At the international Brussels Motor Show, DAF Trucks is not only presenting the new CF series, but also introducing a completely new series of distribution trucks in the segment from 6 tonnes to 18 tonnes GVW. The DAF LF45 and LF55 series are to replace the current DAF 45 and 55 vehicles. In the spring of this year they will enter production at Leyland Trucks in the United Kingdom, which just like DAF Trucks is a PACCAR company. The key starting points for the development of the new LF series were the same as those for the DAF 95XF and the new CF series: the highest possible transport efficiency and the lowest possible costs of ownership, high quality, excellent driveability and optimum driver comfort with a pleasant interior. And all this, in line with the slogan 'Drive your Business', is fully tailored to the intensive and demanding distribution transport.

Trucks in the segment of the DAF LF series are used for a very wide range of transport applications, varying from inner-city and regional distribution to light long-distance haulage and special applications, such as for municipal cleansing services and fire brigades. This wide variety of possible applications calls for an extensive vehicle range. DAF Trucks' new LF series therefore offers a broad choice of maximum GVW, wheelbase and engine output specifications, while it can also be specified with a day cab or a sleeper cab.

Wide range The LF45 is a two-axle rigid with 17.5 inch wheels and offers a maximum GVW of 6.2 tonnes to 12 tonnes. The maximum GTW for the LF45 varies from 16 tonnes to 22 tonnes. The heavier LF55 series will initially be sold as a two-axle rigid only, but by the end of 2001 tractor chassis will be marketed, too. Fitted with 19.5 inch wheels, the LF55 offers a maximum GVW of 12 tonnes to 15 tonnes and a maximum GTW of 24 tonnes to 28 tonnes. In addition, an 18-tonne version of the LF55 can be specified; it is fitted with 22.5 inch wheels and offers a maximum GTW of 26 tonnes to 28 tonnes.

Thanks to the low kerb weight of less than three tonnes for the lightest 6-tonne LF45 to about five tonnes for the 18-tonne LF55, the DAF LF series offers high payloads for high transport performance.

For special applications, such as municipal cleansing services, an L55 FAN will be included in the sales range by the end of 2001. This three-axle vehicle with rear steered axle, which has a maximum permitted GVW of 21 tonnes, offers an extremely high gross carrying capacity of 14.5 tonnes.

Function given shape in LF cab The new LF series is a totally new development, from front to rear. Its most striking feature is the fashionably styled cab, clearly underlining the family relationship with the new CF series and DAF's successful XF series. Developed on the basis of the same philosophy, the LF series has unmistakable DAF features, such as the sturdy steel front bumper, the characteristic lower grille and the modern clear headlights. The baire structure of the cab is shared with Renault V.I. However, the interior is entirely of DAF's own design, with the same styling, the same high-grade materials and the same high trim level as the XF and the new CF. An interior which has the air of a passenger car rather than a truck. In addition to the day cab, a single-bunk sleeper cab can be specified for the LF series. The bunk is fitted with a 12 cm thick mattress, which is two metres long and has a width of 70 cm in the middle and of 60 cm behind the seats. Just like in the larger DAF models, the high position of the bunk gives the driver generously sized under-bunk storage compartments.

The dashboard has a cockpit-like design, with logical positioning of all controls. Just like in the new CF series, the electronic instrument panel is equipped with an LCD information display, informing the driver about vital vehicle and engine functions, such as brake system pressure, oil pressure, boost pressure, charging voltage, coolant temperature, brake pad wear and the operation of, for example, ABS, ASR and the ECAS air suspension system.

Four-cylinder and six-cylinder PACCAR engines The LF range includes four-cylinder and six-cylinder PACCAR engines, developed by Cummins. The engine characteristics of these common rail diesel engines are fully specified to the wishes of DAF Trucks and therefore identical to those of the 12.6 litre and 9.6 litre DAF engines of the XF and CF series. The 3.9 litre four-cylinder PACCAR engine has three power versions, delivering 99 kW (135 hp), 110 kW (150 hp) and 123 kW (167 hp) at 2,500 rpm. Maximum torque, which is available between 1,200 and 1,700 rpm, is 500 Nm, 550 Nm and 600 Nm, respectively. The 5.9 litre six-cylinder PACCAR engine offers a choice between outputs of 136 kW (185 hp), 162 kW (220 hp) and 184 kW (250 hp) at 2,500 rpm. The highest torque is available from 1,200 to 1,700 rpm and for the respective power versions it is 700 Nm, 820 Nm and 950 Nm. The new engines stand out not only because of their great flexibility, but also because of their extremely low fuel consumption and their strikingly low noise levels. And, needless to say, they all meet the Euro 3 emission requirements.

Manual gearshift system or automatic transmission Depending on vehicle application and engine output, the new DAF LF is supplied with a manually operated 5-speed, 6-speed or 9-speed gearbox.

The 5-speed and 6-speed gearboxes are ZF S 5-42 and 6 S 850 Ecolite units, respectively, while the 9-speed version is an Eaton 6309 range-change gearbox with single-H gearshift pattern. All these gearboxes are all-synchromesh; they are operated by a short gear lever and lever movement is short. The single-plate dry clutch is hydraulically operated with air assistance as standard, which makes for low pedal operating forces.

For special applications, the LF series can be specified with fully automatic Allison transmission in different versions: the S 1000, S 2000 and MD 3060P.

Bodybuilder-friendly chassis The new LF series has a new, fully flat-topped chassis, and components such as air reservoirs and brake valves are fitted on the inside of the chassis for easy mounting of the body and its accessories. The ladder-type chassis is made of high-grade lightweight steel to combine great strength with low kerb weight. The LF45 series chassis side members are 192 x 66.5 x 4.5 mm and those of the LF55 series 260 x 75 x 6 mm. The chassis of the LF45 has an all-length width of 860 mm. The width of the LF55 chassis is 860 mm at the front and 790 mm from the gearbox to the rear end.

Depending on the type, the LF series has single-leaf or multi-leaf parabolic springs on the front axle. The leaves are 1,900 mm long for optimum spring comfort. At the rear, 1,740 mm long parabolic springs are used, single-leaf springs on the lighter vehicles and two-leaf or three-leaf versions on the heavier models.

For applications requiring a short rear overhang, such as for refuse collection, asymmetrical leaf springs can be specified for the rear axle. Moreover, at an extra price, there is the option of electronically controlled air suspension on the rear axle. The air-suspended version of the LF45 has stabilisers and shock absorbers on the front axle, while all other LF types feature stabilisers and shock absorbers at front and rear as standard.

Disc brakes all-round On the front and rear axles, ventilated disc brakes are used with a disc diameter of 330 mm on the LF45, 375 mm on the 12 to 15-tonne LF55 and 432 mm on the 16 to 18-tonne variants. The air-operated brake system has an operating pressure of 8.5 bar and is fed by a one-cylinder compressor, driven from the engine's timing gear.

A butterfly exhaust brake, available as an option, offers a maximum brake retardation of about 100 kW or 136 hp. The exhaust brake is operated with a handle on the steering column and is automatically engaged when the accelerator is released. The exhaust brake is fitted as standard on the 16 and 18-tonne LF55 vehicles.

Original DAF accessories DAF Trucks supplies a complete range of original accessories for the new LF45 and LF55 series. An example is the comprehensive spoiler set designed by the DAF Design Centre, which is composed of a roof spoiler and side spoilers optimally bridging the gap between cab and body. Apart from substantial savings in fuel consumption, it gives the new DAF LF an even more handsome appearance. Another option is a DAF-designed sun visor fully matching the styling of the cab, which offers the driver important extra comfort.

Furthermore, there are extras such as integrated air conditioning, a cab heater, anti-spray provisions, and a catwalk for the tractor versions to make the LF45 and LF55 even more complete and comfortable.