Tested: DAF XF 480 FAW
Tested: DAF XF 480 FAW
Every now and then, ARJAN VELTHOVEN’s telephone rings, and someone from DAF Trucks is on the line. Not infrequently, the call pertains to a road test. This time around, it is about testing a DAF XF 480 FAW.
Following that call, we set sail for Eindhoven on a beautiful summer’s day, where demo driver Niek is waiting for us. Next to him is the DAF XF 480 FAW*.
That’s right – an FAW derivative of the DAF XF. In DAF lingo, this means an XF with an 8×4 chassis. As we walk past, we can see four axles under the chassis. The front axle is, of course, the steering axle: good for 10 tonnes and fitted with a parabolic suspension. The three axles further down consist of a 26-tonne SR1360T tandem chassis fitted with eight air bellows, and the eight-tonne steered and liftable tag axle.
The XF is fitted with a day cab and all kinds of features that improve driver visibility. For instance, the low window line and dashboard offer good visibility in front of the truck. On the cab exterior’s right A-pillar, we see the DAF Corner View camera, which replaces the front view and kerb mirror. With Corner View comes an additional screen on the inside of the cab’s right A-pillar.
Also on the right side of the cab, near the door of a possible co-driver, we find the kerb view window, which offers good visibility of everything immediately to the right of the truck. Our XF FAW is not completely equipped with cameras; there are still just mirrors on the sides of the cab. This does the job, of course, and is considerably less expensive than the camera system.
Python containers being transported
Behind our XF FAW, we have a three-axle trailer from GS Meppel. On the trailer and as well as the XF are Python containers from KTK. Beautifully fitted with tarpaulins and turnbuckles, the impressive combination looks almost artistic, helped by the fact that the containers are painted in the same gold-yellow colour as the XF.
On the chassis of the XF is a VDL hook-lift system, which should make the container easy to unload. The chassis of the XF is also equipped with a broom and a shovel – pretty handy when transporting sand or gravel. By the way, it is good to know that DAF now has a Bodybuilder Integration Tool. With this, hauliers can precisely specify their new truck, like this FAW, and dealers and conversion specialists can get to work much faster to get you the desired end product.
Powered by the MX-13
Meanwhile, we have already covered many kilometres with the FAW combination. From Eindhoven, we set a course for the Limburg hills. There, we can see that Paccar’s MX-13 engine, in this case with 480hp, is still doing a fine job. Torque is 2,500Nm, available from as little as 900r/min. Our XF also has Multi-Torque, which gives an extra 150Nm of torque from the same r/min.
The MX-13 engine is mated to the familiar 12-speed Traxon automatic transmission. Incidentally, it also comes with Rock Free and Urge to Move features. We don’t need those right now on the tar, but should you want to use the XF FAW on light off-road terrain too, those features might come in handy to do your job optimally.
Behind the wheel, we see an all-digital display with all the information we need. Options included on this XF include Axle Load Monitoring, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Battery Energy Monitoring, DAF Connect, and Predictive Cruise Control (PPC), which can do wonders for fuel efficiency – even in transport like this.
Visibility par excellence
By now we know how good DAF’s new truck generation is, but we are still pleasantly surprised as we sail along Limburg’s roads with the XF. Visibility is superb, and we have an excellent view of all the other traffic. On the many roundabouts, we notice that the GS Meppel trailer follows our FAW 8×4 flawlessly.
On the road, we can also make good use of DAF’s own MX engine brake and have all the comfort that DAF’s latest truck generation offers. Our butts are on DAF’s luxury air seats and our smartphone is now fully powered thanks to the wireless charger. We really are equipped with all the creature comforts.
Remote control possible
Back in Eindhoven, Niek gives a quick demonstration of VDL’s drop-off system. We unhitch the trailer and continue with just the XF. Dropping off the Python container with the hook-lift system can be done from the cab, but Niek climbs down and shows how to operate it by remote control. This can be particularly handy when you need to unload on a small or cluttered site.
Tiny turning circle
In order to obtain a few more good photos and videos, we drive to a company down the road called A. Jansen. Upon arrival, we notice that manoeuvring with the XF is very easy, thanks in part to the steered tag axle. It’s even easy to manoeuvre backwards (the camera on the back of the XF’s chassis is a real godsend).
Niek provides a second demonstration of the hook-lift system, before we look around and suddenly see the FAW’s versatility: we are mostly surrounded by dump trucks carrying sand. Our FAW can do this too, but it can also be used to transport gravel, stones, and waste or recycled materials. With those two huge containers or your chassis and trailer, the applications are endless.
It’s apparent that we’ve ticked a number of boxes on our test drive – anything and everything from driver comfort to the versatility of the combination. If this was a job interview, the DAF XF 480 FAW would be appointed on the spot!
* A spokesperson for DAF South Africa says it will be some years before this truck is launched locally.
Photography: TTM.NL
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