Farnborough Van & Truck Hire (FVTH) has invested in an LF 190 7.5-tonne rigid, complete with box-van body.
In doing so, the company becomes one of the first UK operators to sample DAF’s new automatic gearbox, PowerLine.
The new transmission is part of a raft of driveline upgrades designed to deliver LF fuel economy improvements of up to 7%.
The new truck is part of a DAF fleet order for the rental and truck hire company.
Therefore, DAF dealer Greenhous DAF was responsible for the order and delivery of the new model.
The DAF LF is the first truck to feature the ZF PowerLine eight-speed automatic gearbox.
However, it has already been tried and tested in the premium passenger car market.
This is a heavy-duty variant, however, that is suited to the LF series.
Specifically, it is available in 7.5, 10-12, 14-16 and 18 tonne GVM variants.
Furthermore, that includes urban tractor and drawbar specifications up to 28-tonnes GCM.
Meanwhile, the automatic transmission offers improved responsiveness and seamless gear-shifting, according to DAF.
In addition, it features an ‘urge to move’ function, thereby delivering improved low-speed manoeuvrability.
The high spread of ratios, including a double overdrive, helps to deliver fuel saving benefits, too.
The whole package makes the LF even easier and more relaxing to drive.
FVTH has a 600-vehicle fleet with an 80% DAF presence across all weight categories.
For example, the truck hire company has XG tractor units as well as XD rigids on order.
FVTH’s MD, Tim Houghton, underlined the importance of the transmission.
“Automated and automatic gearboxes are a must in the rental and contract hire business,” he said.
“The new DAF PowerLine takes it to the next level – it really does deliver car-like driveability.
“Operationally, auto boxes drive down maintenance costs, too – especially on clutches,” he added.
