DAF refreshes the LF
Driven by the need to install the latest mandated EU safety devices, Paccar subsidiary DAF has taken the opportunity to upspec its bestselling LF range of lightweight trucks. The changes also allow it to respond to the revisions which rival Iveco has carried out to the competitor Eurocargo range (Transport Operator 49).
Like Iveco, DAF has retained the basic cab and engine platforms from previous models on the LF 2016 Edition. The DAF engines are branded as Paccar products, but share a common ancestry with those used by Iveco, having been initially developed by the long-gone European Engine Alliance, and are manufactured by Cummins in China (four-cylinder) and England (six-cylinder). The truck itself is assembled in the UK at Paccar’s Leyland plant.
The now-mandatory lane departure warning system is standard, with the automatic emergency braking system supplied on models from eight tonnes gvw upwards and with air-suspended rear axles. Adaptive cruise control and automatic collision warning are also standard.
DAF is claiming improvements in fuel consumption of up to five per cent from engine-related enhancements to software and exhaust gas aftertreatment (unlike Iveco, DAF uses a combination of EGR and SCR to control NOx emissions).
An additional claimed fuel saving of up to four per cent comes from enhanced aerodynamics, although this is obviously heavily dependent upon both body style and operational cycle.
The four-pot 4.5-litre PX-5 engine is available with claimed outputs ranging from 152 to 213 hp (figures for the equivalent Iveco are 160 to 210), while the six-cylinder PX-7 6.7-litre lump has outputs from 223 to 314 hp (Iveco’s equivalent is rated at 220 to 320 hp).
Customer who opt for the PX-7 engine can now specify a 12-speed ZF AS Tronic automated transmission as an alternative to the current six-speed ‘box. The 12-speeder allows operations at GCWs of up to 32 tonnes, and thanks to its taller top gears will reduce cab noise and lower fuel consumption.
Operators in the temperature-controlled sector can specify the PX-5 engine with factory preparation for the installation of a 22.5 kW Frigoblock generator.
Further refinements allow installed equipment to communicate with the truck.
For example, the cab central display can show whether or not stabiliser legs are deployed and that the crane has been stowed correctly. Engine and PTO speeds can be controlled from inside and outside the cab.
Drivers benefit from tachograph information now being shown on the central information display. This allow drivers to monitor vehicle speed as well as their driving hours more effectively to avoid infringements. The screen also displays when the vehicle’s next service inspection is due.
Based on the tachograph’s driver card, the display switches automatically to the driver’s preferred language. A Driver Performance Assistant also gives detailed feedback on fuel economy, braking behavior and anticipation of traffic conditions.
Chassis-wise, there are seven new wheelbase options with lengths of up to 6.9 metres, allowing load compartment lengths of around nine metres to be achieved. Fuel tank capacity of up to 1240 litres can now be specified on long-wheelbase chassis. A relocated engine air intake eases body design and installation and LED rear lights, with an almost infinite life, are now an option.
Meanwhile, construction has commenced of a new €100 million cab paint shop at DAF’s plant in Westerlo, Belgium.
DAF Trucks president Harrie Schippers said the company was also ramping up production as demand soared in the European heavy truck sector.
“The European above-16-tonne truck market through August 2015 was up 20 per cent compared to the same period last year. DAF is increasing production to record rates at its Eindhoven truck assembly factory in the fourth quarter to meet customer demand,” he said.
