Truck & Driver UK – August 2019

Truck & Driver Summer 2019^79

models and looks very similar to

the outgoing incarnation. The

most visible changes are the

revised grille and bumper, a metal

strip on the sun-visor and the

smaller exhaust system on the

offside of the chassis, this freeing

up space on the other side for

tipping gear or other equipment.

On the 6x2 twin-steer, or

CF450 FTG, the most popular

option for UK operators, the

compact chassis layout includes

the mechanical linkage for the

second steer-axle, while the fully

air suspended rear bogie

incorporates weight transfer and

full lift on the second steer to aid

traction and reduce tyre wear.

Our truck had the standard

8000kg front axle and a

19,000kg-plated rear bogie,

giving plenty of weight tolerance

for front-heavy trailers.

A wide range of other chassis

layouts is offered for the CF

tractor range, including 4x2, 6x2

tag, with the option of rear

steering, and 6x2 lightweight

pusher, with the smaller wheels

on the centre axle. There are

also 6x4 options on air or steel

suspension, with single-reduction

or hub-reduction axles for heavy

work. Daf also offers a broad

range of two-axle, three-axle or

four-axle rigids.

The two main engine options

for the 6x2 tractors are either the

10.8-litre MX11, at 410 or 450hp

(our truck has the higher rating),

or the 12.9-litre MX13 at 430,

480 or 530hp.

New design

Introduced in 2013, the MX11 is

Daf’s newest design and differs

considerably from the MX13. The

integration of many of the

auxiliaries into the engine block

provides a stronger structure and

reduces the potential for

leaks, while the twin

overhead camshafts give

DAF CF450

ZF TraXon 12-speed automated ’box helps get the best from the

450hp MX11 engine but the Eco software sometimes allows it to

change up a bit too soon. Switchgear is now clearly marked and

of better quality, while the auto temperature control works well