When an owner/operator makes a change to a completely new brand
of truck there has to be some very sound reasoning behind the move.
For Murwillumbah’s John O’Connor, the answer was
twofold, DAF Trucks and Brown and Hurley.
John O’Connor is the first Australian operator to put the
latest 530 hp DAF into semi-tipper work and covers bulk grain
haulage through a region that includes Inverell, Goondiwindi and
the Darling Downs.
“The 530 hp DAF has improved my day tremendously,”
said John. “I changed out of a Swedish truck with 520 hp and
the increase in power is very noticeable. The torque production and
power are superior to the extent that some hill climbs are up to 20
kph faster,” he added.
“The journey times are better because of the performance
through the very hilly country. The DAF stays in high range on
these grades making it a much easier drive.
“From a driver’s point of view you can feel the
motor pulling and working. The DAF has much more road feel and a
much more stable ride.
“The flat floor inside the cab allows me to put my fridge
next to the driver’s seat. That’s important to me and
so is the excellent cab insulation. There’s no heat coming up
through the floor, it’s quiet and the air conditioning is
excellent,” he said.
Backing the ability of the new DAF is local dealer Brown and
Hurley. With branches at Kyogle and Coffs Harbour and a parts
outlet at Tweed Heads, the company support was also an integral
reason for John O’Connor buying the new DAF. Brown &
Hurley also operate DAF dealerships in Brisbane, Rockhampton and
Townsville and are renowned for their one stop shop approach for
truck operators.
“You can buy the best truck in the world but without the
right support from your local dealer it will be a bad decision.
I’ve dealt with Brown and Hurley since I started truck
driving back in 1980. The way they’ve supported me means that
in return I have supported them,” said John.
The new DAF 530 hp operates at 43.5 tonnes coupled to a TEFCO
alloy bodied tri-axle, 38-ft semi-tipper. A diff’ ratio of
3.73:1 provides a geared speed of 100 kph at 1,550 rpm.
Maximum power of the new 12.6 litre, turbocharged and
intercooled DAF is 530 hp produced at 1900 rpm with peak torque of
2,350 Nm rated from 1100 – 1500 rpm. The engine is fully
compatible with the strict Euro 3 exhaust emissions.
The specification includes Kenworth Airglide 200 suspension for
the bogie drive Meritor RT46-160 axles with cross-axle and
differential locks. Long travel parabolic springs are fitted to the
steer axle. The transmission is a ZF 16-speed all-synchromesh
unit.
DAF Trucks Australia is a division of PACCAR Australia Pty Ltd.
PACCAR Inc is a worldwide manufacturer of heavy and medium-duty
trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, DAF and Foden nameplates.