Integrated Innovative Filtration
An innovative centrifugal filter that has been available for several years has been redesigned and enhanced with integrated by-pass filtration and relaunched by a new company, Vortex International.
The new spin-on filter, which replaces a cartridge type on many different engines, has been re-engineered to make it more efficient, easier to clean and multi-functional. It relies on a spinning motion imparted to the engine oil as it enters the main filer chamber. This removes particles and any agglomerated soot which collects on a new expanded metal liner of the filter body. A screen also collects contaminants and water. As the oil exits the filter to the engine, it passes through a venturi, which causes a slight pressure drop at the throat. This is enough to pull around 10% of the flow through the filter though a central cotton-cord wound bypass filter in the center of the assembly.
According to Vortex, this filters down to two microns with the flow sufficient to fully filter all the oil in a heavy duty engine within 60 minutes.
The unit is removed for service, with the various stainless steel screens and internal components easily cleaned in a parts washer or in the special cleaning chamber, also manufactured by Vortex. The internal components are closely machined and fitted with "O" rings wherever seals are required. Additionally, the unit is designed with internal components so symmetric they cannot be assembled incorrectly.
According to Vortex, fleets already using earlier designs of the Vortex filter are seeing greatly extended oil drain intervals in excess of 100,000 miles. Various testimonials talk of significant savings even without the addition of the bypass filtering. Brinks is one fleet which is said to save in the order of a half-million dollars annually on lube and filter changes over a fleet of 2,500 trucks.
The Vortex filter is designed to be optioned with or without the by-pass feature. Without, the latest Vortex unit sells for around $350, the by-pass feature adds another $100 to the cost.
There are four sizes of filters in a wide range of applications that take different spin-on base configurations to cover nearly 200 equivalent disposable filters. They cover diesel and gasoline applications from fleet-type passenger cars such as the Ford Crown Victoria widely used in law enforcement fleets through pickup, medium-duty to big-bore diesels. Vortex recommends the filters be removed at service intervals and cleaned. The by-pass element can be changed at these times. Oil change intervals can be extended, though Vortex requires a fleet use oil analysis to determine oil quality. With a suitable program and extending oil changes, Vortex says the payback on the centrifugal filter can be a year or less, according to the application.
Anniversary Eagle
The new 2002 Transcraft Eagle II is an aluminum/steel combo flatbed trailer designed for maximum fuel economy and heavy payloads.
Transcraft is introducing this special model in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The Eagle II is available in 45-, 48-, and 53-ft. lengths and 96- and 102-in. widths, with a capacity of 60,000 lbs. in 10 ft. and 55,000 lbs. in 4 ft.
The trailer features more crossmembers in the lower frame for greater strength and durability. Transcraft says they act like rungs on a ladder, spaced on 24-in. centers, which helps to spread side loads evenly.
A single-axle 2S1M wheel sensing ABS system is standard, virtually eliminating flat-spotted tires. The lighting package features Grote incandescent lights with male pin connectors coupled with a wiring system by USA Harness.
Dana Integral Arm Steer Axle
Dana has introduced a new Integral Arm steer axle to replace the E-1460I drop standard track steer axle. The E-1462I features kingpin joint improvements that add durability required by demanding medium- and heavy-duty applications. The patent-pending kingpin joint uses two drawkeys with spring washer retention in a more rigid beam design. This results in a maximum contact joint design, providing longer life and greater durability. A sealed thrust bearing keeps lubricants in and contaminants out.
Optional features include wheel bearing adjustment hardware available with either fine- or extra-fine thread, an ABS sensor wire or hydraulic hose attachment point on top of the knuckle for easier assembly, and stop bolt assembly for greater turn angle adjustment range.
Patriotic Products
Life-Time truck products is offering a new line of stainless steel quarter fenders featuring an eagle/flag emblem and five-color American eagle mudflaps. The company says a portion of the proceeds from sales of these items will go to the American Red Cross. The quarter fender features an eagle etched into a mirrored stainless quarter fender with a four-color matching top flap and is available in five different models. The mudflaps have a similar heat-stamped logo and can also feature a company name if desired. They are available in 24x30 and 24x35-in. sizes.
Redesigned Fifth Wheel
ConMet's Simplex Fifth wheels have a new, patented design.
Among the design features covered by the new patent is a flatter, more continuous top surface, which maximizes contact with the trailer bedplate to create a more secure connection between tractor and trailer. The top plate has also been reconfigured, with a shorter length and wider kingpin-receiving slot to allow easier trailer coupling. In addition, the top plate has been re-engineered with new structures and reinforcements that reduce the plate's weight without sacrificing strength or durability. The locking jaw mechanism has also been redesigned for light weight.
All Simplex production has moved to a new ISO-certified facility in Monroe, N.C.
Dead Battery Protection
Intra USA now offers solid-state low-voltage disconnect, an automatic switch that allows drivers to enjoy appliances and comfort items during key-off periods without completely running down the truck's batteries.
The Intra LVD, designed for aftermarket or OEM factory installation, monitors battery levels, automatically disconnecting non-critical power loads when battery voltage reaches critical levels. The LVD gives the driver an audible warning before battery draw reaches a critical level. If accessories are not turned off, the LVD disconnects non-critical loads, preserving the ability to start the truck — and protecting batteries from deep discharge.
Intra LVDs are currently available at Kenworth and Peterbilt dealers. According to Intra officials, the products will soon be available for all makes. Intra says the unit can be installed in any truck by a qualified technician in less than an hour.
Waste Oil Space Heater
Shenandoah offers small shops and garages generating low volumes of used oil the advantages of burning waste oil for heating.
Shenandoah's Model 145 burns waste oil, transmission fluid, and even regular heating oil. It's the smallest heater in the range but includes the company's popular features. The burner has a slide-gun assembly with swing-out mounting designed for easy maintenance. The Model 145 meets EPA guidelines and will pay for itself in saved heating and disposal costs.
Super-Security Padlock
SUPRA Products has introduced the TRACcess system for digital padlock control of truck doors, gates and more.
The system is built around the TRAC-Padlock, which actually records when it was opened, by whom and how long it was left open. Users access the rugged padlock using a TRACkey, an electronic device resembling a pocket calculator.
Companies using padlocks in conjunction with seals often must re-key or swap out existing padlocks when keys are lost or stolen in an expensive and time-consuming process. TRACkeys can be locked out of the system quickly, eliminating the need to re-key.
According to SUPRA, traditional seal systems require users to perform manual processes including verification, re-sealing, and cross checking. If any errors occur in this process there is a potential for theft. TRACcess automates the process and eliminates the potential for error and loss.
TurboFlare For Roadside Safety
Nighttime emergency lighting takes a step forward in safety and performance with the release of the SOS-TurboFlare, an electronic flare that provides safe, bright, reliable light without the inherent danger of incendiary flares.
The TurboFlare produces a brilliant pulsing light from 20 extremely bright Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) powered by four "C" cell batteries. The light is visible for long distances through fog and from as far as five miles away in clear air.
It can be safely used at a traffic accident scene when the smell of fuel is present or under high wind conditions. It is also safe to use around gas and oil spills. It has no chemicals, does not pollute or burn, and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
The rugged body and lens, approx. 8-in by 8-in. by 2-in. high, are constructed of Dupont's Surlyn, a strong ionomer class material that delivers outstanding impact toughness, abrasion resistance, and is chemically resistant to jet fuel, gasoline, diesel fuels, road salts and chlorine. The unit is shock and vibration resistant, and weatherproof. Battery life (Energizer Alkaline) is approximately 100 hours.
The SOS-TurboFlare is made by the same company that recently released the innovative "Right Lite," a 17-in. wide sign that mounts on the right rear corner of a truck trailer and announces "Wide Turn No Passing" with 162 amber LEDS when activated by the right turn signal indicator.
