Freightliner Trucks this week is introducing its EconicSD, a low-entry cab-over-engine (COE) waste collection truck for the North American market.
“By working closely with our North American waste collection customers and analyzing how we could provide a solution that best benefits their businesses, we recognized the opportunity to adapt the Freightliner EconicSD for this market,” says Roger Nielsen, president and CEO at Daimler Trucks North America. “Our customers continually seek to elevate the safety and performance of their waste collection vehicles, and the Freightliner EconicSD is the right solution for the distinct needs of this segment.”
Freightliner says the EconicSD cab and chassis are designed and manufactured in Woerth, Germany – Daimler’s largest truck plant. 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.
Freightliner Trucks also notes it partnered with Heil Environmental and McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, two of the leading truck equipment manufacturers (TEMs) in the waste collection industry, to ensure the Freightliner EconicSD is ideal for the North American market.
“The cab-over-engine design for the North American waste collection market is a unique concept, so collaborating with Heil and McNeilus was critical to ensure a streamlined upfit process and efficiencies from the very beginning,” says Richard Howard, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America.
The EconicSD is equipped with the new Detroit Diesel DD8 mid-range engine, with a rating of 350HP and 1050 lb.-ft. torque. The DD8 also features Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostic service for maximized uptime and productivity, the company says.
“The robust design and the technological achievements found with the DD8 engine make it well suited for the demands associated with waste collection,” says Jeff Allen, senior vice president, operations and specialty vehicles for Daimler Trucks North America. “The Freightliner EconicSD and the DD8 make a durable and efficient combination.”
