LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Mack updates its medium-duty line up; so-long Midliner, hello Freedom Series.

The cabover vehicles are available in a range of four Class 6 and 7 designs, each of which has been designed to significantly reduce operating costs, while maximizing operator comfort and efficiency in almost any vocation imaginable, says Mack.

“From the beginning, our Freedom series development team set out to create new concepts and new solutions to meet the present day requirements of medium-duty customers,” says Kevin Flaherty, Mack senior vice-president of sales. “As a result, Freedom series owners will benefit from several new benchmarks in terms of performance, innovation and productivity, while significantly reducing operating costs.”

The four new Mack Freedom series models have been designated M, L, XL, and XXL. Each is available in one of two cab sizes — the standard 63-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) length, and the XTRa cab, with a 79-inch BBC.

With 17.5-inch wheels, the Class 6 M model has one of the lowest cab heights among medium-duty vehicles and allows for one-step cab entry. The vehicle also has a very low loading height, which is ideal for operators working retail and wholesale deliveries.

The L (Class 6) and XL (Class 7) models include 19.5-inch wheels, two-step cab entry and still provide for easier cab access than competitive models.

The Class 7 XXL model features 22.5-inch wheels, two cab steps and a standard frame height. Both the XL and XXL models are available in Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings ranging from 26,000 to 35,000lb.

In addition, wheel cuts on all models have been maximized to 50 degrees ensuring the tightest turning circles for any application, regardless of body type.

Chief among the new cad design’s features are storage areas that are conveniently located to accommodate anything from credit cards to a change of clothes.

“We looked at all the papers and other items that were cluttering the dashboards of medium-duty trucks and came up with a solution for everything we found,” adds Flaherty. “Even the most demanding tradesman will be impressed by the storage accommodations available in this cab.”

Four-wheel disc brakes combined with a new suspension system that consists of parabolic springs, gas shocks and stabilizer bars on the front and rear axles are standard on all Freedom vehicles. This system provides progressive braking action to reduce stopping distance, resist brake fade and provide superior stability. The new disc brake system also is largely responsible for reducing operating costs and downtime.

All Freedom series trucks are equipped with high-power heating and ventilation systems to ensure inside comfort under the most extreme outside conditions, with integral air conditioning systems available as an option.

Freedom Series trucks are powered by Mack E3 diesel engines with enhanced performance and a standard horsepower offering of 210. Also available is a 250 hp option on the XL and XXL models.

The six-cylinder engine is certified in all 50 U.S. states. The standard oil change interval on the E3 engine has been extended to 20,000 miles or every two years, a 33 per cent improvement over comparable designs.