the truck to match the speed of the vehicle it is following and, as a result, a safe distance is maintained between the two vehicles. This enables cruise control to be used as much as possible, which provides a fuel economy benefit. LDWS works with a camera mounted on the windscreen and if the truck unintentionally strays from its lane, the driver is given an audible warning.