ATN gets a taste of the new Freightliner Century Class CST112, using the new Detroit Diesel DD13 EPA 07 engine
By Gary Worrall | June 8, 2011
Although it happened more than two years ago the closure of Sterling Trucks is still having ramifications across the transport industry.
The latest of these for Australia is the rebirth of the Freightliner Century Class in CST 112 form, to help fill the hole in the market caused when Daimler Trucks sold the last of its Stirling models.
The CST 112 uses the latest Freightliner chassis, engineered for North American EPA 2010 regulations, but fitted with an EPA 07 specification Detroit Diesel DD13 13-litre engine.
Visually the new version can be identified by the new quad headlight design that does away with the previous version’s teardrop light design.
It makes it easier and cheaper to maintain, with operators only needing to change a broken headlamp, rather than replace the whole assembly.
Diehard fans will also note the new door windows that do away with the old style quarter-glass, although it is actually the whole door that is new, built from lightweight aluminium and fitted with double seals to help keep noise, dust and smells out of the cab.
The new DD13 uses exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to deal with emission requirements, providing a useful 450hp and 1650 ft/lb of torque, with the truck geared so that 100km/h sees 1,650rpm on the dial.
The test run took in suburban roads southeast out of Melbourne, as well as a cruise along the Princes and Strzelecki highways, including climbing the hills from Morwell up into Leongatha and then back into Melbourne.
The optional 4.33:1 gearing proved to be perfect for the situation, with the truck loaded to just below its 42.5-tonne permitted limit. There was no shortage of usable acceleration from a cruising speed of 95km/h, while around town the CST had no problem with standing starts.
The ride quality in the cab was nothing short of amazing – there were no cold draughts sneaking into the driving area, despite the outside temperature of just 5 degrees with wind and rain, to the point where it was necessary to open windows to allow some cool air into the cab.
Equally, there was no heat soak up through the floor to toast the driver’s feet and ankles. In terms of cab construction this is one of the best Freightliner has ever sent to Australia.
The biggest complaint will be from taller drivers. A change to a new air suspension seat design appears to have reduced the rearward seat travel. Combine this with the high-set clutch pedal and long-legged drivers will be suffering the odd thigh strain in heavy traffic.
In terms of cab layout the CST 112 is reasonably typical of North American trucks with plenty of switches and dials, although not as busy as some of its rivals.
Drivers who are not used to it can find the sheer volume of gauges confusing, but veterans will feel right at home.
Despite being brand new – the test vehicle had less than 1,500km on the clock – the CST 112 stunned with its flexibility and responsiveness.
It is easy to imagine that once properly bedded-in it will be a more than competent urban and intra-urban hauler, able to take relatively heavy loads across a variety of terrains.
Grab a copy of the July edition of ATN to get the full story on the Freightliner Century Class CST 112