DAF’s lightweight FTP chassis puts its emphasis squarely on maximum payload. The 6x2 set-up with lightweight pusher axle has been carefully pared down to help hauliers achieve the most bang for their buck – so it’s not surprising the configuration has found prominence on more than a few big-name fleets.
Back in May, Turners of Soham broke DAF records by putting its 800th FTP on the road. The Cambridgeshire-based firm is the one of the biggest FTP operators in the world, reckons DAF, and the chassis has been described as “probably the best lightweight truck ever” by Turner’s group fleet engineer, Tim King. Strong words indeed.
FTP was a relatively new concept when it first launched. With a smaller 17.5 inch wheel on the second axle that only drops when laden, it provides up to 480 kg of extra payload compared to an XF FTG 6x2 twin-steer tractor, plus enables larger fuel tanks to be fitted. Initially, it looked like the only main drawback was operators spec’ing FTP would have to keep an extra set of smaller tyres in the yard.
But there were some early problems. Firstly, some hauliers reported issues with axles after they were incorrectly rebuilt to take the smaller wheels by some third-party fitters. Secondly, some drivers just didn’t like the way they looked.
The first problem is now well and truly sorted, reckons DAF. “Our latest range of Euro 6 axles are a different ballgame,” the Dutch manufacturer’s product marketing manager, James Turner, tells us. These have been redesigned with a completely different structure, he explains, which has eradicated the problems experienced by some of FTP’s early adopters.
But the aesthetics issue is ongoing. A smaller wheel on the leading rear axle can rub drivers the wrong way. It’s possible to mitigate it by fitting sideskirts, though this isn’t something DAF offers from the factory.
この記事は Trucking の November 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Trucking の November 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Economic Certainty
DAF’s HVO-sipping lightweight FTP chassis goes all-out for payload and fuel frugality.
Gold For J Mould
The life of the eight-wheeler can be harsh. Trucking went to hear how one Reading operator switched to Renault after a long and tough market-wide evaluation.
Step In The Right Direction
How switching to alternative liquid fuels can help operators put the brakes on HGV emissions.
Leading By Example
Flogas drives forward carbon reduction with new Bio-LNG powered truck duo.
Dearborn To Dagenham
Ford used to be a mainstay of the UK light/medium truck market – and in the 1930s offered three-tonners powered by the legendary Flathead V8.
Cost of traffic to UK business approaches £1bn
Cost of traffic to UK business approaches £1bn
Motward Marks Anniversary With Top-Spec Tribute Truck
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire based Motward has celebrated 40 years in business with the purchase of a new Volvo FH16-750 tractor unit, which has become a lasting tribute to the company’s much-loved boss, Jason Tolhurst.
The New Hotel Entrance
Slippery slope for this driver after his initiative is rewarded with a dose of the white stuff
Trucker Of The Year 2018
In association with Staveley Head, Trucking magazine needs your nominations as we look to crown the country’s best truck driver!
Cat-Astrophe!
Feline shenanigans with clandestine stowaway of the furry variety