LIFT OFF
OPERATOR FEATURE
A big crane on a relatively small chassis brings great adaptability for the operator and equally big challenges for the installer, and
considering this is a UK first for DAF, it’s a pretty impressive effort. Words: Courtesy of Commercial Motor magazine Photographs: Karl Hopkinson
a natural progression for the company and this DAF XG arrived in January 2023, fresh from its Fassi crane installation by Mac’s Trucks. DAF XG 530 6x2 Tractor Unit This New Generation DAF XG 530 6x2 tractor unit is in the FTS axle configuration with driven second
axle and tag-axle rear. Although less common than the 6x2 mid-lift, it is ideal for this crane application. Firstly, the crane’s position bears the majority of its weight onto the drive axle, which is ideal for traction particularly as this XG operates predominantly as a solo mobile crane rather than an artic – its demountable body carrying a moderate
payload in place of any imposed trailer load upon the fifth wheel. Secondly, the physical size of the 3-axle tractor makes it a lot more manoeuvrable than a rigid 8x4 chassis, for instance, which would generally be the more likely choice for this size of crane. Moreover, it features a 10,000kg capacity front axle, which is particularly useful in this ISSUE 31 2023 DAF DRIVER
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