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MANUFACTURER: Tester's impression: Regular readers might recognise the Daf multi-wheeler
Page 42
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from our roadtest earlier this year (CM17 February 2005), but familiarity doesn't prevent the CF from making a bold showing in this company The AS-Ironic automotive transmission offers simple, foolproof driveability; the steering set-ups silky smooth, even off road; and cab comfort is up there with the best.
With vertical exhaust stacks standard fare on Daf multi-wheelers the tipper was always going to be a little noisier than a conventional CF85, but the lovely rasp of the big 12.6-litre engine is by no means an intrusion. It pulls happily from 1,000 to 1,800rpm and with the AS-Tronic skipping up through the gears with the minimum of fuss we soon found ourselves up to cruising speed on the dual carriageway. Approaching the hill climb at Blunsdon flooring the accelerator pedal actuated the transmission kickdown and although the speed fell away to 24mph it soon picked up as the gradient eased. The Daf Engine Brake (DEB) proved itself during the return leg on the dual carriageway. By linking with the transmission, the system gives maximum retardation as soon as you hit the engine brake button on the footrest to the left of the footwell. It kept us fully under control during the descent at 45mph. For out and out performance the DEB takes some beating, though for check braking and situations where maximum retardation can be too powerful we tended to use the service brakes a lot. Other manufacturers, including Daf's stablemate Foden, have blended the engine brake control with the service brake pedal to good effect; the CF would benefit from a similar strategy.
The CF came with a fixed driver's seat, but the cab suspension is so good that if anything it gave a better ride than an air suspended seat over the rough stuff.
Cab-operated controls are an obvious safety aid and the CF was loaded with all the latest devices including a Vision Techniques rear-view camera and in-cab monitor. Very handy, though it took a little while to get used to looking to the monitor as well as our mirrors.
An air operated tailgate and cab-mounted sheeting and tipper controls meant we could tip safely without getting our boots dirty. With the revs set at 1,200rpm the Edbro gear took 34 seconds to reach full extension and the same time to drop -we were tipped and on our way for a second load within 90 seconds.
The CF85 cab is well arranged; the seat and steering wheel can be manoeuvred to suit most shapes and there's plenty of storage space. Our test truck came with £1,070 worth of air-con if you're in and out of dusty construction sites, we reckon it's a must-have.