Possible options
Daniil Minaev, photo by the author
The client event in honor of the fifth anniversary of the successful creation and not unsuccessful five-year work of the Russian representative office of DAF Trucks thundered with fanfare. An exclusive anniversary series of a serial tractor (unfortunately, delivery was delayed - they were only accepting orders), discounts and gifts for customers, balloons and drinks... But there was also an exhibition of equipment. As an engineer and journalist, I found this interesting. And I went to look.
In the presented line of trucks, most of the vehicles were very familiar to me. But I liked a very strange coupling. The newest tipper semi-trailer-coal carrier of the Schmitz Cargobull brand was pulled by a DAF XF105.460 Euro 5 main tractor, which in Europe has not been seen among the sales of new equipment for four years, since it was replaced by the DAF XF106 / 510 Euro 6. This is where concern comes to light manufacturer about complex markets like ours.
It also turned out that few of the CF series construction tractors delivered to Russia this year had recently been shipped to customers, and there was nothing left in the warehouse, so we had to create such an unlikely coupling: mainline tractor + dump semi-trailer. Such variations in the “not like everyone else” style have always attracted me and, intrigued, I headed towards the road train.
DAF FAR XF105.410 6×2
The lubrication system also has a centrifugal oil filter.
The lubrication system also has a centrifugal oil filter.
But DAF Trucks does not produce gearboxes and clutches: the first ones are purchased from ZF, the clutch is also German - from Sachs. The same components are used by the Dutch competitors - Renault, Iveco and MAN, as well as a dozen other automakers around the world.
The sixteen-speed gearbox allows you to finely “cut” the range of gear ratios, so it is easier for the driver to adapt to the road situation and load. The modern ZF Ecosplit is equipped with a pneumatic booster based on the ServoShift switching mechanism. The switching pattern is 1H with two keys. It's comfortable.
In Europe, conventional manual transmissions have been replaced by robotic ones, which save fuel and make life easier for the driver. Robots are also installed on the DAF XF105: this is a 12-speed ZF AS Tronic 12 AS 2330 or a 16-speed ZF AS Tronic 16 AS 2630 OD (rare, not everyone knows about it). It makes sense to take a closer look at these robots because they have many useful features. For example, the Hill Start Aid (HSA) system helps you get started on an incline, the EcoRoll function ensures coasting on a descent or even with the diesel engine turned off, and FastShift allows you not to press the clutch when moving from 11th to 12th gear, thereby also slightly increasing efficiency.
Cabin
It’s pleasant to be inside, such sensations are created not because of the materials, here they are just ordinary, but due to thoughtful ergonomics. The driver will sit on a thick seat covered with perforated fabric. Irregularities are not felt because the cabin is supported by air and there is no direct connection with the chassis.
The 4-spoke steering column of the DAF XF 105 is complemented by a variety of buttons on 2 spokes. The instrument panel is represented by analog sensors and a massive, informative on-board computer. To the right of the steering wheel there is a small gear lever; you won’t have to use it often.
The center console, familiar to car drivers, is turned towards the driver. Without lifting your back from the chair, you can reach the standard radio, blind spot screen, climate system controls, standard telephone and cigarette lighter.
The manufacturer took care of theft. When parked, blocking the doors with the Night Lock system remote control, the locks are released, which do not allow the door to be opened even after opening the lock.
You can live in peace in the XF 105, because it has everything for this:
- 45-liter refrigerator;
- heating system;
- two sleeping places;
- microwave;
- air filtration during climate control;
- a huge number of niches for small things.
Let's get acquainted with the tandem road train based on the DAF FAR XF105.410 6×2 tractor.
Tandem road train: let's go like a steam locomotive?Photo: Nikolay Klochkov and DAF
Engine and gearbox
The manufacturer offers several motors of varying degrees of boost. They comply with modern environmental standards Euro-5 and Euro-6, which made it possible to enter many world markets.
- The weakest PACCAR MX300 with a 12.9-liter volume produces 410 horsepower and 2000 torque. The unit is distinguished by the SCR system, which saves fuel injected through the SMART system. The engine requires maintenance every 100,000 kilometers, and when using expensive synthetic oil, it can be serviced after 160,000 kilometers.
- DAF XF 105.460 – a 460-horsepower modification of the MX Ate EcoDrive with the same volumes and 6 cylinders with a turbine produces 2300 H*m of torque. The internal combustion engine saves energy and works automatically, so when idling for more than 5 minutes, the engine “stalls” on its own.
- The restyling added to the lineup the 11-liter PACCAR MX11 engine, which produces 510 horsepower and complies with Euro-6 standards. The basic configurations were equipped with the previous units, and the turbine received a variable geometry function.
For maintenance, you do not need to constantly tilt the cabin using a hydraulic lift; all the necessary necks are located behind the front panel. For the rest you will have to tilt the cabin.
The pair for the units is a 12-speed AS Tronic gearbox with gear ratios of 15.86-1.00. The box has many electronic systems and, due to its stable operation, does not have any negative effects on the engine. Previously, a 4-speed manual transmission with a divider and range was installed.
The new gearbox is pleased with the Hill Star Aid system, which helps to start off on a slope at a large angle. Such a system will perfectly help you move up slopes when fully loaded, this is especially true in winter.
DAF XF105 tractor cab
The cab of the DAF XF105 truck can be called a typical representative of the “long-living” class among European automakers. It is based on the frame from the DAF 95XF - which was awarded the title of “Best Truck in Europe 1998”. In turn, this project became a continuation of the DAF 95 model (still without XF). That highway truck also won the International Truck of the Year in 1988, and also mainly thanks to its well-equipped and comfortable cabin. Therefore, impeccable “heredity” is clearly visible.
Regardless of which of the two offered cab types (Space Cab or Super Space Cab) you choose, there will be spacious living, working and luggage space - more than most other trucks in this class. Thanks to this, DAF XF105 drivers can stay alert and productive longer. Many people choose the DAF precisely because it has a more spacious cabin with a high-quality interior. After all, truckers not only work in the cab, but actually live.
Four large mirrors with a large surface area, electrically controlled and heated, provide a wide view and contribute to driving safety. Stylish streamlined mirrors can be selected additionally in the color of the cabin.
The roof of the “luxury” version of the Super Space Cab has been completely redesigned. It has become more pronounced and stylish in shape, with a built-in streamlined visor. It is a one-piece fiberglass roof that is supported by a strong bolted steel frame. If you also install built-in Skylights with dual 70 W halogen lamps, your visibility will further improve and another spectacular design element will appear.
The traditions of “cabin building” are long-standing, but the XF105 uses completely new standards of interior design – in the quality of finishing and ergonomic characteristics of the interior. Concern for driver comfort is felt in many ways: attractive door trim, a modern dashboard with logically located knobs and switches, a steering wheel that fits comfortably in the hands, and a folding gearshift lever. The cabin has many convenient places to store things, and a night light is provided to illuminate the floor. Above the windshield there are spacious shelves and a tachograph. You can also build in a microwave oven, coffee maker, and TV.
The lower berth is a full-fledged home one (800x2100 mm), with a spring mattress. The top one in the Super Space Cab has dimensions of 700x2000 mm. Under the lower berth there is a spacious compartment with a volume of 150 liters, as well as a stash with a capacity of 60 liters. In the center of the cabin there is a storage compartment with a volume of 25 liters with a bottle holder and a drawer with a capacity of 65 liters, or you can install a refrigerator with a capacity of 42 liters. There are connectors for connecting a computer and a telephone.
The cabin suspension is four-point and can be in 2 versions: on spring struts, with adjustable spring preload, or pneumatic. In any case, there are 2 shock absorbers installed on the rear elements - vertical and horizontal. This system virtually eliminates lateral sway of the cabin due to gusts of wind.
Brake system and suspension DAF XF 105
The all-round ventilated disc brake system is controlled by the EBS electronic unit. In addition to EBS, there is an electronic engine braking control and an anti-lock braking system. In addition to ventilation, an air compressor is installed to dry the discs.
Engine braking comes from the MX's 210-kilowatt motor, powered by hydraulics. Overall braking is good, which is important for tractors of this weight. The parking brake is supplemented with a checking system, and the mechanism is highly reliable.
The chassis of the DAF HF 105 is surprising at the rear, because it is a 4-cylinder pneumatic system, but at the front there is a spring design. The manufacturer took care of control safety by adding the VSC exchange rate stability system.
Other technical specifications of the DAF XF105 in numbers
- The weight of the tractor is 7.2 tons.
- The weight of the road train is up to 45 tons.
- Maximum load: on the front axle - 7.5 tons, on the saddle - 12 tons, on the rear axle - 13 tons.
- Wheelbase - from 3.1 to 4.5 m in a two-axle version; 4.8 m – in triaxial
- Fuel tank capacity is up to 1500 liters of diesel fuel.
Overall, from its traditional concept to its actual execution, the DAF XF105 is well suited to run smoothly, efficiently and profitably.
Main modifications
Today there are two modifications of the Daf XF105 available:
- rigid chassis;
- truck tractors.
Rigid chassis
The Daf XF 105 chassis retains the same number of axles as all tractors, as well as wheel designs with a base from 4.2 to 6.9 meters, with a total weight of 18-32 tons. Daf XF105 tractors are distinguished by the fact that they have a completely flat chassis, allowing any add-on. The chassis frame is made of heavy-duty steel and is equipped with special holes for attaching the body. It is possible to increase the fuel tanks of the tractor due to elements of the brake system and air cylinders ergonomically hidden inside the chassis. The buyer of a Daf HF truck has the opportunity to choose the most suitable modification due to the variety of chassis add-ons. The most common modifications of the Daf HF105 are refrigeration units, cargo vans, and dump trucks.
Truck tractors
The wheel formula of these tractors is: 6x2, 4x2, 8x4, 6x4. The most powerful tractor, Daf XF105, when it is part of a standard road train, can move a mass of up to 120 tons.
Daf HF105 cabins are made of modern heavy-duty materials. They are designed to provide excellent visibility. They feature modern passive and active safety systems.
Daf trucks are distinguished by serious technical characteristics. However, experts in this field highlight the HF 105 model. This is not surprising; the most powerful tractor is distinguished by its impressive dimensions, low fuel consumption and high load capacity. The tractor is used to transport a variety of goods all over the world. He has been awarded various awards more than once and has earned a good reputation among truck drivers.
