Mack Trucks strode back into the medium-duty market earlier this year, after a 17-year absence. Equipment Editor Jim Park snagged an industry-first Test Drive of the new Mack MD7 and shares these photos.
Test Drive: Mack's MD Series [Photos]
Mack's MD is a return to the medium-duty market after a 17-year hiatus. It was introduced in January 2020. Production at the Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO) facility is scheduled to begin Sept. 1, 2020 following delay due to the pandemic.
Photo: Jim Park
Over on the left side you find the turn signals, wiper & washer controls as well as the headlights, emergency flashers and the panel dimmer.
Photo: Jim Park
The digital display nestled between the speedo and tach provides truck systems monitoring and trip information. It's a slightly scaled-back version of Mack's Co-Pilot navigation and information center.
Photo: Jim Park
The Cummins B6.7 churns out 250 hp and 660 lb-ft. Driver inspection items on the left side are easy to reach, but the Allison fluid level check is a bit of a stretch.
Photo: Jim Park
The windshield washer bottle is protected by a heat shield. Alternator and AC compressor belts and hoses are easy to check. It's a compact engine compartment but nothing looks squeezed in.
Photo: Jim Park
The cab uses an two-bag air suspension for added driver comfort and cab durability.
Photo: Jim Park
Mack's previous medium duty offering, the Freedom Series, was introduced June 22, 2001 in Las Vegas, replacing the Mid-Liner model. Production of the Freedom Series ceased in 2003.
Photo: Creative Commons
Photo: Jim Park
The high-back air-ride driver's seat is standard, along with the two-position passenger bench seat. It flips up for additional storage. An air-ride passenger seat is optional.
Photo: Jim Park
The shifter located at the bottom of the B-panel. It lacks a park pawl. Drivers might be tempted to push it forward to park, as they do in cars.
Photo: Jim Park
Steering, brake and suspension components are readily visible and easy to access without crawling over the wheel.
Photo: Jim Park
Door locks, morror adjustment and power window controls are on the driver's door sill. Super easy to reach and they don't over-react to the slightest touch.
Photo: Jim Park
The dashboard is a notch up from some other sparse medium-duty cabs. It's much the same as the popular Anthem and Granite control panels; functional and attractive.
Photo: Jim Park