Lowdown on 95 Series
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• Leyland Daf has confirmed that it will be offering the Low Deck version of its 95 Series tractive unit in the UK before the end of the summer — but it has stopped short of importing the ultra-low model shown on Daf's stand at the recent Amsterdam Show (CM 13-19 February).
British operators will get a lowered version of the 268kW (364hp) 95.360 tractor with a fifth-wheel height of 1,001mm achieved by the use of 275/70 R 22.5 tyres, a Daf 1354 hubreduction drive axle, together with a reprogrammed version of Daf's ECAS electronically controlled air suspension.
The standard 95.360 uses 295/80 rubber and the 1346 single reduction axle, giving a laden fifth-wheel height of 1,158mm.
The Low Deck 95.360 is aimed at UK-based TIR operators who want to run with a 100e-plus capacity semi-trailer with a 3,0m internal height — but within the overall 4.0m continental height limit.
The Low Deck 95.360 will be available in either left or righthand drive; Type Approval of the latter is currently going ahead, but only with a 3.5m wheelbase.
Switching to the smaller tyres has reduced the Low Deck 95.360's GVW to 16.8 tonnes, with the front axle plated at 6.3 tonnes and the drive axle at 10.5 tonnes: hence the need for Type Approval. However, the Low Deck 95's kerb weight remains the same as a standard height chassis.
Leyland Daf says it will take orders for the Low Deck 95 for delivery around August. Prices have not been announced, but CM understands that the Low Deck option will add between £2,000 — 3,000 to the price of the standard chassis.
At the Amsterdam Show Daf displayed an ultra-low tractor with 19.5in wheels and 70 series tyres giving a laden fifth-wheel height of just 950mm. However, to satisfy full braking requirements it is also fitted with an integral Voith retarder.
According to Leyland Daf, the ultra-low tractor is not practical for the UK, not least because of the extra weight of the retarder.