Misplaced Pages

#494505

45-529: After the 2006 model year, Freightliner shifted mass production of the model line entirely to export, ending sales of Class 8 COEs in North America. Sold nearly exclusively to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, the Argosy was produced through 2020. In North America, the model line remained available as a glider truck on a limited basis, ending in 2020. Through its entire production, Freightliner assembled

90-429: A second-hand car may also be stripped of its powertrain and sold as a glider. The purpose of such a vehicle is to be used as a base for a non-standard powertrain, to create a novel variation of a conventional vehicle, custom car , exotic vehicle, or homemade electric vehicle conversion . The term is analogous to an aircraft with no engine being a glider . A glider kit is a term for a kit used to restore or reconstruct

135-412: A 12,8-litre engine range power output of 310 to 390 kW (422 to 530 PS) and OM473 with a 15.6-litre engine range power output of 380 to 460 kW (517 to 625 PS), with a fuel rail pressure of 280 MPa (2,800 bar) and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) with 24 valves in compliant models. The second generation comes with an electronic sequential gearbox that Mercedes-Benz has dubbed

180-480: A Detroit Diesel DD15 (the latter, replacing the long-running Series 60). At its launch, 18-speed transmissions were standard, in either manual or automated manual form. In 2020, export of the Argosy to Australia and New Zealand came to a close, ending mass production of the model line in North Carolina; from 1999 to 2020, over 7,500 examples were exported to Australia. The same year, assembly of glider vehicles

225-399: A loose preview of the 2018 Cascadia, the Argosy was designed with a trapezoidal grille opening and single-piece door glass (deleting the vent windows). To allow for a larger radiator, the cab was raised slightly; consequently, the previous three-inch floor intrusion was eliminated entirely. In line with its conventional-style counterpart, the Argosy was powered by either a Cummins ISX or

270-400: A second party to finish its body), a glider vehicle is constructed as a vehicle designed to be completed with customer-supplied major components (typically, engine, transmission, and axles supplied from a previous compatible vehicle). While a means to continue the use of serviceable powertrains, the method is criticized as a loophole to circumvent emissions regulations. As a glider truck,

315-539: A specially-designed grille with chrome clasp, a new front apron with stainless steel grill, chrome-framed headlights, and chrome-plated side mirrors. The third-generation Actros was introduced in 2008 at the IAA Commercial Vehicles, and it was the last facelift of the previous Actros. At the time of launch, the Actros was the first truck in the segment to offer automatic transmission as standard. The changes for

360-453: A system known as KontAkt (the concept of the electronic systems in the Actros). There are a wide range of other electronic features offered as extras. These include lane assist (which warns the driver if they inadvertently leave their lane), autonomous intelligent cruise control (ART), which engages the brakes if the vehicle in front suddenly stops, side-looking radar for warning the driver about

405-571: A vehicle in their blind spot, and more, mostly oriented towards safety. All of them are marketed as "Telligent." Actros Armored Heavy Support Vehicle System (AHSVS) is a military armored truck (86 were ordered by the Canadian Army in 2007) using the civilian Actros platform with a protected cab developed by Land Mobility Technologies in South Africa in cooperation with Composhield of Denmark for Mercedes-Benz. Singapore uses military variants of

450-485: A wrecked or dismantled truck or tractor unit . All glider kits include a frame , front axle , and body ( cab ). The kit may also contain other optional components. A motor vehicle constructed from a glider kit is titled as a new vehicle in the United States. An exception to this is the state of Georgia where, when issued, for a tractor cab restored with a glider kit will always be branded "Rebuilt". A glider truck

495-498: Is a heavy-duty truck introduced by Mercedes-Benz at the 1996 Commercial Vehicle IAA in Hannover , Germany, as the replacement for the SK . It is normally used for long-distance haulage , heavy-duty distribution haulage, and construction haulage . It is powered by an inline-6 diesel engine with a turbocharger and intercooler . In 2002, Daimler Trucks/Lorries launched version II of

SECTION 10

#1732858571495

540-646: Is driven by its own camshaft . The second-generation Actros was released in 2003 with upgraded interior and exterior components such as Bi-Xenon headlamps, updated Euro 3 emission compliance, a lighter rear axle, and new equipment. Mercedes-Benz released a new special edition of the Actros, the Black Edition series, which is limited to 250 units. This Black Edition Series comes with a 450 kW (612 PS) OM502LA V8 engine with upgraded interior and exterior components such as bird's-eye maple, leather-wrapped steering wheel and seat covers with Mercedes-Benz "Star" badge,

585-608: Is equipped with drum brakes . Engine and Transmission The engines for the MP1 Actros are equipped with an OM501LA V6 or OM502 V8 mated to a 16-speed manual gearbox or a 16-speed hydro- pneumatically operated automatic gearbox . Fuel Processing A new feature of the Actros is the Pump-Line Nozzle Fuel Injection System, an improvement over the more traditional plug-in pumps that have been used for decades. Each cylinder has its own injection pump, which

630-494: Is equipped with two types of engines: the OM 501 LA-541 and the OM 502 LA-542. The OM 501 is a 12-litre L6 and has outputs ranging from 228 to 353 kW (310 to 480 PS). The engine management system employed by this engine is the PLD (Pumpe Leitung Düse-German abbr), which incorporates single plug-in pumps for each cylinder, supplying fuel under pressure up to 160 MPa (1,600 bar) to

675-416: Is manufactured in the United States using a new frame from an original equipment manufacturer and a glider kit. A "pre-emissions" engine which does not meet current EPA emissions standards for a new tractor trailer may be installed. The required exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology is replaced by an older engine which doesn't have it, called a "pre-EGR engine." Production of heavy duty glider trucks

720-417: Is produced with two, three, or four axle models, with the option of air suspension. A total of 3300 mm and 6300 mm wheelbases can be selected; the construction version of the Actros is available between 3300 and 5100 mm wheelbases with the option of leaf or air suspension on the front axle and parabolic leaf springs on the rear. The construction variant of the Actros with a 4x2 axle configuration

765-475: The Mercedes-Benz Actros COE (also sold by Freightliner corporate parent Daimler AG) is within the same market segment as the Argosy, but weighs significantly more than a similarly-configured Argosy. From 2007 onward, Freightliner continued to market the Argosy in North America. Instead of mass producing the vehicle, it was offered as a glider vehicle . In contrast to an incomplete vehicle (sold to

810-415: The "Telligent Gearbox." It pushes forward the principle used in some earlier Mercedes-Benz tractors: using the gearshift lever to command a pneumatically actuated system that changes the gears. The Telligent gearbox utilizes a computer together with a load-sensing system on the fifth-wheel coupling to estimate the proper gear that the truck must be in. For example, if you want to upshift, the computer estimates

855-418: The 12-speed Powershift transmission . The system consists of a small lever, tilted for ergonomics , mounted under the right armrest and a flat switch underneath. The lever has two buttons on either side. When at a standstill, the driver must push the right button, then (while holding it), push the lever forward and release it. The current gear is shown as a large number on the main display. After doing this,

900-457: The 1998 concept vehicle, the Argosy combined the set-back and set-forward front axles of its predecessors with an axle placement directly below the driver. Several cab configurations were introduced. Alongside a 63-inch (BBC) day-cab, sleeper cab lengths of 90 inches, 101 inches, and 110 inches were offered; sleeper cabs were offered in either a mid-roof or raised-roof configuration (110 inch length). The Argosy shared its 2-piece windshield with

945-534: The Actros and in 2007, launched the version III. The fourth generation of the Actros, officially named "the New Actros", was launched in July 2011. The first generation Actros was introduced in 1996, and production continued until 2003. It had new features such as an electronically controlled air brake system, intelligent disc brakes on both front and rear, and the introduction of Controller Area Network (CAN) technology for

SECTION 20

#1732858571495

990-467: The Actros for its Singapore Army in heavy-lift logistical support roles, designated as the HMCT (High Mobility Cargo Transporter), and recently as a launch platform for the air defense system and the intercontinental ballistic missile trailer. SAF also uses it as a fuel truck and as an ambulance. In 2010, New Zealand purchased four Actros to haul adjustable-width quad-axle low-loader semi trailers primarily for

1035-544: The Actros was drastically reduced compared to its predecessor, the SK. In later models of Actros 2 and all Actros 3 models, the braking system was improved to EPB 2. The electronics in Actros 1 are networked via Controller Area Network (CAN) in a system known as IES (Integrated Electronics System), with the instrument cluster as the Central Gateway (CGW) or interphase. In Actros 2 and 3, the electronics are also networked by CAN in

1080-622: The Argosy in Cleveland, North Carolina . This facility produced vehicles for both North America and for export, as well as glider vehicles. In Australia and New Zealand, Freightliner replaced the Argosy with its Freightliner Cascadia conventional (bonneted) truck. The Argosy made its debut in 1998 as the Freightliner Argosy Safety Concept Vehicle. Derived from the Freightliner Century Class conventional,

1125-472: The Argosy in South Africa were discontinued, leaving Australia and New Zealand as the sole markets for the model line. During 2018, Freightliner Australia announced it would withdraw the model line during 2020, replacing it with a right-hand drive Cascadia. Glider truck In the United States, with regard to automobiles , a glider is a vehicle without a powertrain (especially without an engine ). Gliders are generally sold as unused car bodies, but

1170-516: The Argosy remained available in North America alongside the Columbia, Coronado, Cascadia, and M2. Following its redesign for 2012, the Argosy continued as a glider truck in North America, adopting the second-generation design. In 2020, Freightliner ended production of glider vehicles entirely, leading to the closure of the model line. As part of its development, the Argosy was intended to comply with European crashworthiness standards, becoming one of

1215-548: The Argosy was the best-selling Freightliner vehicle line). Distinguished by the introduction of a larger grille, the update brought extensive design upgrades, centered around aerodynamic and cooling improvements. While sharing its underlying cab structure with the first generation, the 2012 Argosy adopted design commonality with the Cascadia (the successor of the Century Class and Columbia), including its drivers' compartment; in

1260-690: The Argosy were assembled in Cleveland, North Carolina . Initially produced for export in CKD kits , Freightliner shifted towards export of completely assembled vehicles in the early 2000s. Along with their right-hand drive configuration, export versions of the Argosy offer several configurations not offered in North America, including twin-steer front axles (largely used on Western Star severe-service trucks), grille/bumper guards , and axle layouts configured for road trains (multiple trailer configurations are comparatively rare in North America). In 2014, sales of

1305-428: The Century Class; a 1-piece windshield (with 3 windshield wipers) was offered as an option. Carrying over a distinguishing exterior feature from the concept vehicle, the production Argosy offered electrically-powered pivoting entrance steps. Offered on sleeper cabs (alongside a fuel tank fairing), the feature was standard on the driver side and optional on the passenger side. Coinciding with the lowered engine intrusion,

1350-567: The MP3 Actros are the side mirrors, which were adapted from the special edition models of the previous generation and have closed brackets, and slightly revised Bi-Xenon headlamps. A battery status indicator was added, as were rain and light sensors, a world first for a truck. The third-generation Actros ended production in 2011 and were replaced with the New Actros, but production continues in Asia and other countries up until 2020. The Mercedes-Benz Actros

1395-627: The United States). While sales of COEs had declined to a 3% market share of the Class 8 truck segment for 1998, Freightliner had predicted that its new design would lead to a revival of the configuration. Entering mass production in 1999, the Freightliner Argosy replaced both the FLB and FLA Class 8 COEs, becoming the third generation of tilting Freightliner cabovers. Adopting virtually the entire design of

Freightliner Argosy - Misplaced Pages Continue

1440-450: The chassis and drivetrain. electro-pneumatic circuit on the new transmission models and the introduction of the new OM 500 V6 and V8 diesel engines with Telligent engine control. Chassis and Powertrain As the first truck to emerge with collaboration between designers and aerodynamic engineers, the manufacturer was able to reduce flow resistance on the Actros by 17%. The chassis of the Actros

1485-511: The concept cabover truck shared major production components, including its doors, windshield, headlamps, and grille. Along with visual commonality, the Safety Concept Vehicle adopted telematics from the Century Class, facilitating electronic braking, messaging capability, daytime running lights, and traction control. In contrast to the production Argosy, the concept vehicle was fitted with a Mercedes-Benz OM457 12.0L I6 turbodiesel; it

1530-442: The driver steps on the clutch pedal and waits for approximately two seconds. After the gearshift has been completed, a double click is sounded through the speakers, and the driver proceeds with pulling off as normal. Once moving, the driver has two choices. They may push or pull the lever to let the computer choose the gear for them, or they can use the splitter switch (the small switch under the lever) to pre-select gears. Either way,

1575-504: The gear is selected first, then the clutch is depressed. For example, if you're in fourth fast, pulling the splitter switch up once pre-selects fifth slow. The left button (known as the "flush button," as it is flush with the lever) is used to switch to neutral. The Actros cabs come in four types: Depending on the model, either Actros 1, 2, or 3, the electronics may vary. For example, the braking system known as EPB or BS from Wabco incorporates ABS and ASR functions. The stopping distance of

1620-584: The gear shifter was integrated into the dashboard console, allowing walk-in access to the sleeper cab. The Mercedes-Benz engine of the concept vehicle was not used for production, as the Argosy adopted the Cummins ISM, Cat C12, and Detroit Diesel Series 60 inline-6 diesels. In 2006, the Argosy received an optional minor facelift. Marketed as the Argosy Evolution, the original grille (from the Century Class)

1665-408: The injection valves. A control unit (MR) monitors all engine operating conditions via several sensors and varies the injection pressure to suit each operating need. The OM502 is a V8 engine that has an output ranging from 257 to 480 kW (350 to 652 PS). The fourth version offers several engine options in either Euro-5 or Euro-6. In Euro-6, inline-six engines are used in both series: OM471 with

1710-507: The load on the tractor and the current engine mode and gives you the proper gear for decreasing the engine. On the other hand, if you want to downshift, the computer assumes you wish to overtake and gives you the proper gear for acceleration. There's an automatic version that works like the Tiptronic system found in Mercedes-Benz cars. The fourth version, launched in 2011, offers exclusively

1755-436: The safest trucks tested of the time. Outside of North America, trailer length laws remained more restrictive than in the United States and Canada, leading to continued demand for shorter-length cabover trucks. In response, during its entire production, the Freightliner Argosy was produced for export markets, with Freightliner primarily focusing on South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. From 1999 to 2020, export versions of

1800-660: The transportation of LAVs (light armored vehicles). In 2011, the New Actros appeared for the first time. Components are not shared with its predecessors. Although available at launch with Euro V emissions standards, the New Actros was designed as a Euro VI truck with the additional space required for cooling systems. In September 2018, Mercedes-Benz revealed the revised 2019 Actros at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover, Germany. The vehicle now has two color displays (a touch screen and an infotainment display behind

1845-482: The type led to the discontinuation of competing vehicles from Ford, Kenworth, International, and Peterbilt, respectively. From 2007 onward, Freightliner continued production of the Argosy entirely for export. For 2012 production, Freightliner introduced a second generation of the Argosy. While again manufactured in the United States, the new generation was developed primarily for sales in export markets (in Australia,

Freightliner Argosy - Misplaced Pages Continue

1890-457: Was discontinued in North America, closing down the Argosy model line completely after 22 years. As of current production, the Argosy has not been replaced by an equivalent product line in North America since 2006. Freightliner Australia has commenced sales of a right-hand drive version of the Cascadia; also sourced from North America, the Cascadia is a hooded (bonneted) truck, less advantageous under trailer length laws. Outside of North America,

1935-565: Was estimated to be 10,000 in 2015, 4% of all sales. An Obama-era limit on production of 300 units yearly was lifted by the Trump administration. This change by the EPA was widely condemned by environmental groups and was withdrawn by Scott Pruitt's interim replacement facing the prospect of a likely loss in court. One can obtain a glider by modifying a used car. Parts removed from the vehicle include: Mercedes-Benz Actros The Mercedes-Benz Actros

1980-541: Was fitted with 22.5-inch front wheels, with lower-profile 19.5-inch rear wheels. Intended to preview a successor to the FLB-series cabover (introduced in 1987), the Argosy Safety Concept Vehicle was distinguished by a nearly flat interior floor (reducing the engine intrusion to only 3 inches high), outward-pivoting entrance steps, and a shorter vehicle length (allowing it to tow a trailer as long as 58 feet in

2025-452: Was replaced with a new unit flush with the bumper vents; the cab corner vents were later updated. The interior received minor revisions as well, and chassis fairings were improved for greater fuel efficiency . After 2006 production, Freightliner ended sales of the Argosy in the United States and Canada. The final Class 8 COE introduced in North America, the model line was withdrawn after only 7 model years of production, as declining sales of

#494505