DAF XFC FAD 8x4

The 8-wheeler sector has in recent years seen a move towards large cabs and power outputs traditionally associated with tractor units. Luxury and performance can impact payload slightly, but many operators are willing to make a compromise in that department. Driver retention is part of this trend, plus many operators now work further afield, with drivers spending nights out. DAF has recently launched its construction range and the flagship model is the XFC. 

The old shape DAF XF and DAF CF served the company well, remaining competitive right up until their replacements arrived, thanks to an excellent fundamental layout of both cabs, coupled with a series of skilful updates to keep them fresh. The new XF and XFC are joined by the XD and XDC in 8x4 form, with the latter available in 11-litre form only. DAF offers a plethora of chassis options for its rigids, seeing particular success with the tridem options, which have proven an excellent alternative to the traditional eight-legger (or as a replacement for a 6x4) when there’s a need to squeeze into tight spots, whether it’s on farms or in city centres. That being said, the standard issue 8x4 with double-drive rear bogie and two steer axles is by far the most popular option for rigid tippers – with good reason. It’s a maneouverable, stable and simple set-up that performs well both on- and off-road.

The big-cabbed XFC makes for an impressive looking 8x4 tipper. When it came to high-end offerings from the previous DAF range, the CF Space Cab was a good all-rounder; although the XF’s flat-roof Comfort Cab was available latterly, not many were sold. While the high-roof CF did offer enough accommodation for a driver to spend multiple nights away, the cab was showing its age, with a high engine tunnel, average visibility and limited adjustment to the steering column

This is where the new XF slots in perfectly. The new cab not only offers far better visibility due to a much larger glass area, corner vision camera, and redesigned mirrors or mirror cams, but there’s also a lot more room and a much more practical interior layout, with a low engine tunnel.

The XFC is a towering truck. The ground clearance is immense; 40cm at a 25-degree ramp angle. And the cab roof extends high above the tipper body. The standard XF tipper chassis may well be enough for many aggregate operations.

The sheer size of the XFC may count against it for those who load under hoppers or need to navigate tree-lined country lanes, and in such cases it would make sense to pick either the flat roof or the XD cab, which offers superb all-round visibility. There’s a tough three-piece steel bumper and collapsible steps up-front. It’s furnished with the same high-quality trim and plastics as the XG. There are plenty of options for the interior, with wood trim, silver or plain plastic, while there are fabric, leather and Alcantara seat options.

The cab is big enough for four nights out a week and the demo unit even came with a microwave. The dash layout and all the controls have been standardised across all models and DAF has really put a lot of thought into the interior layout; from the storage drawers to deep door pockets and the large flat areas of dash and pull-out table.

There’s no longer the option of a manual box; the 16-speed manuals of the previous generation were the last hold-outs across all the manufacturers, and while they’ll certainly be missed by some, we at least have the consolation that the latest generation of TraXon auto, seen here with off-road software, really does work well when tyres leave tarmac.

The XFC is available with both 11- and 13-litre engines. The top output comes from the MX-13 at 530hp, which will provide effortless performance. But we reckon the 450hp 11-litre seen here has plenty enough about it – plus it’s lighter. The XFC provides a higher torque output in top gear of 2,350Nm, with 2,200Nm in all other gears – and it’s plenty. This is the engine we’d choose.

The gear selector is on the right-hand stalk, steering column adjustment is via a pedal operated by your left foot, and there’s a huge range of movement in reach, angle and rake. The driver’s seat – heated and cooled – has plenty of height and cushion adjustment, so whether you’re 5ft 2in or 6ft 5in you should be able to get comfortable. The driving experience right from the off is satisfying. Running empty to the quarry to load up reveals a smooth, well-damped ride quality and the cab running air-suspension plays a role in this. Although you’re sat relatively high for an 8-wheeler the view is good, aided by well-designed mirrors and the panoramic Corner View camera.

The previous generation DAFs were known for numerous alarm noises, including when you left the engine brake on, and they could become somewhat irritating over the course of a day. However, the new models seem to have addressed this and are very driver-friendly. The AEBS and proximity warnings did not give any false alarms; as with all trucks in this sector now, the XFC has a full complement of cameras and it had the added bonus of adaptive cruise control. Our route takes us into a local quarry in Oxfordshire, and we load up with 19.5 tonnes of gravel. This poses no problem to the MX-11, which is well mated to the 12-speed auto box and powerful MX engine brake. Bumps and ruts on back roads don’t upset the ride. While the steering offers good communication, it’s not too heavy at low speeds and has just the right amount of feedback on the open road. It’s easy to make solid progress without a lot of effort. Gear changes are intelligent and there’s no need to keep taking it out of the standard ECO mode setting. Considering the often frantic and varied nature of tipper work, that’s a real strength. Even after a day’s driving, you don’t feel fatigue creeping in. Things like the overall comfort, the climate control, the fridge and the ease of use all combine to provide a luxury package. The bunk is great too, should you need a nap on your lunch break.

It’s a huge leap forward for DAF. The new range is vast and the design DNA is consistent across all the models. As a top-of-the-range tipper, the XFC FAD could prove to be up there with the best; it is an excellent truck to drive and live in. The auto box software has been refined from the previous generation, with a big increase in driver appeal. DAF has a comprehensive range of vehicles now for the construction and other specialist rigid sectors, and whether you choose the standard XD or XF, or the off-road oriented C models, there will be a model perfectly suited for the work you do. 

SPECIFICATION TABLE

 This article was first published in the 11 January issue of Commercial Motor.