DAF Construction Trucks: Design Story

The Euro 6 CF Construction was specially developed for applications in the building and construction industry that require regular off-road driving.

It features an increased approach angle and high ground clearance for good off-road capabilities and numerous clever details for maximum availability, low operating costs and class-leading ease of use.

Above: the LF Contruction Truck

The sturdy styling elements on the CF Construction also give the new LF Construction an individual appearance.

“With the design of our construction vehicles we wanted to accentuate the robustness of the vehicles”, explains DAF’s Design Director Bart van Lotringen.

Where the on-road vehicles have a round and aerodynamic look, we wanted to give these trucks a much more rugged character that is more appropriate for the environment in which they work.

So here the lines of the front are directed downwards, which give the vehicles a stable foundation . This works well for the proportions of the truck and, combined with the 40 cm ground clearance, gives the truck a characteristic, rectangular design.

The CF Construction displays strength, thanks to the distinctive black grille with large louvres and the brand new bumper design, made from galvanized steel for maximum robustness.

For the same reason, the covers of the headlights are made from Lexan and a 3 mm thick steel plate is fitted under the bumper to protect the radiator.

This protective plate can withstand loads of up to 4 tonnes and the lower section folds out to provide a practical and wide step.

The bumper on the new DAF CF Construction is available with integrated fog lights and cornering lights, and consists of three separate parts that can be replaced individually to minimize operating costs.

The robust bumper is mounted high to create a large 25 degree approach angle. Combined with the ground clearance this provides excellent driving characteristics on unpaved roads.

A high level of driver comfort and maximum ease of use were other key requirements set by DAF when developing its new CF Construction.

A practical step is available as an option on the side of the cab to make it easy for the driver to inspect the load, with a handy bracket on the roof providing an extra hand grip. Wide steps provide easy and safe cab access, whereas the lower step is mounted flexibly to minimize vulnerability.

DAF is also launching a Construction version of its popular LF. The design of this 19-tonne construction vehicle shares a family resemblance with the larger CF Construction, thanks to the black grille and the distinctive bumper positioned higher to provide an approach angle of over 25 degrees, as well as increased ground clearance (32 cm).

Like the CF Construction, the LF Construction features distinctive steps and a 3 mm thick plate under the bumper to protect the radiator.

(Image Courtesy: DAF Trucks for Car Body Design)