DAF Trucks has introduced an Electric Hydraulic Steering (EHS) system on 6×2 tractor and rigid vehicles with a steered pusher axle to improve fuel efficiency, give higher payloads and enhance manoeuvrability.
Heavy agricultural and construction-related operations will benefit especially from the advantages of a steered pusher axle, DAF say. Precise manoeuvrability in combination with a higher payload makes the steered pusher axle also an excellent solution for waste collection and bulk operations.
DAF’s new EHS system replaces its previous mechanical variant and is an option to the non-steered axle on the FTG 6×2 tractor configuration. The two steering arms and the auxiliary drop arm are replaced by an electronically controlled steering pump unit, which results in a 30kg weight reduction. Thanks to reduced friction, the new EHS system results in a 0.3% fuel efficiency gain.
In addition, the new system’s components use less space on the chassis, allowing up to 40% larger fuel capacity on the tractor model. Up to 900-litre fuel carrying capacity on the XD, XF, XG and XG⁺ FTG models allows for a further reduction in operational costs by refuelling where fuel prices are lowest.
The newly developed EHS system continuously calculates the optimal steering angle for the steered pusher axle based on speed and wheelbase, guaranteeing precise steering. The turning circle of the tractor and rigid chassis models has been further reduced by 12%, resulting in optimal manoeuvrability.
At speeds of over 45kph, the new electric hydraulic steered pusher axle locks itself in the straight-ahead position, ensuring maximum vehicle stability. The completely redesigned suspension, guide and lift of the new electric-hydraulically steered pusher axle add to highest driver comfort.