Roadtrain runs with Daf power
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• Leyland Daf has taken a step closer towards its goal of a totally integrated truck range with the adoption of Daf engines in the old Leyland Roadtrain, now renamed the Series 80. In addition, the C51 cab used across the current Freighter, Constructor and Series 80 models has been given a facelift in line with the existing 95 Series premium tractor.
The Series 80 tractor is powered by the latest chargecooled 245kW (329hp) WS242 11.6-litre Daf ATi engine with a peak torque of 1,350Nm (995lbft) at 1,350rpm.
A derated 224kW (300hp) version will be offered as an alternative by early next year, but Cummins Lit) and Perkins Eagle engines will no longer be available as an option.
Buyers will have a transmission choice of either the Eaton Twin Splitter or the ZF 165150 Ecosplit box with the latest alloy casing. Final drive is handled by the same 1346 Daf back axle that is fitted to the 95 Series and FT2700 tractors.
To begin with, the 80 Series will be offered as a two-axle model with day and sleeper cab, but a twin-steer is expected to arrive early next year. The 4x2 tractor comes with a 3.22 or 4.0m wheelbase, enabling it to run with longer trailers up to the new 16.5m limit. The twin-steer has a 3.45m wheelbase.
The Daf-powered tractor is said to be lighter than previous Roadtrain models; the unladen kerbweight of the 4x2 with a day cab is quoted as under six tonnes, while the 6x2 will tare out at around 6.800kg.
Although the 80 Series is aimed fairly and squarely at the fleet tractor market it is unusual in having Grau Girling Category 1 anti-lock braking as standard, which is claimed to be compatible with every other major ABS system used on semi-trailers in the UK. The twin-wedge brakes have automatically-adjusting shoes and an air dryer as standard.
Leyland Daf has revised the old Roadtrain suspension, with the Series 80 gaining parabolic springs all round while the driver has the latest Isringhausen suspension seat. Drive axle air suspension is not available, but Leyland Daf is considering it as an option.
As part of the C51 cab facelift the front panels have been changed to include the Daf corporate styling theme of three horizontal bars, while the interior has been brought into line with the existing 95 tractor, with all models now cartying similar trim.
Leyland Daf will be showing the Series 80 tractor at the Motor Show this month along with two new Daf-powered multi-wheelers. The FAT70.230 Constructor sixwheeler, powered by the 172kW (230hp) 8.25-litre turbocharged HT Daf engine, supersedes the old 160kW (210hp) 2420 Daf-engined Constructor. Like its predecessor, the FAT70.230 is intended for mixer operations, with a kerbweight of under 6,500kg.
The latest FAD30.330 Constructor eight-wheeler has the same 245kW WS242 engine as the Series 80 tractor, making it the most powerful 8x4 Constructor to date. Before the end of the year a 224kW version will be available. As with the Series 80 tractor, the FAD30.330 comes with the Eaton Twin Splitter gearbox. Although Leyland Daf is only offering the Series 80 tractor with Daf power it will be keeping the Cummins and Perkins options on its 8x4s.
With the arrival of the Series 80 Leyland Daf now has three tractors in the 239-246kW (320-330hp) tractor market: the 95.330; the 80.330; and the 3200 with the old F241 cab and KS engine. LD sees the Series 80 winning extra business in the fleet market, not least as it will be some £3,500 cheaper than the equivalent 95 Series tractor.