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We take this 18-tonner on the Scottish test route
Long-haul in an 18-tonner isn't as rare as you might think, as operators increasingly tailor trucks to operational needs. After our test of a 26-tonne Stralis on the Scottish test route, now we put an 18-tonne rigid - a DAF CF65.300-through its paces
For the second time in as many months, CM has tested a truck 'outside of the box'. While the editor usually considers issuing a written warning for using such a term, we have our reasons.
Putting the Iveco Stralis 26-tonner through the two-day Scottish test route (CM 22 September) threw up some interesting results in terms of fuel economy and productivity compared with the 40- and 44-tonne trucks we normally test on that route. Also geared up for the long-haul is this DAF CF65.300 with Space Cab, so we thought: "Why not?"
The 18-tonner is the best-selling rigid: it's the perfect make weight within a mixed fleet, and it's no accident that every truck rental company is well stocked with 18-tonners with sleeper cabs.
As this CF is the first 18-tonner to go around the route, like-for-like context is not an option, so we will compare it directly with the 26-tonne Straus and previously tested trucks at 40 and 44 tonnes respectively. Over the course of time, CM hopes to build this portfolio to broaden the productivity chart and see how running costs, purchase price, and of course payload and fuel economy compare.
The CF65 4x2 rigid is powered by the 6.7-Iitre Euro-5 SCR Paccar GR220 engine, complete with six cylinders and vertical in-line turbocharger with intercooling. It delivers 295hp from l,900rpm,and 1,100Nm torque from l,200rpm to 1 ,900rpm. Alternatives in the GR range are: GR165 (221hp/850Nm), GR184 (246hp/950Nm) and GR210 (281hp/l,100Nm).
Operators would do well to look at the GR210 engine as an alternative at 18 tonnes, and if it's for a drawbar application, weigh up the options by looking at the PR 9.2-Jitre instead, to cope with the extra weight and axles.
Standard transmission is the six-speed manual from ZF, but DAF has fitted one of two options, namely the ZFASTronic six-speed automated 'box (the other option is the nine-speed manual).
On top sits the optional Space Cab, which increases...