Daf to put more poke in 85 in '95
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by Brian Weatherley.
• Leyland Daf will further extend the appeal of its popular 85 Series with a new 400hp version to be unveiled at next month's Brussels truck show.
Up till now the most powerful 85 tractor has been the 85.360. But from next May UK operators will be able to get a 4x2 (FT) or 6x2 twin-steer (FIG) tractor with a 395hp (295kW) rating of Dais long-serving 11.6-litre engine.
The 395hp WS295L chargecooled straight six, already available in the 95 Series, develops 1,2101bft (1,640Nm) of torque at 1,300rpm. Putting the uprated engine in the 85 will not affect kerbweight or cooling. Leyland Daf Trucks boss David Gill reports that the 85 Series "...is now the best selling tractor in its class (between 320 and 37511p)' As well as offering the WS2951.. diesel in a tractor Leyland Daf is looking at bringing in a 400hp 85-Series eightlegger with a beefed-up chassis and a heavier-duty 1355T hubreduction back bogie, in place of the current single reduction 1132T bogie, specifically for muckaway operators who are looking for power and durability more than kerbweight.
Despite the overlap of the 85 and 95 Series at 400hp, Leyland Dal says both models will continue to be sold in the UK. The biggest selling 95 is still tilt95.400.
LI Also at Brussels will be a pre-production version of the Leyland-built 11 to 15-tonne GVW 55 Series middleweight rigid—announced at this year's Hanover show (CM 8-14 Sept) and an LPG engine. However, Leyland Daf is still insisting that the Roadrunner-cabbed 55 Series will initially be offered only as a left-hand-drive not least due to the continuing success of the existing Freightercabbed 50 Series.