FREIGHTLINER'S M2 truck line, which was introduced in February 2002 to replace the Business Class product line started in 1991, continues to evolve.
Freightliner has announced the addition of the new Business Class M2 112V to the Class 5-8 Business Class M2 truck line.
The M2 112V is a Class 8 vehicle engineered specifically for vocational applications such as refuse, mixers, snow plow, and utility services. Production began in the second quarter at the Mount Holly, North Carolina, Freightliner Trucks manufacturing plant.
“The Business Class M2 112V is an important addition to the Business Class M2 product line, as it delivers key vocational capabilities for commercial and municipal truck operators,” said Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “The Business Class M2's predecessor, the Business Class, had a strong presence in vocational truck markets. The M2 112V will uphold that presence by featuring the latest range of options for vocational operators in an efficient and reliable vehicle platform.”
He said the M2 112V is an ideal vehicle for vocational applications such as utility, construction, refuse, agriculture, and municipal and government services, supporting a wide range of bodies and chassis-mounted equipment while delivering power and performance.
Key standard features include a front engine PTO, a stationary grille, and L-section front-frame rail extensions. The front-engine PTO can be used to power a wide variety of equipment, including snowplows, refuse packer bodies, and mixer drums. The integral front-frame extensions provide a solid mounting point for hydraulic pumps, winches, front stabilizers, and snowplows.
Frame extensions
The frame extensions are offered in 12", 18", and 24" increments, allowing the customer to optimally package the frame extensions and bumper around the body equipment. This system offers 2.5 million inch-lbs of RBM per rail while maintaining a hood line that gives great visibility.
As part of the Business Class M2 product line, the new M2 112V is designed for maximum efficiency and reliability. A wide range of component options are available including factory installed crew cab and extended cab.
The M2 112V features an expansive, 2500-square-inch windshield with a sloped hood and low-profile dash for maximum visibility, along with an up-to-50-degree front wheel cut and tight turning radius for superb maneuverability. The M2 112V comes with either a flat or wing dash.
The M2 112V offers front axles rated from 12,000 lbs to 23,000 lb, with rear axles ranging from 23,000 lb to 58,000 lb. Freightliner's heavy-duty TufTrac rear suspensions with ratings of 40,000 lb, 46,000 lb and 52,000 lb and Freightliner's smooth-riding AirLiner suspensions with ratings of 40,000 lb and 46,000 lb are offered as options. Additionally, a variety of Hendrickson air and walking beam suspensions are available.
The 12.8-liter Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 engine is standard, providing 350 hp and 1350 ft-lb of torque. Higher torque and horsepower ratings are available. A broad range of engine and transmission options include Caterpillar C11 and C13 engines as well as a variety of Allison automatic transmissions and Eaton-Fuller manual transmissions. Also standard on the M2 112V is a 1200-square-inch radiator.
Cummins ISC diesel
Freightliner also announced in March that the Cummins ISC diesel engine will be available for the Business Class M2 106 truck. The engine will be offered as an option starting this summer.
The six-cylinder, 8.3L Cummins ISC engines have a horsepower range from 240 to 330 hp with a torque range up to 950 lb-ft. To help increase stopping power while reducing brake wear, an exhaust brake is available on the ISC.
In addition to a high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) fuel system, the engine features a Holset turbocharger, fully integrated electronics, and rear PTO capabilities. The Cummins ISC is backed by a two-year/250,000-mile base warranty.
Freightliner Trucks offers a range of engine choices in the Business Class M2 product line. The standard engine for the Business Class M2 106 is the Mercedes-Benz MBE900. Also offered are the Caterpillar C7 and C9.