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OPERATOR EXPERIENCE
Page 114
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Daf FAD 2500 8X4.
ORIGJNALLY TESTED: 11/5/85.
ENGINE: Daf DHS 244 hp.
GEARBOX: Z.F 55-92 9 speed.
BACK AXLE RATIO: 4.26:1.
TESTED GVW: 30.46 tonnes.
OVERALL RESULTS: 5.6mpg/26.31mph. ORIGINAL TEST REPORT PLUS POINTS: Rugged/good visibility/new fuel record (at time)/ low tare weight/easy to drive/good engine and gearbox/light clutch/progressive brakes/low noise/good ride/lively acceleration.
ORIGINAL TEST REPORT MINUS POINTS: cab showing its age/poor wiper sweep/ poor cab heating/lack of storage space/unsprung cab/dash instruments and layout poorly designed.
Operator 1 is a bulk supplier of animal feeds. He has a 12 vehicle mixed fleet on mainly local runs. Operator 2 is an owner-driver for a national quarry operator. He delivers sand and gravel Operator 3 is also an owner-driver, delivering sand from a local quarry.
All three operators purchased the vehicle because of its low tare weight and reputation for ruggedness. All three have been satisfied with their purchase.
Operator 1 felt that the plus points of the vehicle were the superb driveline, acceleration and comfortable ride. His drivers liked the cab comforts and good visibility but weren't too keen on cab access. They felt that the cab steps should be wider to accommodate the heavy boots or wellingtons they habitually wore. Operators 2 and 3 both agreed with the cab comfort and good acceleration comments, but hadn't noticed any access problems. Operator 2 felt that the performance of the heater was very disappointing and the cab got very cold in winter.
Neither operator felt the minus points of lack of cab storage space or poorly-designed cab and dash layout had any real foundation.
The plus points they all agreed upon was the reliability of the vehicle. Operators 2 and 3 stated that quarry work was very hard on vehicles and that the Daf had stood up to the punishment very well. Operator 2 had an initial clutch problem which was put right under warranty. Operator 1 had a fuel filter problem. The filter used to come loose during operation and leak diesel. To overcome this, the filter was done up tightly which also caused it to leak. It was only by changing the brand of filters that the problem was cured.
Dealer service was also described as a strong point. Once out of warranty, all three operators tended to service the vehicles themselves. Spare parts prices were described as good to reasonable, but service items such as fuel and oil filters were purchased elsewhere at a saving.
Operator 1 felt that 6-6.5mpg was a fleet average and he felt this was low. Operators 2 and 3 were both averaging around 6mpg and, considering their type of work, felt this was acceptable, however. Resale values were expected to be good. Operators 2 and 3 would consider a larger engine for their next purchase. Operator 1 felt that 'around 250bhp was ideal for his type of operation'.