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The New Generation DAF models have dramatically changed the transportation industry in a year and a half. Indeed, the Dutch truck manufacturer is the first to take advantage of the new European legislation on sizes and weights. Now it is also shaking up the construction vehicle market with the XDC and XFC, developed specifically for applications that involve regular off-road driving and require extra traction in tough conditions. In South Limburg, we were able to put the New Generation of DAF construction vehicles through their paces, both on-road and off-road in a soaking wet sand and clay pit. And that was enjoyment!
The New Generation DAF trucks are, as the name suggests, a completely new series of vehicles that set new standards in efficiency, safety and driver comfort. For example, the XF and XG(+) for long-haul and heavy transport previously won the Truck of the Year 2022 title and the XD for distribution transport received this prestigious recognition for 2023. It has not hurt the Dutch truck manufacturer to date; 80,000 orders have already been written for the NG series. This brought DAF's 2022 European market share in the heavy-duty segment to a record 17.3%. And that tastes like more, because DAF plans to aim high in the construction vehicle segment as well with the New Generation trucks.
The XDC and XFC construction vehicles are characterized by up to 40 centimeters higher ground clearance and an approach angle of 25 degrees. The rugged appearance is accentuated by a striking black grille, a ditto-colored 3-piece steel bumper and a steel radiator protection plate. The headlights and fog lights are made of lexan, a polycarbonate that is up to 250 times stronger than glass, and thus resistant to heavy-duty use. So everything is geared toward the lowest possible repair and replacement costs.
Furthermore, construction vehicles also benefit from the new cab design with a rounder window that provides 33% more field of vision, a lower window line and the optional Kerb View Window, an additional window in the co-driver's door that, in combination with the folding co-driver's seat (cinema seat), provides unobstructed views of cyclists and pedestrians next to the vehicle. Furthermore, the exterior mirrors have been repositioned and are more aerodynamic in shape. In combination with the optional DAF Corner View system with 285-degree visibility around the A-pillar on the passenger side, the blind spot is a thing of the past.
In the cab, everything is geared toward driver comfort. Because the steering column can be placed in a vertical "parking" position, there is plenty of room to get in. What then immediately stands out is the sea of interior and especially storage space, thanks to the increased dimensions of the cabin. The adjustment range of both the driver's seat and steering wheel is unprecedented, resulting in a much better seating position.
From the driver's seat is a view of a fully digital instrument cluster that can be set up completely to your liking. Furthermore, the dashboard looks nice and tidy. The ergonomics therefore leave nothing to be desired and are in line with DAF's philosophy of "hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. All driving-related functions are operated from the steering wheel or levers on the steering column. Also new are the armrests on either side of the seats for even greater comfort.
Enough about the design, time to drive. We take a seat in the DAF XDC 450 FAD 8×4 with a Liebherr concrete mixer body. The demo vehicle is powered by a highly efficient PACCAR Euro 6 MX-11 engine with 449 hp, coupled to a TraXon 12 speed automated gearbox.
That automatic, by the way, is standard on all models and can be optionally equipped with special off-road software. More on that later from the quarry.
Once on the road with the XDC, it is primarily the serene calm that is striking on board. The 10.8-liter engine is barely audible and turns around extremely smoothly. In any case, the truck excels in maneuverability and ease of operation. For example, the engine brake has three settings and is much more powerful than in the previous series, especially in the low revs. Maneuvering is also a breeze with the urge-to-move "turtle function. The engine speed is then limited to a maximum of 1,200 revolutions per minute, dosable with the brake pedal. It results in a creep speed of up to 5 km/h both forward and reverse. A convenient and, above all, safe feature.
The XDC and XFC construction vehicles are available in a wide range of dual-drive tandems and, for the first time, also in a 4×2 axle configuration for lighter tipper applications. The range starts with a 19-ton tandem with single reduction (SR1132T), leaf suspension and disc or drum brakes. This set is ideal for light 6×4 and 8×4 tippers and concrete mixers. For heavier applications, DAF offers 21- and 26-ton variants of the SR1360T tandem with single reduction. The SR1360T is equipped with disc brakes and air suspension.
For heavy and off-road applications, the 21 and 26-ton tandems are also available with hub reduction (HR1670T), with air or leaf suspension and drum brakes. For lighter tipper applications, DAF has expanded the XDC and XFC series with a 2-axle (4×2) rigid and tractor. Both are available with 8- and 9-ton front axles and 13-ton rear axles with air suspension and disc brakes.
For those who frequently travel on dirt or steep slopes, the manufacturer provides engageable hydraulic front-wheel drive on the 4×2 tractor versions. Engagement of the so-called PXP system is done at the push of a button. Hydraulic front-wheel drive can be used in the first four forward gears and in the first and second reverse gears. The greater the slip behind, the more traction the front wheels provide. The system works surprisingly well, as demonstrated during a drive of the XFC 530 FT 4×2 with tipper trailer in the quarry. The tractor is blessed with an efficient PACCAR MX-13 12.9-liter Euro 6 engine with 530 hp. This makes it the most powerful version of the New Generation DAF models.
Moments later, we make the switch to the XFC 530 FAT 6×4 with a Meiler tipper body. The PACCAR MX-13 powerplant is again mated to the TraXon 12-speed automated gearbox, but in this case equipped with off-road software. In addition to ASR Off for trouble-free off-roading on slippery surfaces, Rock Free mode is proving to be an interesting feature on off-road.
This function simulates the "rocking" of a manual transmission, so to speak, so that the truck does not get stuck even under extremely heavy conditions. Despite the soaking wet conditions, we piloted the trucks through the clay in the quarry with playful ease. And all in peace and quiet, sitting high and dry in the atmospheric cabin. What a feat of engineering, even from Dutch soil!
The New Generation DAF XDC and XFC construction vehicles absolutely impress. By the way, for companies in the construction and municipal sectors that do not need the off-road capabilities, an Extra Robust series has been created for both models. The concept of the cab with the lowest damage susceptibility is actually the same as that of the off-road versions, while they borrow the chassis from the on-road XDC and XFC, i.e. without greater ground clearance or overrun angle.
Furthermore, the trucks are available with a wide range of PTOs and DAF has strengthened its close cooperation with 25 leading body manufacturers across Europe. This, according to its makers, ensures a "plug and play" build process and seamless integration with the mainframe. It guarantees fast delivery of the desired truck configuration. Finally, DAF has tailored the MultiSupport Repair and Maintenance Contract to construction vehicles, including a special Uptime Plus package. With the latter, vehicles receive priority access to DAF International Truck Service and mobility is guaranteed.
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