Agile 4 axle truck with high payload capacity

Noppert Beton of Sumar, Friesland, took delivery of two new DAF FAD 450 8×4 concrete mixers last year. The four-axle trucks combine high payload with low unladen weight thanks to a number of optimizations carried out by Veldhuizen of Groenekan. Thanks to those modifications, the maximum GVW of the trucks is 43 tons, which is sufficient for the application of a 12 cubic meter Mulder H12 concrete mixer.

The DAF FAD 8×4 was fitted with a mechanically steered wide-spread tandem chassis by Veldhuizen of Groenekan. As a result, three of the four axles are steered, which ensures minimal twisting and optimum maneuverability. Thanks to the wide-spread principle, both 13-ton rear axles with hub reduction are good for 11.5 tons on the license plate. In combination with the double ten-ton front axles, the GVW comes out to 43 tons. For this reason, the front axles are fitted with 385/65 R22.5 tires. The rear axle is mechanically-forced steered. The chassis has a wheelbase of 5.62 meters, calculated from the center of axle 1 to the center of the tandem axle.

Compact and agile

Noppert Beton chose this concept because of its compact construction and high payload capacity. Peter Norbruis of Noppert Beton: ,,Compared to our five-axle trucks, they only take 1.5 cubic meters less concrete, but the vehicles are much more maneuverable. We have relatively much work at private homes and in tight farmyards and then these are ideal vehicles. Because three of the four axles have steering, the trucks are particularly maneuverable. In addition, these are relatively simple vehicles, without all kinds of electronics''.

The second 8×4

The first DAF 8×4 concrete mixer was purchased earlier in 2020. It was a stock truck already under construction at Veldhuizen. Peter Norbruis: ,,For us it was ideal that the vehicle was already fully specified and built up. This saved us a lot of time because otherwise the whole process would first follow via the dealer and the mixer supplier, after which the two would have to work together. By choosing a stock vehicle, we were able to move quickly. After our specific wishes, such as additional lighting were implemented, we could start working on it''. The vehicle in question was a DAF XF 530 with the MX13 powerplant. For the second 8×4, the more common engine in this segment was chosen, namely the MX11 engine.

Fully assembled

The Paccar MX11 power unit delivers 450 hp and is equipped with an engine PTO to drive the Mulder concrete mixer. The complete concrete mixer was assembled and delivered by Veldhuizen, including the finishing of the chassis with underride guards, fenders and all the facilities needed to transport concrete. For example, an extra box has been fitted for tools and materials and a fixed rear bumper with step has been fitted. In addition, the DAF is equipped with flashers in the grille and at the rear and various working lights for the dark months of the year. For Noppert Beton, these are not the first DAF trucks in the fleet. The company has been working with the Dutch truck brand for years to its full satisfaction. For repairs and maintenance, Noppert Beton makes use of the services of DAF trucks dealer BSF in Leeuwarden.