New 45 crowns range revamp
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by Dan Gilkes • Leyland Daf has completed its range overhaul with the introduction of the new 45 Series distribution trucks.
The 45, which is built by Leyland Trucks in Lancashire, sits squarely in the highly competitive 6-11-tonne sector, which accounts for around 30% of UK sales volume. It retains its sixcylinder Cummins engines. All options are charge-cooled to meet with Euro-2: power ratings are 132, 145, 160, 180 and 215hp, with gross weights running from 6.2 tonnes on the smallest rigid to 21 tonnes in the largest drawbar configuration. UK customers are expected to concentrate on the 7.5 and IItonne models.
Additional noise suppression work has helped reduce driveby noise to below 78 dB(A), in line with regulations that come into effect in October. In-cab noise levels have been reduced to 72 dB(A) at 80km/h thanks to better sealing around the gear lever and cab floor.
The cab has been revamped with much of the interior being lifted from the latest 55 Series. Drivers get an adjustable steering column and a twin passenger seat as standard; an air-suspended driver's seat is optional as are electric windows. Cab coil spring and damper suspension is optional on the day cab but standard on the sleeper, which also gets a hydraulic cab tilt.
Ventilation has been improved with a new bank of face-level vents in the middle of
the cab, replacing the radio binnacle which now sits above the windscreen. At a time when just about every manufacturer has moved to composite bumpers Leyland Daf has decided to go the other way—the 45 features a steel bumper with headlights and indicators mounted in recesses above, out of harm's
way. This move will be repeated across the entire Leyland Daf range, apparently in reply to customer request.
Underneath the cab the 45 has longer front springs for additional ride comfort but air-suspension remains an option. Its ZF variable-ratio steering box has an improved (52°) lock for enhanced manoeuvrability and one of the tightest turning circles in its class. The 11-tonners are available with a 7.2-tonne Albion rear axle to offer a 21-tonne drawbar capability. An uprated (4.0-tonne) front axle increases axle loading tolerances, particularly on multi-drop distribution runs. This axle can also be fitted as an option to 7.5-tonne models with a rating of 3.8 tonnes.
Leyland Daf has singled out the tipper market for some special treatment, with a tipper package including larger tyres, different gearbox ratios, a high level air intake, vinyl seats and a factory-fitted immobiliser which is an option on all other models.This additional equipment has not apparently ruined the 45's ability to carry a load, with Leyland Daf claiming a class-leading body and payload ability of up to 4,650kg. Marketing manager Tony Pain adds that "fuel efficiency should be up by 5%" and with service intervals stretched to 30,000km, he adds: "The new 45 Series' repair and maintenance costs will be up to 7% lower than today."
Driving impressions So what's it like on the road? Commercial Motor tried 150 and 180 hp versions of the 7.5tonner, and an 11tonne model with 210hp on tap.The cab improvements are the most instantly noticeable change.
The 55 Series components have brought the 45 up to date with a modern look and feel. It's easy to get comfortable in the driver's seat and visibility is good. Out on the road the 150hp engine pulls well, rapidly
running up through the gears to a stable cruising speed.
As possibly the most popular model in the UK, this 45 should find friends among the rental companies, delivery drivers and utilities: it's simple to drive with van-like responses. As you'd expect, the 180hp engine is well on top of the job. In a laden 7.5tonner which equates to 24hp/tonne. That, and a supersmooth ZF six-speed box, made it a joy to push along through the hills of Belgium's Ardennes region.
There was a surprising amount of retardation from the optional exhaust brake which was able to hold the 45 on steep descents without going anywhere near the red line. Even at 11 tonnes the 210hp engine is far from stretched, proving that it has enough in reserve to pull a drawbar combination at up to 21 tonnes.
The brakes did cause some initial concern in all models with a lot of travel before anything started to happen, but they proved up to the job when needed. The new steering was light and direct and manoeuvring the 45 in tight spaces was certainly no problem.