Freightliner Trucks introduced its new EconicSD—a modern, low-entry cab-over-engine (COE) waste collection truck for the North American market that provides improved safety, uptime and productivity, according to the manufacturer. Unveiled at Waste Expo, the OEM explained that the cab and chassis are designed and manufactured in Woerth, Germany – Daimler’s largest truck plant and sports more than 125 modifications were made to optimize the truck for North American operations. Final assembly of the cab and chassis will be completed in Gaffney, S.C., at the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) manufacturing facility.
Equipped with the new Detroit DD8 mid-range engine, the Freightliner EconicSD offers a rating of 350 HP and 1,050 lb.-ft. torque. The Detroit DD8’s variable exhaust cam phasing optimizes exhaust temperatures during low-load operations for more efficient aftertreatment performance. The DD8 also features Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostic service for maximized uptime and productivity.
Safety was at the forefront of the Freightliner EconicSD design and modification for the North American Market. It is engineered to enhance the safety of not only the driver and crew, but also pedestrians and drivers of other vehicles. The truck’s panoramic windshield and low seating position provide outstanding visibility, while the mirror system offers an expanded field of vision for work areas and potential blind spots. The short wheelbase and aggressive wheel cut deliver superior maneuverability.
Further contributing to the Freightliner EconicSD’s safety is the Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems. The Freightliner EconicSD comes standard with active brake assist, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning to mitigate potential collisions. Optional safety features include side guard assist and a built-in camera system with 360-degree views displayed on a flat screen dash monitor.
The Freightliner EconicSD’s low entry means only one step is needed to enter the cab, with just one more step to the driver’s platform, the company explained. The first step is only 19 in., and a kneeling feature further reduces step-in height, while a lifting feature improves clearance over objects.
The cab has an air-suspended driver’s seat, with additional single seating to accommodate up to three passengers in the high cab model. The Freightliner EconicSD comes standard with digitized instrument cluster that displays key information on an LCD screen on the dash, and is operated by intuitive steering wheel controls.
The Freightliner EconicSD will be available to start ordering in the summer of 2018. Cab configurations for the EconicSD in 6×4, high cab and low cab, and rear and side loader configurations will be available. The Freightliner EconicSD was adapted from the Mercedes-Benz Econic, a low-entry COE chassis that is popular with waste collection customers in Europe, Australia and Asia.
