What's the new Daf top-of;the-range tractive unit like to drive? Our roadtesters have beenyIwone with an unlad
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trailer THE TURBOCHARGED and intercooled engine and driveline of Dais new top of the range tractive unit — the FT3600 DKZ — make an interesting combination. We have recently been able to make an appraisal as a foretaste to our full rest in the New Year.
We borrowed the unit and unladen van trailer from sister companies Truck Rent and Trailer Rent.
Daf announced an increase in power and torque with improved specific fuel consumption for its 11.6-litre engine in August, but only now have the 2800, 3300 and 3600 ATi, models become generally available in right-hand-drive form. Al i stands for advanced, turbocharged and intercooled.
The camshaft, crankshaft and pistons have been redesigned, and the engine has a more efficient air to air charge cooler, new turbocharger and Bosch fuel inieenon Our vehicle had the optional Space Cab which presents a large frontal area. But as we were running empty we are unable to comment on its overall effect on fuel consumption at this stage.
Parabolic springs on the front axle and air suspension at the rear produce an excellent ride. Adjustment of the rear ride-height allows a compromise to be found for the best setting between traction and braking control.
Even without the trailer attached, the brake pedal gives a smooth, progressive response without any indication a rearwheel locking, but with a power output of 274kW (373hp) and torque of I,420Nm (1,047 lbit) the throttle needs to be used with sonicdelicacy.
The cab rests on rubber mountings and any vertical movement is resisted at the rear by hydraulic dampers. Airsuspended seats provide the third suspension mode. Door handles are placed above head height and two external steps make it a good climb to gain access.
A long grab-handle is fitted but, unfortunately, the facia impedes its use around its centre. When dismounting it is useful for the driver to be able to slide his grip down in a single movement. This can't be done with this Dar.
The dashboard instrumentation is comprehensive and uncluttered, although the light switches can be confusing at first.
For the heater controls in this righthand-drive vehicle the fan switch is placed so that the driver must lean well over towards the middle of the cab to operate it. A single and substantial column-mounted stalk provides for the operation of direction indicators, windscreen wash/wipe and headlight dip, main beans and flash.
In top, the gear lever for the 16-speed ZF splitter box sits close to the driver's seat. Should he change down while signalling left. he will doubtless knock the indicator light stalk and so automatically cancel it.
The lever is biased toward whole gear positions of third and fourth or seventh and eighth. So strong is the spring pressure, however, that if the lever is released between first and second gears it is propelled through the detent separating the top and bottom sections of the gate. The driver is encouraged to use the power and torque of 274kW (3734) and 1,420Nm (1,047 Ibli) in the most economical way. There is the Visar economy driving system dial displayed on the dash and a colour-coded rev counter, and advisory arrows light up as an indication either to change up or down where the engine speed is too fast or too slow. In top gear this permits a top speed of about 110km/h (68mph), but at the maximum legal speed the engine barely more than ticks over at 1,550rpm. At 80km/h (50mph) road speed, the engine speed is 1,300rpm and one split down brings it up by 2(K)rpm.
To the benefits of a large cab is added a low level of noise — recorded at 74.5d13(A) at 96.5km/h (60mph).
There is plenty of stowage space beneath the lower bunk and room above for a second bunk. Heavy jacks and ropes are stored in a locker outside the cab.
A flat front screen makes replacement a less costly item than those of most cabs, but the low height of the header rail has long caused operators to criticise this Dal cab.
Heated rear mirrors stay cleaner and give good vision to the rear and of the nearside kerb. An icy morning start meant scrapping the front screen and it was here that the ribbed grab handles dug into cold hands.
The cab was quick to warm up and for overnight heating the Eberspacher heater could be set to maintain a comfortable temperature. Vertical air deflectors mounted on the rear corners of the cab enhance the visual impact and should help on fuel consumption, too. The nearside panel hinges out to give access to the equipment locker, pump for cab tilt and the catwalk. Top and bottom edges are largely unsupported so that they flex and rattle.
Air tanks are spread around the chassis for neat installation but two fitted at the rear behind the air suspension bags look vulnerable to accidental knocks.