DAF Trucks will debut its New CF Construction ‘FAD’ eight-wheeler dedicated mixer chassis at this week’s UK Concrete Show 2018 at the NEC. Offering the lowest unladen weight from a dedicated ‘Mixer’ specification 8×4 the New CF weighs-in 250kg lighter than its predecessor, yet with a host of product enhancements to boost productivity, driveability and comfort.
While the New CF benefits from a leaner profile, its specification remains uncompromised, retaining all its credentials for rugged reliability, though providing more refined driveability with uprated engines and drivelines.
Two vehicles are on display at the NEC. A New CF 450 FAD 8×4 mixer, with an ‘N3’ designated lower-mounted Day-cab, is kindly on loan from London Concrete; the company having taken delivery of 11 units recently. With its ultra-low kerb-weight of 12,180kg, the vehicle is equipped with a CIFA SLX8 lightweight drum supplied and installed by UK Concrete Show 2018 exhibitor, Wilcox. Another ‘FAD’ chassis is displayed on the Liebherr stand featuring the company’s latest HTM 805 lightweight drum and equipment. The truck goes into operation with TM Mixer Hire of Woking.
Crucially for mixer operations, and thanks to its very low kerb-weight, the New CF ‘Construction’ specification comfortably achieves an all-important eight cubic metre capacity. Weight savings are achieved in a number of areas, most notably the new compact and lightweight exhaust after-treatment system and by specification of disc brakes on DAF’s double-drive rear bogie. These latest weight savings measures are in addition to a 140kg weight reduction introduced on the ‘FAD’ chassis in 2015.
New PACCAR MX-11 engine ratings of 370hp, 410hp and 450hp and the new TraXon 12-speed automated gearbox with intelligent software, provide superb performance on road and on site, where the TraXon’s wide gear ratio spread makes for enhanced low speed manoeuvring capability whilst pouring concrete. The MX engine-PTO is available with a choice of output options providing quiet, efficient power to drive the mixer.
While the trend for automated transmission continues to grow in the UK construction sector, DAF Trucks recognises a still sizeable customer base opting for manual shifting, so offers an optional 16-speed manual ZF gearbox, which also boasts a wide gear ratio spread to suit mixer and tipper operations.
For the driver, the New CF features a new interior trim, new temperature / climate control, an updated dashboard and instrument binnacle, and configurable switch-gear.
“Our New CF eight-wheeler specification hits the bullseye for mixer operators,” said DAF Trucks Marketing Manager, Phil Moon, “Construction companies have long recognised the basic CF design as a robust, extremely reliable work-horse. Today, however, it is leaner, more productive and it boasts a range of driveline configurations that will tick all the boxes for mixer operators and for wider applications in the construction sector.”
