Amsterdam debut for Daf's flagship
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Next month Daf will launch a higher powered version of its 95 Series. CM gives its first impressions of the new Daf flagship tractor which will reach the UK by April.
• Daf will introduce a higher powered version of its 95 Series at the Amsterdam show next month. The 95.430 will become the company's flagship premium tractor: it will be joined on the stand by new 95 Series chassis variants, including rigids with front-axle air suspension and a low-fifth-wheel tractor.
The 95.430 tractive unit will reach the UK by April, but Leyland Daf has no plans to import either of the new chassis.
The 930 joins 330,360 and 400 versions of the 95 Series, and this is expected to be the final step in the development of the six-cylinder 11.6-litre in-line engine, which now develops 27.16kW per litre_ Its 315kW (428hp) of power is generated at 2,000rpm; peak torque of 1,765Nm (1,3011bft) comes in at just 1,100rpm.
The increased output is combined with a low emission level (9N0x), but further changes will be required to the engine to meet the Euro 1 emissions standards by the 1993 deadline.
Daf also claims a favourable specific fuel consumption of 195g/kWh at full load using a high injector discharge pressure of 1,030bar (14,950psi) with five-hole injectors and new Bosch P700 fuel injection pump.
A larger capacity chargecooler coupled to the low-inertia turbocharger improves engine breathing, and straight-cut timing gears make the assembly more robust.
Increased exhaust brake valve pressure is said to give a 15% improvement in exhaust brake performance.
The 95.430 drives through a 430mm-diameter clutch via any one of four transmission (overdrive and direct-drive versions of the all-synchromesh ZF Ecosplit 16S 220; the 13speed Eaton RTO 14613 and the Eaton Twin Splitter TS 13612) to a single-reduction rear axle. As before, however, only the ZF gearbox will be offered in the UK.
Axle configurations include 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4, and the majority of models can be supplied with factory fitted Telrna or Voith retarders.
For the first time air suspension can be specified for Daf's 7.5-tonne front axle on two and three-axle rigid chassis if combined with ECAS rear axle suspension; Daf's two-bag system is used with double-leaf parabolic springs. A pair of torque rods is used to counteract acceleration and braking forces, while a large-diameter anti-roll bar works in unison with stiffer shock absorbers to restrict roll.
Low-deck-height versions of the 95.360 and 95.400 tractive units offer a solution to highvolume semi-trailers with an interior height of up to 3m. Use of 19.5 or 22.5in wheels gives fifth-wheel heights of 93 and 99cm with a full choice of sleeper cabs.
A darker shade of blue replaces the grey materials used for the dashboard, doors, seats, bunks, roof lining and wall trim. It should show less dirt as well as being easier to clean.
The driver's air-sprung Earinghausen seat has improved lateral support and the lower bunk mattress is almost twice as thick as before. Stowage space below the bunks is unchanged but access is improved with side hatches; to improve security these can only be opened from the inside.
Impressions
Just before Christmas we had an opportunity to assess some of the changes.
The 95.430's extra power and torque gave faster acceleration and greater lugging power on the hills: engine braking was marginally improved too — and with Telma or Voith transmission brakes the service brakes became virtually redundant on the open road.
With the lower driving position of the Low Deck tractive unit the 95.430 felt more like a 28-tonner than a 40-tonner. This might also have been due to the load's already low C of G being reduced even further, negating any sensation of roll. As with the other Daf 95 Series tractors the Low Deck is available with the full sleeper and Space Cab options so that comfort is not compromised.
LI Daf International has signed a long-term marketing agreement with the Canadian heavy truck maker, Western Star.
According to the British Columbia-based company, which sells most of its products in the United States, it holds around 0.4% of the US Class 8 heavy truck market: the deal is worth more than $100m over the next three years.
Daf will distribute Western Star trucks in more than 60 countries outside of the US and Europe; the two companies might also use the link to develop components for use in each other's products.