Mar 22, 2011 2:18 PM


Freightliner Trucks introduced two new Severe Duty (SD) truck models designed to serve the Class 7 and 8 vocational markets, providing a set-back axle position in both a 108-inch and 114-inch BBC configuration.

The expanded SD product line is for vocational customers who are looking for a combination of toughness and efficiency. The SD product line features options such as front frame extensions and radiator mounted grilles for body attachment installations; front and rear engine power-take-offs; and body specific chassis layouts that will allow vocational customers to “Work Smart” in any application.

“Looking back at our brand history, Freightliner has had a strong presence in the vocational arena, specifically with the popular FLD-SD product line, said David Hames, general manager marketing and strategy, Daimler Trucks North America. “The next generation of severe duty products will build upon that legacy to expand Freightliner’s presence in the vocational marketplace today.”

The 108SD features a 42-inch set-back axle position with axle ratings that range from 10,000 to 20,000 pounds for front axles, and single and tandem rear axles options from 21,000 to 46,000 pounds. The 108SD is offered with the Cummins ISB and ISC engine, providing a power range of 200 to 350 hp and 520 to 1,000 lb/ft of torque.

The 114SD model features a set-forward axle (SFA) configuration with a standard 31-inch front axle position and optional 29.5-inch bridge formula configuration, and a set-back axle (SBA) configuration with a standard 48-inch SBA setting for maximum maneuverability. Front axle ratings on the 114SD are available up to 23,000 pounds, and heavy rear axle configurations for single axles are available up to 38,000 pounds, tandem axles up to 58,000 pounds and tridem axles rated up to 69,000 pounds.

All 114SD models are powered by the Detroit Diesel DD13 with BlueTec Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology with a power range of 350 to 450 hp and torque ratings from 1,250 to 1,650 lb/ft. The optional lightweight Cummins ISC and ISL engines will also be available, and provide a power range from 260 to 380 hp, and 660 to 1,300 lb/ft of torque. A full offering of Eaton manual and automated transmissions along with Allison automatic transmissions round out the SD family powertrain to provide coverage for all vocational applications.

Ideal for the construction market, the SD family is designed for heavy applications such as dumps, cranes, roll offs, and mixers. The lightweight yet extremely durable SD cab not only maximizes payload, but will live up to the extended service life required of vocational equipment.

The SD cab design consists of corrosion resistant aluminum reinforced with steel that is assembled to precise manufacturing tolerances with Henrob Rivets and welded construction, producing a durable and safe cab that meets stringent A-pillar impact, roll-over, and back wall impact tests. Plus, the SD includes a robust backbone with a complete offering of single and double channel frame rails that feature a tensile strength of up to 120,000 PSI and an RBM rating up to 4.4 million inch-pounds per rail.

For the municipal market, the flexibility of the SD product line can accommodate a wide range of specialized applications from sewer vacs, to snow plows and refuse vehicles. And specific to this market, the Cummins ISLG natural gas engine will be offered in the 114SD SBA, providing municipal customers a factory built, environmentally friendly and low cost of operation vehicle that can be configured to tackle many of the jobs supporting the community.

The 114SD SFA begins production in the second quarter of 2011, with the 108SD and 114SD SBA beginning production by the end of 2011.

Buck