Freightliner 2018 Automatic Cascadia Owners Manual
DD=Direct Drive OD=Overdrive An AMT is a proven technology used around the world. With computer-controlled shifting and clutch engagement, only two pedals are needed to operate the truck: the brake and accelerator. This makes the truck easier to operate and ideal for drivers of all experience levels. Engineered for Economy Your fleet’s profitability depends on boosting fuel economy and increasing durability.
2018 Freightliner Cascadia Owners Manual
Our engineers have looked at every opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency. They’ve built sturdy components and designed the DT12 to operate with limited wear and tear. With more new drivers coming into the market, it’s critical to ensure your fuel economy goals are met and your trucks continue to last for years to come. With our easy-to-operate AMT transmission, drivers reach their optimal performance sooner, saving you money on fuel and improving driver comfort. A pneumatic actuator engages the clutch and shifts the transmission, allowing for faster and smoother gear-shifts compared to electronic actuation.
Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM) analyzes the route ahead and will accelerate, pre-select gears, eCoast and brake the engine to maximize efficiency. Creep Mode improves low-speed maneuverability, making it ideal for backing up to a loading dock or in traffic. A true two-pedal system and Shift Lever. Advanced safety features like Auto Neutral, where under certain conditions, the transmission electronically commands “neutral” gear. An optional rear-mounted PTO for specific applications in the bulk haul tractor -trailer market. In the latest version of the DT12, the gears are “superfinished” for superior gear mesh and less parasitic loss.
Detroit™ Connect Virtual Technician ℠ is a factory-installed onboard diagnostic system that puts you in control of your business 24/7 and takes the guesswork out of powertrain repair by helping you manage your business more efficiently. When combined with a specially-designed driver interface with enhanced cruise control, drivers have plenty of ways to further improve their fuel efficiency. At Your Service Detroit transmissions are spec’d, sold and serviced by an unmatched network of knowledgeable salespeople and expert factory-trained technicians at hundreds of Freightliner dealers throughout the United States and Canada. Detroit offers outstanding parts availability and transmission owners also enjoy comprehensive warranty coverage — including fast, hassle-free processes — and expedited parts and service for critical downtime situations. Our transmissions come with the following standard warranty: DT12 GCW greater than 110,000 lbs.: 5 years / 500,000 miles; DT12 GCW less than or equal to 110,000 lbs.: 5 years / 750,000 miles.
(and 3-year/350,000-mile standard warranty on the clutch). Integrated Detroit Powertrain ONLY ONE COMPANY CAN DELIVER THIS LEVEL OF INTEGRATION The Integrated Detroit™ Powertrain delivers the performance and dependability you need to run your business efficiently. Detroit has designed, engineered and manufactured the engine, transmission and axles to work together seamlessly, providing the optimal powertrain solution for your business needs.
The Integrated Detroit Powertrain is available in the new Freightliner Cascadia, the original Freightliner Cascadia Evolution and the Western Star ® 5700. Integrated Communications Benefits: The DT12 transmission links engine to axles, and communicates with the DD13 ® and DD15 ® on an integrated electronics network to share damage-reducing information such as clutch overloading and driveline protection. Super-Finished Gears: Tightly-spaced 12-speed gearing, now with 'super-finished' gears in the new DT12 available for the new Cascadia and Western Star 5700XE, improves low-speed maneuverability, making the Detroit Powertrain not only strong and efficient, but also smooth and safe to operate as well. Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM): The DT12 uses information from a topographical map to manipulate both engine and transmission functions, taking advantage of the truck's surroundings. IPM4 refines the parameters of this technology, making the truck even more capable of utilizing its surroundings efficiently.
Transmission Benefits: The DT12's direct drive and over drive gearing, along with eCoast, are integrated with the downsped engine — which now idles at a lower 500RPM when off-throttle — for optimized fuel economy. Engine. 2017 Greenhouse Gas-Compliant Engines: The flagship DD13 and DD15 engines are compliant 2017 Greenhouse Gas (GHG17) standards. Downsped Engines = Improved Fuel Economy: The DD13 and DD15 with downsped 400 HP and 1750 lb/ft rating deliver greater horsepower and torque at lower RPMs, keeping your truck in top gear longer while cruising at more efficient engine speeds. Lower engine speeds reduce the number of fuel injections, dramatically improving fuel economy. Six-Blade Engine Fan: The six-blade fan reduces power draw without sacrificing cooling capabilities. Steer Axle.
Numerous Steer Axle Advantages: Detroit steer axles offer rugged strength in a lightweight package, and integrate optimally with the other components. They are designed for the life of the axle, with multiple ratings available for tailored weight distribution. Superior Maneuverability: The Detroit Powertrain's state-of-the-art steer axles provide a 55-degree wheel cut for remarkably nimble maneuvering. Needle Bearings Improve Durability: With needle bearings instead of bushings, they won't damage the king pins, and offer increased durability.
Tandem Rear Axle. New Axles Designed for Fuel Economy: To provide optimum efficiency and performance, the Detroit Powertrain includes an all-new axle specifically designed to integrate with the downsped DD13, DD15 and DT12, resulting in rock-solid reliability and durability. Faster 6x4 Axle Ratios: The 6x4 configuration is available for applications requiring 4-wheel drive and superior traction. A variety of faster axle ratios are available, ranging from 2.41 to 2.28. Faster 6x2 Axle Ratios: The 6x2 configuration boasts a 2.28 ratio, allowing the DD15 to turn lower RPMs with the truck cruising at the same speed. It pairs perfectly with the low RPM torque curve and direct drive transmission. This means it can cruise in top gear longer, for better fuel efficiency.
Lighter 6x2 Axle: The 6x2 axle configuration incorporates a non-driven tag axle on the tandem, reducing total weight (by 380 lbs) and the number of moving parts, delivering better fuel economy. New Optional Axle Lubrication Management (ALM): The tandem rear axles feature an optional axle lubrication management (ALM) system that actively regulates the oil level at the ring gear and friction-loss optimized pinion bearings to reduce friction and parasitic loss, extending gear life and further improving fuel efficiency. Detroit Connect Portal The Detroit™ Connect portal is easy-to-use, one-stop-shop for all vehicle performance data gathered, transmitted and analyzed by Detroit Connect. The portal gives you access to insights delivered by Detroit Connect Virtual Technician℠. The Detroit Connect portal will also give you access to new features, such as Remote Updates, and Analytics, available late 2017. DDCSN DDCSN serves as both a public customer website and secure service portal to access DETROIT branded product service and parts information, tools, training, and more.
Here you can access a wide range of product literature such as operator mauals, warranty booklets, and even service bulletins. You can also find parts catalogs, sales and marketing programs, webinars, and much more. DTNA Connect Portal DTNA Connect is the starting point for working with all brands and franchises that fall under the Daimler Trucks North America umbrella: Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, SelecTrucks, Sterling, Freightliner, and Western Star. Here, you can access the full spectrum of online applications, resources and tools you need. Whether you use DTNA online resources to complete repairs, purchase parts, submit warranty claims, spec new vehicles or track the status of your truck orders, DTNAConnect streamlines the tasks and activities that are part of your daily work routine.
A close look at the Freightliner Cascadia.At this year’s Mid-America Truck Show, I was able to have a good close look at this popular model of Class 8 highway truck. Now, I must first admit, that I’ve never owned a Freightliner, nor am I a Freightliner fan. But, we’re seeing the Freightliner Cascadia more and more on the road these days in fact, it may very well be the most commonly sighted rig on the road these days.probably more than any other model of big rig out there, and that’s significant. There’s just got to be a good reason why. Freightliner’s goal is to sell trucks and they’re obviously selling more than any other Class 8 manufacturer out there and this has been the case for quite some time. Freightliner Cascadia Features I think the design team at Freightliner have done a lot of things right. Here’s some of the features of the Cascadia that I like:.
The door openings from both the cab and to the bunk are quite large, to accommodate any size driver and makes for easy access. The cab and bunk is nice and high too, 84″ in the cab and 90″ in the bunk. Special spring set-up on the hood, for stability and to keep it from closing too hard. The seats are wider, higher and longer than standard seats. They also swivel, too, which I think is a particularly good feature.
Freightliner has worked hard to reduce cab noise, this year boasting a 50% reduction in road and wind noise, than in previous models. They believe, and rightly so, that a quieter cab reduces driver stress and fatigue, both when at the wheel driving or in the bunk. A well rested and low stressed driver is obviously a safer driver, so they are creating an environment that is conducive to safety good thinking. The bunks have fridges mounted at waist height, so the driver doesn’t need to bend to access the fridge.smart thinking. There’s also plenty of power outlets for the many electronic devices that truckers all seem to have now. Decent storage: I find ample storage to be a problem in most trucks I’ve ever owned. (storage spaces are deep).
Battery shut-off: a small but important feature, so the driver can turn off the battery, for power preservation. On the inside of the Freightliner Cascadia, it is spacious and comfortable, which is rather deceiving when you look at the truck from the outside. It is clearly not a big vehicle, when it comes to Class 8 trucks. I’m sure this feature of keeping the Cascadia interior spacious, yet compact, lends itself to a vehicle that is quite maneuverable and it’s light. Much desired qualities in a truck nowadays, especially for fleets. A lighter vehicle will also get better fuel mileage and scale a greater pay load. All very important for owner operators as well as fleet owners.
Larger windshield for improved visibility High Cost of Freightliner Parts If I had to say anything negative about the Cascadia, (or Freightliners in general), it would be that i) Their resale value is low because there are usually plenty of used Cascadias available at any given time and ii) the parts can be quite expensive if you’re doing your own repairs and if not you can wait days in many cases, to get your rig into a Freightliner shop. Recently, we bought 2 pieces of a standard alternator bracket sold by Freightliner.
The cost was $89 for a threaded adjustment rod and $144 for the bracket which mounts to the alternator that the adjustment bolt slides through.a ridiculous price! Working or repairing these trucks even for minor repairs is obviously not cheap, from my own personal experience. Some of the parts are clearly overpriced.
2018 Cascadia Owners Manual
I guess that’s part of how Freightliner makes money. Some of the features we didn’t particularly like:. The dash set-up – a ‘spacey’ looking new dash configuration, but not enough storage.
Mirror set-up – We found the mirrors to be too small and the placement was poor: they were too low for good full-field visibility. Cheapo mattress – Freightliner could stand to upgrade the mattress. First-hand experience from trucker, James Romphf-Dennis: James drives a 2013 Freightliner Cascadia daycab (with a DD13). He tells us his truck is a great truck and very reliable.
However, he notes there are 2 things that get under his skin. the mirrors protrude from the housing, which means in the rain or when the windshield washer is used, the mirrors are useless. from time to time, especially in a heavy rain storm, the doors seals leak and water runs down the door interior and onto the seats. Overall, a Good Truck However, I must say that of all the big truck manufacturers, not only did Freightliner probably do the best job of predicting the market they needed to appeal to, they were the first manufacturer to read the market correctly in appealing to the large trucking company fleets, with economically practical, fuel efficient rigs as opposed to concentrating their efforts on owner operator sales. You don’t often see fleets of long nose Peterbilts or Kenworth trucks. And there’s clearly a good reason for that. These big trucking companies figured out years ago that fancy long hood trucks, would become a thing of the past in favour of the drop-nosed fuel efficient models.
In fact to be honest, if I were in the market for a new truck as an owner operator, the Freightliner Cascadia would probably be my truck of choice, primarily due to the fuel mileage and availability of dealerships for maintenance and repair. An owner operator can learn what to buy, by looking at what makes and models the big fleets are buying. The big fleets have already done the research on what they feel is the best truck available for the best value. The new Freightliner Cascadia seems to be a decent truck and is certainly worth a serious look for any owner operator in the market for a new truck.
Something else I must confess, it sure would be hard to give up the long nose trucks. Where Would You Like to Go Next?