Freightliner Trucks introduced the new EconicSD waste collection truck at WasteExpo. The Freightliner EconicSD is a modern, low-entry cab-over-engine (COE) waste collection truck for the North American market.

The truck 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.  

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. 

“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,” said Roger Nielsen, president and CEO for 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.” 

The cab and chassis are designed and manufactured in Woerth, Germany – Daimler’s largest truck plant. 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 partnered with Heil Environmental and McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, two truck equipment manufacturers (TEMs) in the waste collection industry.

Equipped with the new Detroit DD8 mid-range engine, the Freightliner EconicSD achieves a rating of 350 hp and 1,050 lb.-ft. torque. Ideal for the waste collection market, the DD8’s variable exhaust cam phasing optimizes exhaust temperatures during low-load operations for more efficient aftertreatment performance, according to the manufacturer. The DD8 also features Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostic service.

The new waste collection truck is engineered to enhance the safety of not only the driver and crew but also pedestrians and drivers of other vehicles. Its panoramic windshield and low seating position provide increased visibility, while the mirror system offers an expanded field of vision for work areas and potential blind spots. Finally, the short wheelbase and aggressive wheel cut deliver enhanced maneuverability.

In addition, 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.

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.

The 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 a digitized instrument cluster that displays key information on an LCD screen on the dash and is operated by intuitive steering wheel controls.