Freightliner bulks up vocational models

March 21, 2011
LAS VEGAS. Freightliner Trucks has renewed its vocational lineup with two new severe duty, or SD, models – the 108SD and 114SD, filling in a gap created when it discontinued the Sterling brand of vocational trucks

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LAS VEGAS. Freightliner Trucks has renewed its vocational lineup with two new severe duty, or SD, models – the 108SD and 114SD, filling in a gap created when it discontinued the Sterling brand of vocational trucks. Along with the existing Coronado 122SD, the new vocational models join Freightliner’s medium-duty M2 Business Class and over-the-road Cascadia and Coronado models to give the truck maker a complete family of commercial trucks, according to David Hames, general manager for marketing and strategy.

Unveiled at a press conference before the Conexpo-Con/Agg show, the two new trucks are intended for heavy vocational applications such as dumps, cranes, mixers and roll-offs. Both will be built at Freigthliner’s Mt. Holly plant.

The 108SD has a 42-in. set-back front axle with ratings from 10,000 to 20,000 lbs. It can be speced with single or tandem rear axles with capacities up to 46,000 lbs. Engine choices include the Cummins ISB and ISC diesels with power ratings from 200 to 350 hp and peak torques ranging from 520 to 1000 lbs. ft.

The 114SD will be offered in two models – a set-forward axle configuration and a set-back axle version. Front axle capacities will go up to 23,000 lbs and rear axle ratings up to 38,000 lbs for a single, up to 58,000 lbs. for a tandem and up to 69,000 lbs. for a tridem.

The standard engine for the 114 SD is the Detroit Diesel DD13 with ratings from 350 to 450 HP and peak torques from 660 to 1300 lbs. ft. Power options include the Cummins ISC and ISL diesels, as well as Cummins’ factory-built ISL/G natural gas engine.

The cab for both new SD models is made of aluminum with steel reinforcement and is based on the M2 cab. Day, extended and crew cab versions will be offered. Both can be speced with either single- or double-channel frame rails to fit a broad variety of vocational applications, according to Richard Saward, general manager of vocational sales.

Flexibility and ease of body installation were key design goals for the new models, according to Saward. He said the aftertreatment system with diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit fits neatly under the cab, and a variety of fuel and DEF tank configurations are offered to accommodate all types of vocational bodies.

The trucks also feature the newest generation of Freightliner’s SmartPlex multiplex electrical system, providing body installers with simpler electrical integration and capacity for up to 20 auxiliary switches and lamps.

The set-forward axle 114SD begins production in the second quarter, with the set-back axle version and the 108SD scheduled to begin production by the end of the year.

About the Author

Jim Mele

Nationally recognized journalist, author and editor, Jim Mele joined Fleet Owner in 1986 with over a dozen years’ experience covering transportation as a newspaper reporter and magazine staff writer. Fleet Owner Magazine has won over 45 national editorial awards since his appointment as editor-in-chief in 1999.

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