DRIVEN DAF CF & LF CONSTRUCTION
40 TRUCKING August 2019 http://www.truckingmag.co.uk
Verdict
Hauliers looking to optimise fuel
returns for long-haul operations
(and who isn’t?) will likely be eyeing
Volvo’s I-Save package with
interest. Not only do the turbo
compound engines run smoother
and quieter than standard D13K
lumps, they are more efficient, use
less AdBlue and deliver a
considerable 300 Nm torque boost
to boot. Yes, they’re heavier – but
spec’ing the lighter rear axle will
maintain payload.
The updated I-See predictive
cruise control system is impressive,
though drivers may at first be
slightly alarmed at how soon it
takes its virtual foot of the gas on
the way up a hill. Our advice is to
just trust the system, as its
topography data means it will
invariably know the requirements of
the road ahead better than you!Likes
+ Extra torque further smooths
performance
+ I-See seems trustworthy
+ Quiet operation
+ Real fuel and AdBlue savingsDislikes- Extra TC engine weight requires
lighter axle to restore payload - Dynamic Steering still takes
some getting used to
As the road straightened out, we
flicked cruise control back on to find out
how the tweaked I-See mapping and
topography system would cope with the
frequent climbs and descents ahead of
us. As noted, the truck was perfectly
happy to stick in a higher gear during
climbs; but we were surprised at how
soon I-See flicks the transmission into
neutral at the crest of a hill.
Because it knows just how much
power and momentum is required to
tackle the upcoming stretch of road, the
system often began to roll much sooner
than we instinctively felt was necessary.
However, despite our concerns, the system
was always right – even though our speed
died away while cresting, we always had
more than enough to get over the top and
begin the downward roll without
infringing our underspeed value. So full
marks go to I-See for efficiency; but we did
wonder if the trucks behind us were
enjoying our fluctuating speed as much as
the bean-counters will enjoy the lower fuel
bill. (I-See does enable underspeed and
overspeed values to be configured, so
operators and drivers can at least tweak
this if required.)
The final stage of our drive was
similarly rural, but for this we’d be using
the smaller 460 bhp TC powerplant and
Globetrotter cab. At 44 tonnes, this engine
is still punching at just over the 10 bhp
per tonne sweet spot – but again, the extra
300 Nm of torque helps smooth out
general cruising performance. Gears were
still held for longer, but the truck did
require earlier downshifts than its 500 bhp
stablemate – and with no Dual Clutch in
this truck, they were a tad slower. But as
anyone who has driven a regular I-Shift
will know, it’s still top of the pile in terms
of sensible gear selection. ■I-Save also includes
topography-based I-See
predictive cruise controlI-See cuts power surprisingly
early at the crest of a hill