LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Freightliner introduced several new features for heavy and medium-duty trucks at the Mid-America Truck Show.

Among them was the new Eaton Fuller UltraShift transmission for heavy-duty trucks. The 10-speed transmission is now available for the Century Class S/T and Columbia product lines.

The Eaton UltraShift transmission is a two-pedal system with no clutch pedal. Automated shifting enables the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel. Shifts are computer controlled, but the transmission also had a manual mode feature that holds the current gear and allows the driver to control shifting, depending on preference or road conditions. A low mode is also featured, which can be used for any gear for early downshifting, giving better engine braking capabilities.

The transmission’s continuous electronic monitoring of operation also provides for diagnosis for less down time and easier repair, said officials, adding the modular design should also make for easier maintenance and lower service costs.

New instrument panel for Columbia

Also newly available for the Columbia heavy duty is an instrument panel. The panel will be an optional upgrade on the Columbia beginning this spring.
The panel features LED backlighting designed to last the life of the vehicle. For better visibility, all gauges have 270-degree movement. Each gauge is also individually removable and can be spec’d in chrome or black bezels.
A mode switch has been added to select display screens that indicate trip miles, hours, diagnostic fault codes, total engine miles, total engine hours and service intervals.

The panel also allows for connection to the Society of Automotive Engineering Datalink network. Datalink communication between the instrument panel and components such as the anti-lock brake systems, transmission and engines reduces the amount of wires and minimizes system integration issues.

The new panel is also compatible with existing vehicles and can be mounted in older model trucks.

New engine for Business Class medium duty and vocational

Freightliner officials also announced the Cummins ISC engine will be an option for the Business Class M2 106, starting this summer.

The six-cylinder, 8.3 litres Cummins ISC engines have a horsepower range from 240 to 330 hp with a torque range of up to 950 lb.-ft. An exhaust brake is also available on the ISC, to help increase stopping power.

The engine features a high-pressure-common-rail fuel system, a Holset turbocharger, fully integrated electronics and rear PTO capabilities. It’s backed by a two-year/250,000-mile base warranty.

Also offered on the Business Class M2 106 is the standard Mercedes-Benz MBE900, as well as the Caterpillar C7 and C9.

Wing dash available for M2 112V

A wing dash will be an option on the Business Class M2 112V starting this summer.

The wing dash is especially useful for vocational truck operators who often use controls and switches to operate different types of body equipment. The dash brings the controls closer to the driver.

The dash still uses the Driver Information Module that is standard on the Business Class M2 dash.

It offers space for up to eight more switches or up to four more gauges than the flat dash. The first six additional optional gauges are located on either side of the Driver Information Module, which is located directly in front of the driver.

The dash is available in gray or wood grain, but the latter is only available when the M2 Interior Convenience Package is spec’d. The Interior Convenience Package also includes a forward roof-mounted console with upper storage compartments, main heater upgrade and a dual reading light.

For more information visit www.freightliner.com