Freightliner, Sterling release Class 8 low cab forward
0At the 2000 Waste Expo in Atlanta, Freightliner LLC introduced the Condor, a Class 8 low cab forward truck designed primarily as a refuse vehicle. The truck will be marketed and sold under both the Freightliner and Sterling nameplates. The 68-in.-BBC vehicle will be available in 4x2 and 6x4 axle configurations; Freightliner's TufTrac six-rod vocational suspension system is standard. Axle ratings range from 12,000 to 20,000 lb. on the front axle (twin-steer front axles will be available in mid-2001) and 21,000 to 70,000 lb. on the rear axle. Liftable pusher/tag axles are also available.
Engine options include the Caterpillar 3126, C-10, and C-12, plus the Cummins ISM, ISC, and ISL models, with ratings up to 380 hp. Several Allison automatic transmission models can be spec'd now, with manual transmissions an option in mid-2001. Meritor S-cam brakes are standard on the Condor, while the company's disc brakes are optional.
Several steering options include left-hand sit-down steering, the Condor's standard configuration; right-hand sit-down steering; dual sit-down steering; and left-hand steering with stand-up right-hand driving capability.
The Condor also provides up to 273 deg. of visibility through its windshield, plus side and rear windows. The all-aluminum cab has a roof designed to withstand point loads over 300 lb. For long life and ease of adjustment, cab doors feature cast-iron hinges that have oil-impregnated bronze bushings with 3/8-in. diameter stainless steel pins.
To protect the front PTO pump and eliminate the need for a frame or bumper extension, the pump is located behind the front bumper. The cab also features a maximum step-up height of 18 in., and a 42-deg. tilt for easier service.
The Condor will be built by Freightliner's American LaFrance subsidiary at its Cleveland, N.C., plant. Production is slated for November.
For more information on the Condor from Freightliner, circle 300, or from Sterling, circle 305.
Developed by TRW Automotive Electronics, the rain sensor is a fully automatic moisture-activated system that can detect how hard rain or snow is falling and thus determine how fast to run the wiper motor. The sensor uses an advanced optical sensing system that reacts when moisture hits the windshield, activating the wiper motor at the appropriate speed.
Drivers have a choice of seven sensitivity levels, and if necessary, can take manual control of the wipers. The sensor easily interfaces with most wiper systems and works with a wide range of windshields, including solar reflective, solar absorbing and heads-up display. In addition, it adapts to changes in the windshield due to aging or application of wax.
International Truck & Engine Corp. has launched its seventh annual Eagle Tour to showcase the premium editions of its 9000i Series trucks. Customers will have an opportunity to test drive International 9200i, 9400i and 9900ix vehicles at nearly 100 International dealerships and 30 truckstops around the country. For more information, go to www.InternationalDelivers.com.
Sterling Truck Corp. is installing Horton's new DriveMaster fan drive into A9500 vehicles equipped with the 12.7-liter Detroit Diesel Series 60, and Caterpillar 3126 and C-12 engines. The DriveMaster's high torque output can support 250- to 600-hp. engines equipped with 32-in. fans. For more information, go to www.hortoninc.com.
Teknor Apex Tire Materials Group recently introduced a new tire tread design - the TA-26 - to give more traction and stability on drive-axle radials. The TA-26 comes in two configurations: 8-in. base width and tread depth of 26/32 in.; 85/8-in. base width and 26/32 in. of tread depth. Go to www.teknorapex.com.
Mack Trucks has established a new subsidiary, Mack Vehiculos Industriales de Mexico S.A. de C.V., that will sell, market and support all Mack vehicles in Mexico. Eduardo Basanez will serve as managing director. For more information, go to www.macktrucks.com.
