'Because we can' – Freightliner targets refuse market with new EconicSD low COE

LAS VEGAS. Filling an untapped market niche in their product portfolio, Freightliner Trucks on Tuesday introduced the new Freightliner EconicSD refuse truck at WasteExpo.

The low-entry cab-over-engine (COE) vehicle is “purpose built” and “without compromise” in its implementation of the latest in integrated safety systems, explained Richard Saward, general manager of vocational sales and government vehicle sales for Freightliner Trucks. He also touched on the company’s reasoning for making the substantial investment needed to bring a new truck to a segment that’s a very small slice of the vocational market.

Saward described the market currently as one in which three “tried and established players” fight for a share of 2,400-2,600 trucks per year—a total that would hardly register on the sales report of North America’s largest truck manufacturer.

“We did it because we could,” Saward said. “No doubt many others would’ve liked to have done the same, but here at Daimler Trucks North America we have the ability to look at a global portfolio and imagine what those products could mean to our market.”

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. The cab and chassis are designed and manufactured in Woerth, Germany—Daimler’s largest truck plant. More than 125 modifications optimized the truck for North American operations. Final assembly of the cab and chassis will be completed in Gaffney SC, at the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) manufacturing facility, before shipping to upfitters.

Saward pointed to the Sprinter van, brought to North America after success in Europe, and how the traditional panel van quickly became “a relic of the past” as other manufacturers adopted new products to compete with the Sprinter.

“We plan on doing that again [with the introduction of EconicSD],” Saward said. “From today forward, every traditional low COE on the market will be benchmarked against this new standard.”

But all the safety systems, driver amenities and operational efficiency wouldn’t mean much if the Econic didn’t meet the needs of body builders and upfitters.

“We’re proud to supply a quality chassis for this industry, and we truly recognize that most of the hard work in this industry takes place with the body and a well-designed body solution,” Saward said. “Early on in the program we engaged two of the industry leaders to ensure that the platform would work seamlessly with their equipment. These teams have spent thousands of hours looking at every nuance of the Freightliner EconicSD.”

Representatives of those truck equipment manufacturers were on hand at WasteExpo to pass along their thoughts on the new truck.

Robby Dehart, senior director of sales for Heil Environmental, was most impressed with the safety features of the EconicSD.

“Safety is No. 1, from the panoramic views to the kneeling feature to the easy in and out—it’s just a superior cab,” Dehart said. “It’s been a long road but, like Freightliner, Heil is a market leader in the industry and we’ve truly enjoyed the experience [of working with Freightliner]. There are superior engineers on each side; we got to have a little fun and I think it’s an impressive outcome.”

McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc. VP of Refuse Sales Matt McLeish also pointed to the safety systems built into the EconicSD.

“You can see it’s a beautiful truck. But the view and windshield allows for our drivers and the waste haulers to see—not only for their safety, but for pedestrian safety as well,” McLeish said. “The air-suspension seats, the active breaking system—it’s absolutely a safety-laden truck. The easy entry is hugely important; the intuitive sensors on the doors that keep the doors from shutting on passengers; and most important is the walk-though cab that allows all passengers to exit curbside safely.”

As for advantages the EconicSD chassis offers to body suppliers for the waste collection industry, McLeish noted the effort Freightliner has put into adapting the European base vehicle to American standards such as 12-volt power and the J-1939 interface.

“We paired this with one of our best-selling, most reliable bodies that’s truly optimized right now for our customers,” he said. “It says, ‘Get in it!’ and that’s what it’s all about.”

Powered by Detroit

The Freightliner EconicSD is equipped with the new Detroit DD8 mid-range engine, with a rating of 350HP and 1050 lb-ft torque. The DD8’s variable exhaust cam phasing optimizes exhaust temperatures during low-load operations for more efficient aftertreatment performance in the waste collection environment.

The DD8 also features Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostic service for maximized uptime and productivity.

“The robust design and the technological achievements found with the DD8 engine make it well-suited for the demands associated with waste collection,” said Jeff Allen, senior vice president of operations and specialty vehicles for Daimler Trucks North America. “The Freightliner EconicSD and the DD8 make a durable and efficient combination.”

Advanced safety systems

The Freightliner EconicSD 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.

Designed for the driver

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 first step is only 19 inches, half the first-step height of many conventional waste collection trucks. A kneeling feature further reduces step-in height, while a lifting feature improves clearance over objects.

“Waste collection vehicle drivers and passengers are in and out of their trucks all day. The Freightliner EconicSD’s ergonomic design reduces fatigue and provides a more comfortable and productive work environment,” said Allen.

The spacious 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 6x4, high cab and low cab, and rear and side loader configurations will be available.