DAF completes refreshed CF and XF ranges

Paccar subsidiary DAF has completed the refreshment of its CF and XF range that was announced at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham last April. The new models are claimed to be at least 100 kg lighter than their predecessors and return up to seven per cent lower fuel consumption. Eleven new axle configurations have been added to the range.

Much of the fuel saving comes from ‘downspeeded’ engines, which feature higher torque outputs enabling them to pull higher gearing. An extra 100 to 150 Nm of torque is produced when top gear is engaged, allowing the truck to hold the gear for longer on MX-13 and MX-11 Haulage engines, but this feature is absent on the MX-11 Distribution engines.

Power and torque increases across the MX-11 and MX-13 engines are in the order of 10 to 20 hp, and 50 to 200 Nm. DAF’s top engine now produces 530 hp and 2600 Nm of torque from its 13-litre swept volume, but there is no sign of the manufacturer introducing a 16-litre lump that would enable it to compete with the likes of Scania and Volvo’s 700+ hp engines.

MX-11 Distribution

Engine	Power	Torque
300	220 kW/299 hp	1,350 Nm @ 900 rpm
340	250 kW/340 hp	1,500 Nm @ 900 rpm

MX-11 Haulage

Engine	Power	Torque
370	270 kW/367 hp	1,800/1,900 Nm @ 900 rpm
410	300 kW/408 hp	2,000/2,100 Nm @ 900 rpm
450	330 kW/449 hp	2,200/2,300 Nm @ 900 rpm

MX-13

Engine	Power	Torque
430	315 kW/428 hp	2,150/2,300 Nm @ 900 rpm
480	355 kW/483 hp	2,350/2,500 Nm @ 900 rpm
530	390 kW/530 hp	2,500/2,600 Nm @ 1000 rpm

 

As standard, all these engines now drive through ZF’s TraXon modular automated gearbox, which replaces the AS-Tronic. It has lower parasitic losses than its predecessor and can be specified with standard software, or with specific strategies to suit liquid cargoes, heavy-haulage or eco combinations.

Construction chassis get an off-road software mode that is driver-activated and offers faster gearchanges at higher engine revs to help the truck maintain momentum on difficult surfaces. A 16-speed manual gearbox remains optional on some models.

There are 11 new chassis formats across the XF and CF ranges: eight rigids with two, three or four axles, and three tractors with three or four axles, join the line-up.

A more compact exhaust aftertreatment package liberates chassis space as it fits between the first and second axles on the CF FAD 8×4, while new axles and optional disc brakes can trim up to 250 kg from the eight-legger chassis.

A newly-developed electric-hydraulic steering system can be incorporated into trailing axles on rigids and tractors. This is 30 kg lighter than the predecessor system, and precisely calculates the optimal steering angle for the trailing axle taking both the individual vehicle’s wheelbase and its speed into account. The axle locks in the straight-ahead position at speeds of over 40 km/h.

A resultant minimalisation of steering inputs and wheel drag can reduce fuel consumption by one per cent, DAF claims. This system can be installed on 6×2 rigids and tractors, as well as 8×2 rigids. On 6×2 CF and XF FAN chassis, the rear-steer function incorporates an air-suspension system that can be lowered 90 mm and raised by 185 mm to facilitate the exchange of swap bodies.

DAF has also introduced a new dual-mounted 10-tonne trailing axle, which has a static load capacity of up to 34 tonnes and can be useful when loading/unloading heavy containers. It saves 25 kg in unladen weight over the previous component, and can be fitted to 6×2 tractors as well as 6×2 and 8×2 rigids.

The CF FAD 8×4 is available in N3G (construction) and N3 (road haulage) versions. Vertical or horizontal exhaust discharge systems are available and a total of 115 kg is saved over the previous model. A manual 16-speed ‘box is available as an option, providing the single-reduction SR1132T double-drive bogie is specified, but the most powerful engine option with this driveline is the 450 hp version of the MX-11.

For more arduous work, DAF has introduced a new double-drive hub-reduction bogie: the HR1670T. This features a new cast-iron housing that provides a 60 kg weight reduction over the previous component.

Fuel-saving fast ratios of 3.46, 3.61 and 3.76:1 allow lower engine revs in top gear, while the axles themselves will only require an oil change at intervals of three years or 450,000 km. This new bogie is available on 6×4 and 8×4 rigid and tractor chassis destined for heavy-duty operations.

On single-drive vehicles, DAF now fits a new axle of its own design and manufacture. A high ratio of 2.05:1 is now available to save fuel, and noise has been reduced.

Besides the mechanical changes, DAF has installed a new ECU to manage the entire driveline, and improved the EcoRoll and Cruise Control functions to reduce fuel consumption. There’s also a new battery energy monitoring system available as an option.

Bodybuilders will benefit from a new range of body attachment modules to speed fitment of box bodies and attachments such as cranes, tail lifts and rear under-run protection systems.