DAF F241 series
| DAF F241 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | DAF Trucks |
| Also called | DAF 2800/2900/3200/3300/3600 |
| Production |
1974-1987 1990-?? (2900/3200) |
| Assembly | Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Heavy truck |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 11.6 L DAF 1160 td I6 |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | DAF 2600 |
| Successor | DAF 95 |
The DAF F241 is the name of a cab used on a series of heavy-duty, mostly long distance trucks produced by the Dutch manufacturer DAF from 1974 until the mid-1990s. They are better known as the DAF 2800 and DAF 3300, although other names (suggesting the power output) such as 2900, 3200, and 3600, were also applied. The cab was a wider development of the F218, DAF's first tilt cab. The names reflect the cab width in centimetres, at 218 and 241 cm (86 and 95 in) respectively. The cab was also used by Hungary's RÁBA for various applications.[1]
History
Introduced in 1973 for the 1974 model year, the DAF 2800 was DAF's replacement for the luxurious but by now outdated 2600. While based on the modular design of the 1970 F218 cab, the front was redesigned and the new wider cab required the use of a set of three wipers, a distinguishing characteristic of the range. The F241 cab also has double glazing for improved insulation at a minimum weight penalty.[2] A large black grille and quadruple round headlights completed the up-to-date design.[3] The long cab (only with a flat roof) had two fully equipped bunks.[4] The turbocharged 11.6 litre DKSE engine produces 280 PS (206 kW), which gave rise to the "2800" name. A 260 PS (191 kW) unit (DKTD) was standard fitment, and the intercooled 320 PS (235 kW) DKS 1160-powered version was the top model.[4] This was the first truck to use intercooling, setting a trend for the future.[5]
In 1975 the more comfortable yet "Superliner" model was added to the lineup in Britain; these luxurious trucks were aimed at users plying the route to the Middle East. They were converted by a caravan builder in Englands West Country.[6] The lineup was modernized in 1980, with a slight grille rearrangement whereby the "2800" lettering was moved into the upper grille. 1980 was also the year in which RÁBA began using the cab for most of their trucks.[7] A twin-steer 8x4 model (FND 2800) was also introduced in the same year.[8] A choice of six-, twelve-, or thirteen-speed manual transmissions were on offer.[9] The next year more sound insulation was added, lowering sound levels by 4-5 decibels.[3] In 1982 the extra-heavy duty 3300 model was introduced, with an intercooled DKX 1160 engine with 330 PS (243 kW). The 320 PS 2800 model was discontinued at this time, leaving only the lower powered DKTD and DKSE models.[8]
ATi
Sales eventually began dropping, however, as more modern competition sprung up. Two phases of renewal were initiated, called "PTG 1" and "PTG 2" (for Present Truck Generation).[10] In the first stage, a roomier high-roofed Space Cab model was introduced in 1985 to compete with Volvo's Globetrotter.[3][11] Later in 1985, the new engines intended for the 95 range received an early introduction in the existing F241 range. These received ATi badging, for "Advanced Turbo Intercooling" and helped boost sales of the range until it was superseded. The most powerful iteration of the new ATi engines was the 1160 DKZ. With 373 PS (274 kW) the new model was sold as the DAF 3600 (1985).[11][12]
Revival
In 1987 the all-new DAF 95 arrived, meaning that the F241 series was replaced and discontinued. However, the story did not end there. DAF recognized a gap between the medium-duty 2500/2700 range and the new 95-series, and accordingly revived the F241 in 1990. The new 2900 and 3200 models were spartanly equipped models mainly targeting Eastern European customers.[13] As indicated by the names, 290 or 320 PS (213 or 235 kW) were on offer.[14] The new front design, as for the revised F220 medium-duty range, mimicked that of the new 95. The 2900/3200 did not last long, being taken out of production in the mid-1990s after only a small number had been built.[13]
References
- Peck, Colin (July 2010), DAF Trucks Since 1949, Veloce Publishing, ISBN 9781845842604
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- ↑ Peck, p. 31
- ↑ Kennett, Pat, ed. (September 1982). "Eurotest". TRUCK (London, UK: FF Publishing Ltd): 53.
- 1 2 3 "DAF » 2800 / 3300 / 3600". TrucksPlanet.com. Retrieved 2015-04-04.
- 1 2 Peck, p. 30
- ↑ "Daf Trucks celebrates 80 years of building trucks and trailers". Biglorryblog. Commercial Motor. 2008-05-01. Retrieved 2015-04-04.
- ↑ Peck, p. 33
- ↑ Bennett, George (December 1986). "Eastern Block". TRUCK (London, UK: FF Publishing Ltd): 56.
- 1 2 Peck, p. 36
- ↑ Baldwin, Nick (1981), The Observer's Book of Commercial Vehicles (#40), London: Frederick Warne, p. 40, ISBN 0-7232-1619-3
- ↑ Peck, p. 39
- 1 2 Peck, p. 40
- ↑ Peck, p. 41
- 1 2 Peck, p. 46
- ↑ De Jong, Tim (1991-11-16). "Moderne techniek in een bedaagd jasje" [Modern technology in a dated jacket]. Nieuwsblad Transport (in Dutch). NT Publishers BV. Retrieved 2015-04-03.