Solely Dutch in body
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THE NETHERLANDS has for the first time produced an articulated bus of wholly Dutch construction. Although they have been familiar sights for some time, these buses have until now always been built by combining imported chassis and/or bodywork with locally produced equipment.
Based on the new Dutch bus standards evolved by ESO — the official body concerned with drawing up technical specifications for psv equipment — the MGB 25 has now been handed over to the BBA undertaking and 51 similar units will follow.
Based on a DAF articulated chassis (type MGB 200 DKTL 5.30) the 18m long vehicles, which can seat 125, are being bodied by Den Oudsten, of Woerden, a company which was an active partner in the earlier concept for a Dutch standard bus.
Because Dutch Construction and Use rules forbid rearengined "pusher" artics (because of the rear steering axle and "sweep" requirements) only underfloor-engined chassis will form the basis of this type of vehicle.
This gives a floor height which, at 942mm, is greater than operators like to see and efforts are continuing to bring about a change in Dutch legislation which could result in a radically new DAF development.
The first batch of the new DAF — Den Oudsten artics is fitted with DAF turbocharged 184kW power units driving through fully automatic five-speed ZF HP 500 transmissions with integral retarder.
The trailer section axle is steered and has a maximum lock of 11 degrees. These wheels are on Continental air springs while the front and drive axles are on Firestone bellows.
With low operating and maintenance costs a prime objective of ESO standards, all 51 vehicles will be fitted with automatic chassis lubrication by Willy Vogel and Frankmann automatic sump oil level equipment. The coolant circuit incorporates special filter devices and Kysor radiator shutters and air driers are also specified. A novel highefficiency heating system is being fitted to the buses.