4 minute read
Eye-Catching DAF XF480 FAW A Star of the Forest
The ancient Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire has changed many times over the centuries. In medieval times it was a royal hunting forest, before becoming a source of timber for the navy’s Tudor warships. By Victorian times it was a major site of industry, with coal mining and tramways punctuating the landscape.
Today, it attracts some of the world’s major stars; the most famous movie to be filmed in the Forest of Dean is “Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens,” and some parts of the Harry Potter movie series are also filmed here. But if you went down to the forest more recently you’d have seen a totally different star - DAF’s latest XF480 FAW 8x4 rigid – which is where Export & Freight’s Phil Eaglestone became more acquainted with the tipper, with many thanks to DAF trainer Mandy Wannerton. There’s little doubt this new DAF XF has built on the excellent standards of driver comfort for which DAF’s top-of-the-range truck is renowned worldwide. It offers the biggest interior space available on the market, the best and largest bunks and a completely new, attractive look and feel. The new 8x4 FAW chassis has a GVW of 32 tonnes and, thanks to the steered trailing axle, can be manoeuvred with great precision, while a turning circle kerb to kerb of 15.4m makes it ideally suited for transporting large or heavy loads to sites where there is relatively little space. With increased ground clearance that helps avoid rough terrain obstacles such as rocks and stones, the chassis lends itself perfectly to operation as a tipper, as well as to other applications including concrete mixer, for bodywork with a rear mounted crane or for a combination of a loading crane with a hook lift system.
Some operators will clearly appreciate the extra space, storage and comfort offered by the XF cab, and with many specialist operations being double manned or have a lot of kit that needs to be stored in the cab, this makes the XF an ideal workplace. And, of course, drivers will certainly choose the XF when looking for the ultimate sleeping and living space, as we did, having overnighted in the cab ourselves! The steep inclines and winding roads through the Forest of Dean gave us ample opportunity to experience its handling and performance in ideal conditions, and later we went off-road in a nearby local quarry. It didn’t disappoint at any stage.
Fuel Efficient
The DAF XF is powered by the multi-torque PACCAR MX-13 engine with new power ratings, including an extra powerful 390 kW/530 hp variant. Many innovations result in even more torque at lower rpm for highest fuel efficiency. Vehicles can now cruise at only 1,000 rpm, resulting in extremely low noise levels found in top class luxury cars.
Additional torque is available in top gear for great driveability – and the MX engine brake delivers world-class braking power at lower revs. To boost fuel economy, reduce emissions and lower operating costs, the DAF XF includes an extended set of Eco Mode options. The Eco Performance Mode ensures an optimal balance between high driveability and best fuel efficiency. When fuel efficiency is leading, the Eco Fuel Mode is the best option, with gear shifting at lower revs for instance. Incidentally, the DAF XF can run on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, a form of renewable diesel) which is one of the cleanest fuels on the market, eliminating up to 90% of net CO2 and significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. HVO is compatible with all engines and requires no special maintenance. The DAF XF comes with the latest generation of TraXon automated 12 speed gearbox. Less friction losses, even faster upshifts and the extended use of EcoRoll contribute to lowest fuel consumption, whereas driver comfort is enhanced thanks to its quiet and smooth operation and precise clutch actuation. The TraXon automated transmission also allows higher reductions in lowest gears through which even faster drive lines could be realised. Safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control which automatically adjusts the truck’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead; Forward Collision Warning which generates a warning sound and a visual alert on the instrument panel, urging the driver to take action in order to prevent a collision; and an Advanced Emergency Braking System which intervenes to slow the truck down in an emergency.
Working Environment
Warm and tasteful dark sand colours of dashboard, seats, curtains, mattresses and side and back walls give the interior a great appearance to make you feel comfortable and at home, with a completely new climate control unit that stands out in comfort and user-friendliness. It features one-touch defrosting, park ventilation, park heating with timer, rest heat and automatic air recirculation and can also be operated through the rear wall control unit. DAF have also further expanded driver information, making it easier to take effective action. The beautiful and clear instrument panel has new fonts and a new styling for even better readability. The Driver Information Panel also provides more information to increase driver comfort and efficiency. To enhance driver performance even further, settings are grouped on the instrument panel more logically and the Driver Performance Assistant includes even more tips for economical driving. Thanks to smart vehicle electronics position of the individual switches can be adapted to personal preference of the driver. This adds to greater driver comfort as well as maximum vehicle efficiency.
STANDARD SUPPORT PACKAGE
2-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty Plus 3rd year driveline warranty Free DAFaid roadside assistance and recovery Full 3-year DAF Multi-Support Preventative Maintenance Package
