DAF will use this year's Brisbane Truck Show to launch its highly-anticipated new LF range in Australia, as well exhibiting several other leading models in a strong five-truck display from the high-quality PACCAR marque.
The new LF range features stunning new exterior and interior design, coupled with a powerful-yet-efficient PACCAR PR 6.7 litre Euro 5 engine, in a choice of two output ratings.
Available models provide GVM ratings of 12, 16 and 18 tonnes, making the LF range well suited to urban, metro and intra-city distribution work. Together they provide operators with a selection of high quality vehicles boasting low tare weights, excellent maneuverability and efficiency, along with extensive safety features and driver appointments.
Standard safety features include front and rear ventilated disc brakes, Electronic Braking System (EBS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Anti-Slip Control (ASR), Hill Start aid and front and rear under-run protection (FUPS). A driver's airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioners are available as an option.
The display truck is the LF 280 18t 4x2 rigid with 6,250 mm wheelbase. It's fitted with a 12-pallet curtain-sider body. Vehicle GVM is 18 tonne and it features the PACCAR GR engine rated to 286hp, coupled to a 6-speed ZF AS Tronic 6AS1000 Automated Manual Transmission.
Other features of the display truck include DAF air suspended SR 1132 rear axle, aforementioned front and rear disc brakes with EBS, ABS, 430 litre fuel tank and a 70 litre AdBlue tank. The combination provides operators with an excellent blend of comfort, performance and fuel efficiency for local distribution work.
Cool cabins
The cabin exterior is a new design and adopts an integrated upper and lower grille which provides a modern yet purposeful look. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the cabin exterior has some very functional touches. The bumper is made from galvanized steel, reducing susceptibility to damage, while the new headlight units are made from impact resistance Lexan.
As an option, headlights can also be specified with integrated LED day time running lights for increased on road visibility. Bumper-integrated cornering lights are another option. These lights illuminate into the direction the driver is turning, increasing safety especially in built-up areas.
The new DAF LF Euro 5 is available in two different cab variants: a 160 cm Day Cab and a 200 cm Sleeper Cab which includes a single bunk. Both cabins share a compact width of 213 cm which aids manoeuvrability, as does the new LF's exceptionally tight turning circle, courtesy of 53° wheel cut angles (50° on LF 280 18t).
Cabin accessibility is an important consideration in a vehicle designed for distribution, and in the LF entry and egress is easy via the 90°opening doors as well as large illuminated steps and conveniently-positioned grab handles. The larger LF 280 18t provides excellent accessibility particularly for drivers making multiple drop-offs and pick-ups.
The cabin interior is extremely well-appointed and introduces a new dashboard with Driver Performance Assistant (DPA). DPA is an excellent example of DAF's Transport Efficiency philosophy. The central 12.7 cm bright colour screen display on the dashboard provides the driver with detailed information and messages on all vital vehicle and engine functions in real time including fuel consumption and braking performance. The display can even improve driver efficiency by recommending shifting to a different gear and providing advice on correct tyre pressure and roof spoiler settings.
The central console of the new LF incorporates two DIN slots. These slots are perfect for accommodating the DAF radio/CD player, which includes AUX and a USB connection.
The DPA forms part of a completely redesigned dashboard which provides perfect access to all controls. Switches have been grouped logically by function for maximum ease of operation and controls are ergonomically-designed.
Also new is the steering wheel, which is fully adjustable and integrates a wide range of operating buttons for the infotainment system (radio and telephone) as well as speed-related functions, such as cruise control, speed limiter setting and exhaust brake.
Clean new chassis
The LF's new chassis aims to provide maximum stiffness with reduced weight through a revised design. DAF has also optimised placement of many components such as air reservoirs and the electronic brake control system to the inside of the chassis. This relocation creates more space of the outside of the rails for easier fitment of toolboxes, support stands and spare wheel. Similarly, the design of the SCR catalytic converter has been kept compact to save space.
For easy body fitment, the top of the chassis is completely flat resulting in faster body build times.
Optimised drivelines
At the heart of the new LF range is the 6.7 litre PACCAR GR 6 cylinder turbo-diesel engine available in two states of tune. The engine range starts with the GR 184 with output of 184 kW (250 hp) from 1,900 rpm and maximum torque of 950 Nm which is available from a low 1,200 rpm. The most powerful variant of the GR range is the GR 210 which is rated to 210 kW (286 hp) at 2,100 rpm and features torque of 1,020 Nm from 1,200 rpm. Both engines meet Euro 5 emissions requirements using SCR technology.
The 6-speed ZF AS-Tronic Automated Manual transmission (AMT) is standard across the range. There is also the choice of a new 9-speed ZF manual gearbox as an option.
Elsewhere on the stand
DAF will showcase a range of other premium heavy and medium duty trucks in various configurations and specifications at this year's show. Certain to turn heads will be the flagship FTT XF105 Super Space Cab 6x4 prime mover.
This premium vehicle has won a variety of coveted international awards, and was named 2012 Truck of the Show at the ITTES, when it debuted in Australia. Since then, the XF105 has also earned a reputation with Australian operators for outstanding comfort, safety and efficiency.
Rated to 70 tonne GCM, the FTT XF105 display truck is powered by a PACCAR MX-13 engine, generating 510 hp (375 kW) and 1,850 lb/ft (2,500 Nm) of high torque. It also includes the ZF AS-Tronic 16AS2630 16-speed overdrive automated gearbox, Meritor MT23-165 rear axles, Airglide 400 rear suspension, as well as DAF's Super Space Cab, the roomiest sleeper cab in its class.
The vehicle is fitted with EBS, which comes standard with ABS, Anti-Slip Control (ASR), Brake Assist, Drag torque control and Hill-start aid. In addition, the model has optional modules, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), as well as a side-view camera system.
Operators wanting all the benefits of the XF105 in 8x4 rigid configuration can inspect the FAD XF105, a new variant to DAF's Australian product line-up. It shares the same engine and transmission as its stablemate and is ideal for a range of vocational application requiring higher horsepower.
The FAD XF105 features the reliability and comfort of Meritor MT23-165 tandem rear axles with Airglide 400 suspension. The vehicle's wheelbase is 7,100 mm and is equipped with DAF's Comfort Cab.
Also on show is the FTT CF85 6x4 prime mover. The CF85 has a wheelbase of 3,900mm and is powered by PACCAR's MX-13 engine rated to 460 hp (340 kW) and torque of up to 1,700 ft/lb (2,300 Nm). The powerplant provides plenty of pulling power coupled with impressive fuel efficiency figures.
Transmission is again the 12-speed ZF AS-Tronic AMT but this time in 12AS2330 guise. As with the XF105, Meritor MT23-165 tandem rear axles are used in this model. This overall driveline specification coupled with DAF's Sleeper Cab positions the CF85 as an ideal prime mover for a range of intrastate delivery applications.
Still on the CF family, PACCAR's DAF stand will showcase the adaptable FAP CF75 with a specially configured 6x2 air lift pusher axle. The extra lift axle provides the operator with greater flexibility, by making the truck more suitable to cost effectively carry a variety of payloads.
The air lift pusher axle is positioned in front of the driven, rear axle as opposed to the conventional, trailing 'lazy' axle which is behind the rear axle. The forward rear pusher axle can be lifted off the ground whenever the truck is empty or carrying light loads, which reduces fuel consumption, maintenance costs and tyre wear. Conversely, employing the pusher axle provides a truck carrying heavier loads with a greater distribution of weight over more wheels as well as better traction and handling.
The FAP CF75 is a versatile vehicle with low tare weight and a fuel-efficient but powerful engine. This makes it ideal for a variety of urban and regional distribution.
Rated to a GCM of 38 tonne, the FAP CF75 model on display is powered by a PACCAR 9.2-litre PR 265 engine, generating 360 hp (265 kW) and 1,070 lb/ft (1,450 Nm) of high torque. It includes the ZF AS-Tronic 12AS1630 12-speed overdriven automated gearbox, the DAF SR 1347 with pusher rear axle, DAF six-bag ECAS and a sleeper cab.
PACCAR Australia's Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Hadjikakou, said that despite competing in a demanding market occupied by many brands from Europe and Japan, the DAF name was enjoying an upward march with Australian buyers.
"Last year saw the DAF brand enjoy a record market share year in Australia," Andrew said.
"It's positive affirmation from the market that DAF is increasingly being considered by operators wanting a reliable, comfortable and efficient truck that is suitable for a broad range of medium and heavy duty applications.
"As well as offering these attributes, DAF is a leader in innovation – the latest DAF models are brimming with technology, safety features and driving aids designed to make life on the road safer, more efficient and overall, more enjoyable for the driver. The latest Euro 5 LF range in clear evidence of the direction the DAF brand is heading in this regard."
The safety features available in the DAF arsenal include Electronic Braking System (EBS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill Start Aid, Driver airbag, seatbelt pre-tensioners, Anti-Slip Control (ASR), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW); Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Tyre pressure indicator and Side-view camera system.
Andrew said that as well as enhancing its existing DAF model range in Australia, that PACCAR was keen to identify new opportunities and market segments in which to introduce new DAF models.
"The FAD XF105 8x4 is a new variant of the XF105 range in the Australian market. Given that it shares many of the exceptional attributes of the FTT 6x4 prime mover, we are confident it will find a good following amongst operators requiring a high horsepower vocational truck," Andrew said.
"PACCAR is fortunate to be able to call upon a large range of DAF models from the European market – in many regards Europe leads the commercial vehicle world in terms of trends and innovations. So when a new DAF models makes it into the Australian product line-up, buyers can be sure that the product is at the cutting edge."
DAF Trucks Australia is a division of PACCAR Australia, a subsidiary of PACCAR Inc, a Six Sigma company. PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.
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For further information:
Andrew Mills
Marketing Services Manager
PACCAR Australia
Tel: (03) 9721 1500