- Low-height DAF CF Haulage 8×4 provides enhanced visibility
- Passenger door fitted with new, low-height and retractable ClearView window
- DAF Silent Mode delivers quiet trucks for urban deliveries
Improved visibility is high on the agenda for DAF Trucks at Freight in the City Expo in November with pride of place on its show stand going to a CF 440 FAD low-height 8×4 rigid tipper, featuring low-mounted cab and a ‘ClearView’ passenger door window.
The vehicle is based on DAF Trucks’ successful CF low-height haulage chassis, with its cab mounted 150mm lower than its Construction CF 8×4 stablemate, thus greatly improving direct visibility in the vicinity around the cab.
Completing the driver’s command of his immediate surroundings, the vehicle is fitted with ClearView passenger door window improving direct vision to the nearside of the cab. Importantly, the design, developed by Cheshire-based Astra Vehicle Technologies, allows the main passenger door window to open; a key benefit that enables drivers to have a clear view of traffic during poor weather and to allow access to the mirrors from the passenger seat for cleaning purposes.
For added driver awareness, the demonstrator, which is fitted with a Thompson steel muckaway body and is available for operators to try out in day-day operation, is equipped with a side-scan system to warn cyclists when the vehicle is turning left while at the same time alerting the driver should a cyclist encroach on the nearside of the vehicle.
This truck also benefits from the Trailer Vision camera system providing the driver with a 360-degree view around the vehicle. Together, the specification of this DAF eight-wheeler makes it CLOCS-compliant (Construction Logistics & Community Safety).
Keep it quiet – DAF Silent Mode
Exhibited outside, a DAF Silent CF 440 tractor unit is equipped with DAF’s innovative Silent Mode, allowing it to meet low-noise standards for night time deliveries. The Silent Mode is engaged by the driver by simple activation of a dash-mounted ‘Silent’ button. Beneath the cab, engine software alters performance characteristics to reduce noise levels to less than 72 dB(A) to achieve PIEK ‘Quiet Truck’ Certification.
DAF Trucks’ Silent Mode is now available across much of the DAF Range including the LF at 7.5-tonne GVW and on numerous CF and XF rigid and tractor configurations powered by the PACCAR MX-11 10.8 litre engine. Importantly for customers of LF, CF and XF Silent models, acquisition costs remain low thanks to conventional driveline technology. Other PIEK-certified vehicles on the market are powered with gas engines or have hybrid drivelines resulting in prohibitive up-front acquisition costs.
