Night Vision Launched
Bendix has launched XVision, its visual-based, collision-avoidance system developed specifically for commercial vehicles.
The infrared night-vision system helps drivers see up to five times farther in the dark, says Bendix, helping them to react sooner and drive smarter.
An infrared camera mounted on the vehicle's exterior captures thermal images of the road 1,500 feet ahead and beyond and transmits these images to an in-cab display unit. The display unit is roughly the size of a rear-view mirror, and is mounted either just above the driver's line of sight, flipping down much like a visor, or on the dash, flipping up from the console.
XVision was released to the market in December 2001, and is available from any Bendix distributor or from truck dealers.
Brake Stroke Indicator
The Brake Sentry is a visual brake stroke indicator that allows drivers and technicians to inspect and identify out-of-adjustment brakes. The industry recommended applied stroke inspection procedure can now be performed without physically marking and measuring applied stroke at each brake chamber. It also eliminates unnecessary and potentially damaging manual adjustments to automatic slack adjusters. Because the visual inspection system is so simple to use, it can potentially reduce drivers' reports, road calls, downtime, fines and out-of-service violations.
Revolutionary Filter Media
Donaldson's PowerCore filtration is claimed an advanced media technology and is being targeted toward heavy-duty trucking intake applications. The straight-through airflow and high-density filtration system reduce system restriction and extend filter life, reducing overall maintenance costs, says Donaldson. PowerCore is a compact, metal-free, cartridge-style design that traps contaminants inside its structure for cleaner and easier servicing. It uses Donaldson's RadialSeal, providing a reliable seal.
Maintain Battery Life
Intra Technologies recently introduced a solid-state low-voltage disconnect (LVD) designed for aftermarket or OEM factory installation.
The LVD is an automatic switch that allows truck drivers to enjoy appliances and comfort items during key-off periods -- while preserving battery power needed to start the engine. Using patented technology, the Intra LVD monitors battery levels, automatically disconnecting non-critical power loads when battery voltage reaches critical levels. The unit can be easily installed in any truck by a qualified technician in less than an hour.
Benefits include savings for jump starts and extended battery life.
Aftermarket Intra LVD's are currently available at Kenworth, Peterbilt and Volvo dealers. According to Intra officials, the products will soon be available at most truck dealers for all makes.
Timken Wheel-End System
Timken Company has developed Wheel Boss, a wheel end system for N trailer axles, a standard trailer axle with a capacity of 22,500 pounds. The system provides a safe, accurate and repeatable way to set bearings in preload, says Timken. Light preload improves bearing, seal and tire life while enhancing the security of the wheel end.
The adjusting nut has a unique lock claimed to provide accurate bearing setting and superior retention on the spindle. A key component of the system is the HDL grease seal, which recirculates grease within the bearing. The flanged outer seal case provides a visual confirmation that the seal is fully seated. An additional benefit of this grease seal is that it vents internal pressure and does not require a vented hub cap.
Electric Tarp System
Shur-Co has a new tarp system called the Fiber Arm Electric Shur-Lok. The electric Shur-Lok features an arm that guides the roll tube smoothly with the flip of a switch. It flexes with every movement and easily clears front-end obstacles while rolling the tarp open and closed.
The Rear Return System consists of a reinforced aluminum cap combined with a 40-ounce fabric tail. This cable return keeps the tarp in the correct position when opening and closing. There are no springs or cables coming down the side of the trailer that need to be maintained.
The front mount features lightweight construction, and Shur-Co says low maintenance is the key to a simple yet complete design that can be adjusted to work with nearly any style end-dump trailer. The motor easily opens, closes and tightens the tarp automatically from the cab.
Castrol Advanced Diesel Oil
Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants has introduced a line of high performance diesel engine oils. Castrol Enduron S, Castrol Tection Extra and Castrol Tection S are part of a major rollout by the company.
Castrol Enduron S is the top grade product among the new diesel engine oils and is claimed to exceed the requirements of the newly introduced category CI-4 for upcoming cooled EGR engines.
Castrol Enduron S superior features include:
• Synthetic blend base stock;
• Exceptional dispersive quality to manage soot;
• Robust detergent properties to neutralize acid;
• Additional shear stability to minimize oil consumption and increase oil film strength;
• Low ash technology to allow use in older engines.
Castrol Tection Extra is blended with hydrocracked Group II base stocks to provide superior engine performance and protection, enhanced component and equipment life, lower maintenance costs and increased profitability. Castrol Tection Extra also exceeds the demands of current diesel engine oil specifications.
Castrol Tection S, which completes Castrol's new line, is formulated to meet the demands of current diesel engine oil specifications, including API CI-4.
Webb Aluminum Drive-Axle Hub
Webb Wheel Products has introduced two new aluminum hubs for R-series drive axles to its line of Platinum Series products. The new Platinum hubs have either 3/4-in. or 5/8-in. drive studs and each weighs 21 lbs.
Webb has previously introduced aluminum hubs for TN and P series trailer axles. Webb says its aluminum hubs, combined with its new Platinum Drums, save up to 16 lbs. per axle over comparable lightweight assemblies.
Heavy Equipment Trailer
The Tilt 'N Slide trailer from Elgin Trailers has a gentle 7-degree loading angle approach for its single-piece 42-foot long lower deck design. The Canadian-made trailer comes in standard 35-ton and 50-ton capacities; the smaller-capacity ETS 35 trailer is ideal for light rental equipment, while the ETS 50 is designed for short-wheelbase heavy equipment, like forklifts and rigging equipment. Independently operated hydraulic dock levelers make the trailer easy to load either from ground level or directly from a loading dock. Simple adjustment of the levelers quickly gets things straight when the ground level is uneven near the loading dock. A 10-ton winch is standard.
Expanded Exhaust Line
Donaldson has announced an expanded exhaust product line for the aftermarket, detailed in a 168-page catalog and an exhaust accessory wall chart. The catalog features 30 new heavy-duty mufflers built for off-road applications. The mufflers are made of aluminized steel, have domed ends and a high temperature black matte finish.
Other new products include MaxGrip Bent Bolt clamps, Multi-Grip clamps that can replace two to three standard U-bolt clamps, Long Life cut-to-length flex tubing and a new stepped, preformed SealClamp.
Multi-Pin J560 Cord
Cole Hersee Company offers a 13-pole plug and socket, providing six extra contacts within the standard configuration of a tractor-trailer connection.
The 13-pole design exceeds SAE J560b performance standards and conforms to the requirement of interchangeability between 13- and seven-pole sockets. The seven standard diameter contacts utilize Cole Hersee's Spring-Grip design, with a self-adjusting spring band to provide uniform contact with the socket pins. The six small diameter contacts carry up to 25 amps and maintain multiple contact points between the plug and socket. Contacts float for proper engagement with all mating sockets.
