A Swiss Army Knife in a 95 tonne-metre version

You know it, at TruckStop we love trucks that stand out from the ordinary. Those that have that little something extra, those that answer a very specific job requirement and which, beyond simple transport, become real working tools.

For this new field test, direction the Marseille region to discover an atypical combination operated by Jade Levage. On the programme: a new generation DAF XF 530 in 8x2 configuration equipped with an impressive 95 tonne-metre HIAB crane capable of lifting loads at more than 30 metres of reach.

This truck and trailer combination was designed specifically to meet the needs of activities as varied as industrial handling, trade shows, specialised transport or even operations carried out for Airbus Helicopters, located just a few kilometres away.

Before even taking the road, it is difficult not to stop for a few minutes in front of this imposing HIAB which, I must admit, impresses me. With its 95 tonne-metre capacity and a reach exceeding 33 metres, we are clearly in the category of cranes that are not pretending. However, this new generation surprises with its compactness. At only 12 tonnes on the scale, it remains relatively light considering its capabilities. A performance made possible thanks to the new lightweight profiles developed by the manufacturer as well as an optimised hydraulic system allowing the reduction of onboard oil volumes. But what strikes most is the level of sophistication reached today by this latest generation equipment.

When looking more closely at this crane, I must immediately forget the image I had of cranes from the past. Today, electronics are everywhere but between us, the old-timers will understand, not sure that is always a good thing. Here, let’s talk about the positive points such as the radio remote control. For the safety of the operator but above all for those around him, the remote control detects the position of the operator around the truck. Impossible, for example, to deploy the stabilisers on the opposite side without being physically present and visible to the sensors. An additional safety feature which considerably reduces the risks of error.

The unfolding of the crane can also be carried out in semi-automatic mode. A simple command is enough to launch the sequence while the operator keeps permanent visual control of the environment. Same logic during folding and I can tell you that here it is really a plus because there is no risk of touching the cab and believe me it is very tight. Once the extensions are retracted, the crane is capable of finding its transport position by itself. A function that impresses as much as it reassures when you see the complexity of the movements carried out.

To this are added numerous operating aids: integrated lighting for night operations, operator fall detection, digital displays of work zones or even complete electronic stability management. Clearly, modern handling has very little in common with what many knew only a few years ago.

For Régis, driver of this combination, every detail has been thought out to facilitate daily work. Integrated storage drawers, simplified access to equipment, specific accessories developed for sensitive loads transported notably for Airbus… everything has been studied to optimise operations.

The crane also has a high-capacity winch allowing work up to several tonnes at long distance while maintaining remarkable precision. The result is simple: a single vehicle allows both transport, handling and sometimes even installation on site. A true Swiss Army knife of specialised transport.

Once the handling demonstration is finished, time for the road test. And this is where this DAF reveals another side of its personality because despite its imposing appearance, its four axles and its 12-tonne crane installed behind the cab, the combination proves surprisingly easy to handle.

The 8x2 configuration with two steering axles at the front and one steering axle at the rear brings particularly appreciable agility. In urban areas, roundabouts or narrow accesses, the truck slips through with an ease sometimes surprising for a vehicle of this size. Same for my trailer. The three central axles with the last one also being steering allow crazy agility. This XXL-sized combination manoeuvres like one of the most conventional trucks.

Under the cab, we find the well-known PACCAR MX-13 engine in its 530 horsepower version. On paper, the power seems comfortable. But one thing must be remembered: this truck already displays nearly 33 tonnes empty with its crane and its many chassis reinforcements. And this can be felt because you quickly realise that the engine is working. It never gives the impression of being overwhelmed, but you clearly feel that it has to deal with a significant mass. DAFs are not necessarily known for sticking you to the seat and here it is even more obvious. I almost want to say: long live electric to change the game! No, I’m joking, some will once again cry sacrilege although, as you will soon discover in a future test, the XF in electric version pleasantly surprised us.

But let’s come back to our 530 hp MX13. Its Multi Torque system specific to DAF nevertheless allows benefiting from torque available very early, from low revs, which makes driving particularly pleasant on a daily basis. Even if, let’s be honest, a few additional horsepower would not necessarily be unwelcome on this type of configuration.

One of the good surprises of this test remains the overall behaviour of the vehicle. Despite the significant weight concentrated on the front, the steering retains good precision and this without particular assistance. Here no electric steering, we are on conventional equipment, but I must be clear, the truck inspires confidence immediately. The suspensions absorb irregularities correctly and the combination remains very stable, even on the small winding roads of the Marseille region. The centre-axle trailer naturally follows trajectories without ever giving the impression of complicating driving. Here we find all the know-how of specialised configurations developed to combine payload capacity and mobility.

If there is one point that drivers of this type of combination will particularly appreciate, it is braking. The DAF receives here the combination of the MX Engine Brake and the ZF Intarder. And clearly, it is a marriage that works and I am used to saying, the best of both worlds. Whatever the slope, the driver always has a significant reserve to control his vehicle without excessively using the service brakes. On a truck intended to operate both on motorways and in mountains or on sometimes delicate industrial accesses, this equipment brings real driving comfort.

At the end of this test drive, one conclusion is obvious. This combination is obviously not intended for conventional transport. It responds to a very specific need where transport, handling and versatility must coexist on a single vehicle. But in its field, the mission is fully accomplished.

The HIAB crane impresses with its level of technology and ease of use. As for the DAF XF 530, it once again demonstrates that it knows perfectly how to adapt to the most demanding professions. A true working tool designed for those who sometimes have to deliver, unload, install… and leave immediately for another worksite.

And in the end, isn’t that exactly what we expect from a modern truck?

Text: Fabien Calvet Photos: Nadège Cesse – Fabien Calvet