New Mack Freedom Series Trucks Arrive with Innovative Answers to Customer Needs

Responding to the contemporary demands of medium-duty truck customers in virtually every imaginable application, Mack Trucks, Inc. has introduced a new line of trucks, known as the Mack Freedom(TM) series. The cab-over vehicles are available in a range of four Class 6 and 7 models -- each of which has been designed to significantly reduce operating costs, while maximizing operator comfort and efficiency. The new vehicles also have demonstrated best-in-class maneuverability.

"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," said Kevin M. 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 cab, with a 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 35,000 lbs.

Flaherty added that the effective BBC of the Mack Freedom series is the tightest in the industry, thereby providing a "highly compact vehicle package when Freedom trucks are equipped with bodies of any size or length." In addition, wheel cuts have been maximized at 50 degrees to ensure the tightest turning circles for any application, regardless of body type. Therefore customers benefit twofold: an excellent total package and a new level of maneuverability.

Standard Cabs

The Freedom series Standard cab offers a roomy, well-insulated work environment with numerous new features to promote driver productivity and comfort. Chief among these 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," said Flaherty. "Even the most demanding tradesman will be impressed by the storage accommodations available in this cab."

Freedom series trucks offer a lot more to keep interiors organized. A standard overhead console contains a large storage compartment, while also housing the radio and a single dome light above the driver. An optional deluxe overhead console features two large compartments with doors, two dome lights and map lights.

The center console on the Standard Freedom series cab provides a document holder and storage pockets. For working on the road, an optional mobile case with a detachable document carrier is available as a substitute for the standard center console. The mobile case can be used for a multitude of storage needs -- documents, a lap top computer, cellular phone, supplies and tools.

When seating for three is required, an optional two-person bench seat features a storage locker under the right seat and a concealed document holder under the center seat for security. On top of that, the center seat back conveniently folds down for use as a table and document holder.

Additional handy storage locations throughout the cab provide storage for the volumes of materials and papers that drivers need throughout the day, such as credit cards, documents, maps, invoices and delivery receipts.

XTRa Cabs Are Extra Special

The 79-inch XTRa Freedom cabs offer an additional 16 inches of length, and are available as an option on all models, with a choice of two new interior designs -- the Office cab and the Utility cab. "Either one is sure to appeal to the serious businessperson," said Flaherty.

The main feature of the Office cab is the center console, which consists of three sections. The lower section is a hanging folder file cabinet that was designed to handle standard folders. The upper section features space for a laptop computer and includes two separate 12-volt power ports. The center console also includes a slide-out desk that results in a convenient work area for doing paperwork or operating a computer.

Targeted for trade applications, Utility cab interior features include a storage bin behind the passenger seat for tools or materials, a clothes hanger for work clothes and a two-person passenger seat with a fold-down center seat back that can be used as a small table, as well as for storage.

Freedom series owners opting for the XTRa cabs with either the Office or Utility interiors will also enjoy the new driver's seat, which reclines and is capable of sliding back to the rear wall for stretching and relaxing during break time.

With All Freedom Trucks -- Creature Comforts Abound

Lower loading heights are one of the main contributors to reducing operator fatigue. With many medium-duty operators making as many as 50 stops per day, Mack has designed the Freedom series to provide the lowest cab and chassis heights possible, said Flaherty. This was accomplished with no sacrifice of payload capacities.

"In many cases a customer can actually increase payload due to the lighter chassis weights, because we also have incorporated the latest technology in air/disc braking systems and advanced tire designs," Flaherty said.

An additional benefit is enhanced stability due to the low center of gravity of the vehicle's body and payload.

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 -- all while delivering excellent ride quality whether empty or loaded. The new disc brake system also is largely responsible for reducing operating costs and downtime. Brake pads on Freedom vehicles can be replaced at a fraction of the labor hours required for S-cam brakes.

"Drivers are going to love the control and stopping power that the Freedom series provides," said Flaherty.

Providing Freedom series operators with easy cab access was another primary objective, added Flaherty. The vehicle's large, easy-entry doors open 90 degrees, and two conveniently placed grab handles are mounted inside the cab where they are protected from dirt and wetness. Optional driver-side step lights provide step well illumination for night operation.

Good visibility is another critical need for medium-duty truck operators, and the Mack Freedom series is best-in-class in this area. With expansive, panoramic windshields and a horizontal angle of vision of 90 degrees in front, 71.5 degrees to the left, and 26 degrees to the right, operators of Freedom series trucks will enjoy the most expansive view in the industry. An optional visibility door on the passenger side improves downward visibility. When equipped with a curb-view mirror, blind spots are virtually eliminated. Heated remote controlled mirrors also may be specified.

The steering wheels on all Freedom series vehicles are designed to meet the comfort requirements of any driver. The standard tilt steering wheel also includes an integral flip-open writing surface.

"Once drivers experience the convenience of this feature, they'll wonder how they ever lived without it," said Flaherty.

Tilt, telescope steering columns are optional.

When optional factory-installed radios are ordered, they include a radio control system on the steering column to conveniently adjust volume, muting, tuning and station searching.

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.

The electronic instrumentation on Mack Freedom series trucks further simplifies the workday for vehicle operators. So does a standard, in-dash driver information display center that keeps drivers aware of operational alerts -- both while the vehicle is moving and when it is stopped. Information that may be viewed while en route includes trip miles, total miles, trip mpg, total mpg, total engine hours and total idle hours. Stationary information includes all of the above plus total gallons of fuel used, trip idle gallons and total idle gallons. Date, time and ambient temperature complete the information available on the display center.

Proven Power

Freedom series trucks are powered by the proven Mack(R) E3 diesel engines with enhanced performance and a standard horsepower offering of 210, with 250 hp as an 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, which is 33 percent better than the closest competitor.

"That translates to lower costs with less time in the shop and more time delivering goods on the road," said Flaherty.

Mack Freedom series trucks also include the time-proven performance and intelligence capabilities of the V-MAC(R) (Vehicle Management and Control) system. The V-MAC system provides fully electronic engine and vehicle management for optimum fuel economy and low emissions levels. Customer programmable features consist of electronic road speed limiting and cruise control, engine protection, idle shutdown and engine RPM controls for both the electronic throttle and a PTO. Vehicles also are equipped with trip recorders to automatically and continually log trip and maintenance information.

Low Maintenance and Body Builder Friendly

Knowing that drivers would be more inclined to perform required daily maintenance checks if the job were a simple and clean one, Mack designed the Freedom series so that drivers will not get their hands dirty in the process. The hinged front panel is easily lifted so that fluid levels can be checked by merely glancing at the translucent fluid reservoirs. Checking the engine's oil level is even easier because the driver doesn't have to do it. It is automatically displayed on the oil pressure gauge every time the ignition switch is activated.

"We know of no one else that is offering this feature," added Flaherty. "Our research indicates that this will be an especially well-received feature."

Body builders also will find Freedom series trucks highly accommodating, which promises to promote a higher quality finished product regardless of application. Bodies may be fitted to within inches of the cab, which is free of obstructions and provides for the tightest overall package in the industry. Electrical junctions at the end of the frame and battery box also are standard, as are two dedicated body builder rocker switches on the dash to promote electrical system integrity to the end user.

"With all of the strides that we have made in improving operating costs, driver comfort and driver convenience, we really do not know who will be the happiest at the end of the day -- the operator or the owner of the new Freedom series trucks," said Flaherty.