Freightliner, McNeilus develop bridge formula mixer chassis

World-of-Concrete logoFreightliner Trucks has collaborated with McNeilus Companies in the development of a new bridge formula mixer chassis, Freightliner announced on Jan. 18 at World of Concrete 2011 in Las Vegas.

The new truck is on display at the World of Concrete in Booth C-6236.

Ideal for the ready-mix market, Freightliner’s latest vocational product – a 114-inch BBC Severe Duty (SD) set-forward axle (SFA) – features a lightweight, yet durable aluminum cab with a 29.5-inch bumper-to-front axle setting that maximizes concrete hauling capacity for bridge formula mixer configurations.

Equipped with the McNeilus 10.5 cubic yard Bridgemaster Transit Mixer – the most productive federal bridge formula mixer in the industry – the 114SD SFA mixer allows for 36-foot bridge with a 66,000[pound GVW, and a 9.5-to-9.7 cubic yard payload, dependent on concrete design density.

“We’re very excited to partner with McNeilus Companies to offer our vocational customers a new mixer chassis that meets the highest quality of performance and capability in the market,” Richard Saward, general manager vocational sales for  Freightliner Trucks, noted in a written press statement. “Not only does the 114SD SFA chassis provide optimal operating performance by increasing productivity and payload, but has been designed to reduce body installation time and cost.

Continued Tom Harris, vice president of sales for McNeilus Companies: “During the entire design process of the 114SD SFA, we worked closely with Freightliner engineers in order to facilitate the seamless installation and upfit of our mixer body. We’re very pleased with the results of the body integration and subsequent performance of the mixer, and hope to work with Freightliner again in the near future.”

Ease of Body Integration

In addition to the weight saving benefits of the 114SD SFA chassis, ease of body integration is also a key component.

The all-important clean back-of-cab is achieved by an under step Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) after treatment system, and up to 70-gallon fuel tank with six-gallon DEF tank, all packaged under the cab. This maximizes front-axle loading, while providing a clear chassis-mounting envelope for lift axles and ancillary body equipment.

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“There was significant attention given to optimizing the body upfit for mid-chassis packaging, which makes our job a lot easier,” said Harris. “This also includes the location and placement of the new after treatment systems, which have been strategically mounted in consideration of the body mounting area.”

Built for Concrete

The 114-inch BBC cab dimension and contoured hood slope provides superior job site visibility. And the tight turning radius – due to an up to 45 degree wheel cut depending on wheel equipment – provides optimal maneuverability in tight job site spaces.

Packaged with premium power, the 114SD SFA mixer chassis is also equipped with the Detroit Diesel DD13 engine with BlueTec emissions technology. Featuring 350 hp at 1,350 pounds per feet of torque, the 114SD SFA mixer chassis provides maximum torque at low rpm for a strong bottom end and launching power.

“By offering Detroit Diesel engines with BlueTec emissions technology, Freightliner is saving its customers time and money,” Brad Williamson, manager of engine and component marketing for Daimler Trucks North America, said in a written press statement. “Detroit Diesel BlueTec SCR all but eliminates the need for parked regeneration in most mixer applications. In fact, a typical mixer operation may never need to do another parked regeneration, which not only wastes fuel, but is not acceptable when hauling with a perishable product such as concrete.”

The mixer hydraulics are also powered by the DD13 flywheel-mounted rear engine PTO, which allows for a cleaner installation behind the cab while providing consistent and maximum power output for barrel rotation. And the three-stage integrated Jake Brake provides industry leading braking power and quiet operation in residential areas.

“From weight distribution to payload to body integration, the 114SD SFA mixer chassis will provide our vocational customer with an efficient solution to keep them on the road and working smarter,” said Saward.

In addition to the DD13, the lightweight Cummins ISL 9-liter engine will be available for the 114SD SFA in the fourth quarter of 2011.