Heavy agricultural and construction-related operations are expected to benefit, especially from the advantages of a steered pusher axle. Precise manoeuvrability in combination with an even higher payload is said to make the steered pusher axle also a solution for waste collection and bulk operations.
DAF’s new EHS system replaces its previous mechanical variant and is an option for the non-steered axle on the popular FTG 6x2 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. The new EHS system is said to result in a 0.3% fuel efficiency gain due to its reduced friction.
In addition, the new system’s components are claimed to 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 EHS system continuously calculates the optimal steering angle for the steered pusher axle based on speed and wheelbase. The turning circle of the tractor and rigid chassis models has been further reduced by 12%.
At speeds of over 45 km/h, the new electric hydraulic steered pusher axle locks itself in the straight-ahead position, ensuring vehicle stability.