The word "Argosy" is translated from English as "large trading ship." The Argosy Fredliner is considered the best choice for transporting various products over highway surfaces. Its spacious, high cabin is installed directly above the engine. The vehicle has not only safety and reliability, but also wide visibility. And the absence of a tunnel for the engine in the cabin makes it more spacious and spacious.
The 2014 Freightliner Argosy maneuvers well in tight or difficult terrain and around loading docks. This is due to the combination of a nearly 50-degree front wheel steering angle and a 40-inch bumper-to-front axle distance that promotes superior weight transfer. Trucks of this brand have high productivity and the ability to carry maximum loads. All this is combined with driver safety and convenience.
Freightliner Argosy 2014: Full tilt cab capability
Freightliner was the first in the transportation market to provide open access to the engine in its vehicles. Subsequently, this feature has become an advantage of all technical equipment with an inclined cab. Fredliner Argosy 2014 has even greater advantages: the front grille on the cabin looks like an opening panel that can be raised 120 degrees. This feature greatly simplifies the passage of the next technical check, allows you to easily fill containers, as well as repair various mechanisms located in this compartment without lifting the cabin.
The lineup
Over many years of work, a huge amount of different equipment has rolled off the Freightliner assembly line. The Fredliner truck is actually considered a designer, since the current model range is assembled taking into account many customer wishes.
The manufacturer offers several options for engine components, gearboxes, brakes and chassis. Brochures with a brief description of the equipment and photographs of cars can be downloaded from the company’s official website.
Let's talk about the most popular models of the concern, found in the vast expanses of Russia.
Columbia
Types of Freightliner Columbia.
This truck was developed as a successor to the Century Class.
The design features teardrop-shaped headlights, hidden fuel tanks and plenty of chrome-plated parts.
The cabin is highly aerodynamic, adjusted due to the specially designed shape of the bumper, hood and vertical fairings added to the spoiler.
There are seven sleeper cab options, not counting the standard day cab. Excellent sound insulation and climate control, a flat floor and a full-fledged sleeping place make you feel at home. In addition, there are additional separate doors to both the sleeping and luggage compartments.
Many transport companies are leaning towards this unpretentious workhorse, with excellent aerodynamic design and good handling.
Century
The Century Class model is a truck tractor designed for comfortable long-term transportation. The car uses a special cabin setup to reduce vibrations from road vibration. Driver safety is ensured not only by airbags, but also by a special robotic control that sends signals when skidding or driving outside the markings.
This Freelander is produced in two modifications: C112 and C120. This is the distance from the bumper to the rear wall of the cab (in inches). It has a movable seat platform, air suspension of the rear bogie, is equipped with a locking center and cross-axle differentials and a useful semi-trailer braking option to prevent folding on icy or slippery slopes.
In Russia, this model is often shortened to fit the length of a road train with a container semi-trailer under a 40-foot IAA container. The European standard is 16.5 meters, the Russian standard allows a maximum length of 20 meters.
Argosy
Historically, this word in English referred to large merchant ships.
A cabover truck is designed for transporting long cargo.
The cabin of this freelander model consists of 2/3 of light alloys, similar in weight to aluminum, and has a full tilt, convenient for repair and maintenance of the machine. The panel grille rises 120 degrees to provide wide access to the engine.
The sharp steering angle of the front wheels of 50 degrees and the location of the center of the front axle, located at a distance of one meter from the bumper, provide high maneuverability.
The length of the cabin varies from 160 cm (no berth) to 279 cm.
Coronado
These trucks were developed as premium models, combining stylish tuning, improved interiors, maximum performance and efficiency.
According to the standard, the car is equipped with a Detroit Diesel series 60 engine with 515 hp. s., and the engine from Caterpillar C15 is available in options from 435 to 625 hp. With.
Increased power, modern equipment, an ergonomic cabin and interior with luxurious finishing, and economical diesel fuel consumption distinguish this model among its peers.
Freightliner Coronado truck.
The instrument panel has a curved shape, providing quick and convenient control. The on-board computer displays information about mileage and downtime, travel time, external temperature, fluid levels, malfunctions, etc.
The high cabin makes it possible to stand in it at full height. The long hood swings out easily, supported by two rod struts. Long thresholds have built-in drawers. The windshield is made of two separate parts, making it easy to replace.
The excellent combination of modern technology and magnificent appearance does not leave buyers of these trucks indifferent.
Other models
FL – this version of tractors is universal, therefore it is in high demand among carriers. The power of diesel engines produced at Cummins or Caterpillar plants depends on the modification, so the range is from 161 to 332 horsepower. It is worth paying attention that when using trucks in Russian conditions, you will have to change fuel filters more often. This is due to the quality of domestic diesel fuel.
Classic is the most popular tractor. A typical representative of the American automobile industry with a powerful engine, 6x4 wheel arrangement, fuel tanks on the side of the cab and a rectangular hood design.
Engines from Caterpillar and Detroit Diesel with a volume of 14.6 and 12.7 liters, respectively. The Classic cabin has a length of 305–335 cm. The noise insulation on these trucks is worse than that of their counterparts. Visibility is such that the driver has almost no blind spots.
Cascadia is interesting because it is the newest and most comfortable of the recently released models. It has a modern cabin, stuffed to the gills with electronics and internet access. The top version has an LCD screen and a microwave in the sleeping area.
In 2022, Freightliner e-Cascadia electric tractors appeared on American roads. The range from one charge is approximately 400 kilometers, so they are not yet used for full-fledged long-distance transportation.
Business Class M2 is a model range of medium-duty trucks, modifications 106, 112 and the E-M2 electric truck. The vehicles are equipped with a front spring or air suspension and a rear air or reinforced spring suspension.
The new versions have improved visibility from the cockpit and a state-of-the-art on-board computer. Engines are supplied from Cummins factories - ISL I6, ISL-G I6 and Detroit Diesel - DD13 I6, only on the M2 112. The fuel consumption of the truck varies from 18 to 25 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on the model. The M2 can be equipped with a day cabin, an extended version and a crew cabin.
Features of the 2014 Freightliner Argosy
Fredliner Argosy vehicles have undergone many tests, the results of which have led to major changes in the design and technology of the prototype vehicles. For example, when the cabin was tested for severe vibration, many kilometers of real operational reality were simulated in a matter of days. The need for this arose in connection with the need to confirm the wear resistance of parts of a technical device.
The latest automotive technologies are aimed at reducing the weight of trucks. That is why 80% of the Freightliner Argosy 2014 cabin is made of alloys whose mass does not exceed the weight of aluminum. In addition, the advanced partition needed for thermal insulation is attached using bolts. Its initial development was intended for the Century Class model. It is needed for accurate and high-quality assembly of the partition between the engine and the cabin before installing it in its intended place. This robust cab design helped the Freightliner Century Class Conventional pass stringent European crash testing.
Fredliner Argosy is a follower of Freightliner's industrial leadership in the field of accident prevention and mitigation of their consequences. The 2014 Freightliner Argosy has more than 40 benefits that improve the safety of everyone on the road. For greater stability when cornering and increased cargo capacity, the low profile wheels are combined with wide, 259-centimeter drive axles. And the work of the mechanisms that control the movement of air flows in the cabin is aimed at reducing driver fatigue through optimal ventilation.
The 2014 Freightliner Argosy's windshield is equipped with three windshield wipers. It is made in a holistic form, so it guarantees high-quality visibility in all directions no matter the weather changes. To ensure that the traffic flow behind the vehicles does not suffer from mud lumps flying out from under the wheels, special mudguards are installed on all wheels of the vehicle.
In addition, Fredliner Argosy vehicles have additional equipment. For example, anti-collision mechanisms, elements for pre-tensioning the seat belt or an airbag located on the driver's side.
Freightliner Argosy 2014: Reliability
Fredliner Argosy has an extraordinary appearance, so it is simply impossible not to notice this vehicle on the road. Among all the features of the car are:
- single round halogen headlights with cleaning system and daytime running lights;
- reflective coating located on the external sun visor;
- The design of the mudguards located at the rear of the cabin and the fairings located on the side includes reflectors.
Freightliner Argosy 2014: Convenience and comfort
Fredliner Argosy is equipped with various seat adjustments, a tilt steering column and a gear shift lever, the location of which allows the driver to feel comfortable and convenient while driving the car.
The cabin of this vehicle is designed to standards exceeding European standards and occupies a leading position in safety among other cabins of this type.
The Freightliner Argosy 2014 can be equipped with: airbags (on the driver’s side), a high-quality and comfortable seat and seat belt pre-tensioning mechanisms that minimize driver injuries in the event of a collision.
Excellent maneuverability of the car is achieved by combining a sharp (up to 50 degrees) wheel angle with the ideal location of the central part of the front axle, which is located 40 inches from the bumper.
All 2014 Freightliner Argosy cab options feature a new heating system, as well as air conditioning and ventilation mechanisms that provide even temperature increases and decreases. The sleeping compartment is equipped with an additional device that maintains a constant temperature inside at an ambient temperature of -29 +40C. In addition, to ensure monitoring of the vehicle’s operation, a special device is located in its central pillar that records all received data. It stores all fault messages in the built-in car memory, which can later be transferred to a computer to quickly determine the source of the problem.
The 2014 Freightliner Argosy cab is constructed using the latest generation of Henrob countersunk rivets, which provide excellent strength far superior to spot welding or conventional cold-set rivets and provide a smooth surface suitable for custom painting or design.
The Fredliner Argosy is equipped with a special on-board computer (“Driver Message Center”), which promptly displays all information about the vehicle’s operation (mechanical malfunctions, fuel economy, outside temperature, travel or idle time, number of kilometers traveled).
The most comfortable cabins
Comfortable conditions in the truck cabin.
Tractor units for road trains today are a universal home on wheels.
Truckers spend many days on the road, so they should have a comfortable rest, regardless of the place where they stop for the night.
The truck, or rather the interior, must have everything necessary for preparing hot food. These are: a gas cylinder, a small stove.
The drivers themselves highlight several trucks that are truly comfortable for work. These are: Volvo, DAF, MAN, Mercedes, Scania, Renault.
Renault Magnum
The first models of such cabins revolutionized the class of trucks with their original design: a flat floor, plenty of space to move, separation of the interior and the units located under the hood. The location of the driver's seat provides complete control when driving a road train.
The dimensions of the cabin are impressive: 1870x236x2020 mm, but at the same time they do not violate the aesthetics of the interior, the Feel and touch class finish, which translated from English means “Feelings and touches”.
Conventionally, the salon is divided into four spaces:
- driver's area with air-suspended seat, adjustable steering wheel, central control panel with recesses for placing drinks;
- swivel lounge chair with footrest;
- a folding table for eating, two similar seats and a refrigerator;
- in the night rest area there is a folding upper shelf and a transformable couch at the bottom.
Thanks to such improvements, the interior of the Renault Magnum 480 has become comfortable, and truckers can take turns relaxing or spend the night in the cabin without spending money on a hotel. A wide overview and the presence of control devices allow the driver, sitting behind the wheel, to feel like a master on highways and country roads.
Detailed information is visible in the video:
Kenworth T680
The powerful tractor model was recognized as the best among commercial trucks in 2013. Smooth contours on the outside create excellent aerodynamics. The spaciousness and comfort of the driver's cabin made it possible to turn the interior into a miniature apartment on wheels. In addition, the car is equipped with the first developments of artificial intelligence.
The cabin is 2.1 m wide, so the designers placed a berth with a bed of 76 inches (193.04 cm), which is a new standard for similar equipment. Inside there are no usual protrusions from the engine or other units.
The angle of inclination of the floor where the driver’s feet are located is much smaller, which creates comfortable control of the car. The instrument panel is compact and helps control the operation of the units.
The salon is divided into two zones: a work zone, where the driver and passenger seats are located, a computerized dashboard, as well as a relaxation area with a double bed and a folding upper bunk with space for one, in no way inferior in comfort and softness of the upholstery.
On the sides there are cabinets for luggage and personal belongings of truckers, a miniature refrigerator, a microwave and an LCD TV with a screen diagonal of 32 inches (81.3 cm). A multimedia center is installed to listen to music, news and watch programs.
Freightliner Columbia
The bulky truck with an aggressive design is the personification of similar tractors of the 21st century. The chrome-plated parts of the external cladding, made in Western style, look especially impressive. Everything that Freightliner has accumulated over 60 years of fruitful work is accumulated in this model. This type of equipment is respected by oncoming drivers on the roads.
In terms of interior comfort, Freightliner Columbia is difficult to compete with other manufacturers of similar equipment. And this despite the fact that the cabin height of 177 mm is considered not large enough, but does not interfere with charging, which is important when drivers work sedentarily. The configuration of cabinets and shelves has rounded contours without corners, which prevents injuries.
The driver's seat is equipped with a spring and air suspension, a specially designed backrest, a fixed headrest and an adjustable position.
There is a console installed between the passenger seat, where there are recesses for glasses and bottles of drinks. Special blinds with air filters are installed on the panels and in the sleeping area.
The inside of the door is decorated with an armrest with buttons for power windows, speaker volume control, and control of central and side locks. There was room for a mini-fridge, microwave, folding table and similar seating.
Volvo FH16
Volvo FH16.
The tractor's power is 700 high-spirited horses, so it has become an unsurpassed leader among a similar class of vehicles.
In addition to the traditional quality that distinguishes Swedish developments, the cabin, completely focused on operating comfort, deserves attention.
Every little detail has been thought out here. For example, a damping chair suspension or a dashboard, so transporting loads in such equipment is a pleasure, without the negative consequences of sedentary activity.
Compared to other modifications of the FH series, the cabin volume is one cubic meter larger, which is convenient for drivers with a height of up to two meters to stand on the floor without bending down. The survival area in case of an accident has also been increased. However, safety for equipment with the Volvo logo is a paramount concern in the design process.
In terms of design and functionality, the new flagship is a sales leader and there are no possible competitors in sight for it in the near future. For relaxation, there are two comfortable sleeping places equipped with access to climate control and a multimedia installation. The headboard can be raised up to 55 degrees, which is a comfortable position for reading or watching TV.
There are built-in lockers on the sides for personal belongings and clothes of truckers, and clips are installed for accompanying invoices, which should be at hand.
When a driver follows a familiar route, he knows where to turn, but a GPS navigator is always needed. The FH16 has a new development called I-See, which downloads route data from a topographic map and saves up to 5% fuel.
Oxide emissions have been reduced by 40%, and the I-Shift gearbox (“I am a change”) is considered by technical experts to be the most intelligent in the world, ensuring comfortable operation of the machine.
Mercedes-Benz Actros
Over the 15 years of production of similar tractors, 700 thousand copies were sold, which indicates the popularity of the model. The cabin is available in seven versions, where five have a flat floor, and for the rest, the engine tunnel protrudes by 170 mm, reducing the free space above it from 1460 to 1790 mm.
The developers offer two options for finishing the interior: stylish design and homely, the second is distinguished by light wood inserts, the steering wheel is covered in leather. Cabs with a flat floor have a comfortable suspension that dampens vibrations while driving.
The budget version called ClassicSpace or “classic space” is based on the color difference in the interior design of the work cabin and the relaxation area.
Above the windshield there is a lockable compartment where the safe is installed, and there is also a cabinet with pull-out drawers. In the sitting area, there is a 26-liter refrigerator under the shelf, and a second 25-liter refrigerator is located on top of the engine tunnel. For salons with a flat surface, the capacity of this unit is increased to 36 liters.
Detailed information is visible in the video:
Freightliner Argosy 2014 Cab Varieties
“63” Day Cab This type of cab has a length of 160 cm or 63 inches. It is included in the category of “day cabins”, that is, it does not have a sleeping place. Considered to be the newest addition to Freightliner's technologically advanced and value-for-money Argosy heavy-duty truck series. The 63-inch equipment has a low profile, excellent maneuverability and high-quality forward visibility. The spaciousness of the interior is achieved by the virtual absence of a motor tunnel in the cabin (there is only a “cabin over the engine”).
"101" Mid-Roof The cab is 257 centimeters (101 inches) long and is equipped with a medium-sized roof. The height of this type of cabin exceeds the average human height.
"110" Raised Roof The cabin is 279 centimeters long (110 inches) and is equipped with a high roof. Considered to be the highest cab view of the 2014 Freightliner Argosy vehicles.
Arrangement of the truck cabin
Arrangement of the cabin of the truck.
The comfort of the driver's workplace depends on the size, because in a small space it is difficult to fit additional amenities other than a rest shelf.
The standard cab of the truck looks spartan inside, where there is nothing superfluous, everything is at arm's length.
First of all, tractor manufacturers think about the ease of driving a heavy vehicle, because truck drivers spend a long time behind the wheel and must be in comfortable conditions. The cabins of trucks are becoming more and more like the workplace of a long-haul aircraft pilot due to the abundance of instruments on the dashboard and auxiliary panels.
You can choose your own option by tuning the vehicle. Changes are carried out by specialists or by hand. You can see the process in the video and photo.
What is inside
Heavy-duty road trains are constantly on the road, and in order to feel comfortable on the road, drivers arrange the interior of the truck according to their personal taste. For example, in order to boil tea before going to bed when staying at night, isolating yourself from strangers with thick curtains, curtains are delivered.
Tractor manufacturers install additional panels with navigation devices - GPS or a liquid crystal display with an intuitive interface connected to the Internet. As a result, the work area looks like the cabin of a sea captain or a pilot of a modern airliner.
Truckers are great originals and set up a command post according to personal interests, so sometimes it seems that this is the salon of a Metallica follower or an ardent fan of Mad Max films.
Drivers from India prefer an oriental flavor and the mandatory installation of air conditioning, because the temperature outside sometimes rises to +60° C. A supply of drinking water ensures maximum comfort. But trips to the North will not be complete without autonomous heating of the cabin.
Some manufacturers make a minimum package. For example, Fura Maz.
During long waits at customs terminals, you can drink a cup of coffee and watch the news, your favorite show or movie without leaving your car. Many, in order not to get bored during long journeys, take their favorite cat with them, which reminds them of family comfort and adds a homely piquancy to the austere cabin. However, special documents are required to transport an animal.
Detailed information is visible in the video:
Interior design features
The sleeping bag in the cab of the truck comes in various configurations. For example, the interior dimensions of American-made tractors are suitable for creating living conditions like in a city apartment, where there are the necessary household appliances: a compact kitchen with a refrigerator, a dry closet and a shower.
Here you can live independently from the service of roadside motels, and spend money only on purchasing food. Americans are big in appearance.
Russian engineers have developed a conceptual KamAZ cab, the interior of which was created according to the sketches of the head of the famous Torino Design studio Roberto Piatti from Italy. Touch screens, 4 displays instead of the usual side-view and rear-view mirrors.
The cabin is stuffed with navigation devices, and the seating area is designed like a transformer, where a shower, toilet, kitchenette are installed, and instead of a passenger seat there is a treadmill so you can stretch your legs.
The least comfortable are Gazelle and Iveco. There is simply no place to arrange everyday life here.
