DAF YA 328

DAF YA 328
Country	NL
Role	Medium-duty military truck
In service	1951+
Manufacturer	DAF

Through the 1950s, DAF was a major supplier to the re equipping of the Dutch Army’s softskin vehicles, with models such as the DAF YA-126 and DAF YA-328 ‘Dikke Daf’. These used the all wheel drive H-drive developed from the Trado conversions.

Source: DAF YA 328 on Wikipedia

DAF YA 328 Walk Around
Photographers	Meindert de Vreeze
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	27

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The Master of Terrain

The DAF YA-328 is arguably the most famous military truck in Dutch history. Developed in the early 1950s, it earned the nickname “Dikke Daf” due to its imposing size and the loud, distinctive roar of its Hercules engine. It was built specifically to handle the extremely soft, muddy terrain of Northern Europe. Its secret weapon was its unique drivetrain, which allowed it to traverse obstacles that would leave modern 4x4s hopelessly stuck.

Attribute	Technical Specification (YA-328)
Role	Tactical 3-ton Utility Truck (6×6)
Crew	2 (Driver + Co-driver) + 12-16 Troops
In Service	1952 – 1978
Powerplant	1 × Hercules JXLD 6-cylinder petrol engine
Horsepower	131 hp (98 kW)
Transmission	5-speed manual with H-Drive system
Maximum Speed	82 km/h (51 mph)
Wading Depth	0.75 meters (unprepared)

Revolutionary H-Drive & Suspension

The H-Drive System: Unlike standard trucks with central axles that can “hang up” on rocks or mud, the YA-328 used the H-drive system. Power was sent to two side-mounted drive shafts. This allowed for a completely flat underbody, providing incredible ground clearance.
The “Spare Wheel” Trick: The two spare wheels were mounted on the sides of the chassis and were free-spinning. When the truck crested a sharp hill, these spare wheels acted as auxiliary rollers, preventing the vehicle from getting “high-centered” and stuck on its belly.
Torsion Bar Suspension: The YA-328 utilized longitudinal torsion bars. This provided much more travel than traditional leaf springs, keeping all six wheels in contact with the ground even in deep ruts.
Worm Gear Final Drive: Each wheel station had its own worm gear reduction, providing massive torque to the wheels and allowing the truck to crawl through thick clay with ease.

Service Life & Cultural Icon

A Thirsty Beast: The Hercules petrol engine was known for its power but also its incredible fuel consumption—often averaging only 1 kilometer per liter (approx. 2.3 MPG) in off-road conditions.
Variants: While the artillery tractor and troop carrier were the most common, there were also specialized versions for crash tenders (firefighting) and mobile workshops.
The “Dikke Daf” Roar: Veterans often speak of the psychological effect of a convoy of YA-328s; the combined sound of the straight-cut gears and the high-revving engines was unmistakable from miles away.
Preservation: Because of its ruggedness and “unbreakable” reputation, the YA-328 is a favorite among collectors. The DAF Museum in Eindhoven and various “Dikke Daf” clubs across the Netherlands keep many of these 70-year-old giants running today.